You mentioned your 2000's limitations off road, have you ever engaged it's CDL for that extra traction?
As for suspension, go to Lucky 8 and click on their Old Man Emu logo, you'll find the best prices on their OME medium duty kit for right at $600 plus giving you the coils and shocks needed for a small lift, 1.5"s, great ride and handling. Now you'll still need a new steering stabilizer but that's it.
For tires, either 245/75/16's or 265/75/16's, just remember, the bigger you go the more mileage and power you'll loose.
By the way, are you wanting to install the kit, yourself, and save around $400 in labor, if so ask, someone here and sure help you.
Any other questions, get back to me.

 

Mike,
Thanks for the info, I will be installing it myself and I have done coils before. What is the reason that a new steering stabalizer needs to installed?

 

If your old one is bad. I swapped mine when I did my suspension, the original one actually did not seem too bad but figured I would replace it while I was doing the suspension.

 

lipadj46,
I have the stock 15" wheels that I am thinking about powder coating and putting new bigger tires on. I looked at the lucky 8 web site and since they are the same price would would you suggest the 2" or the 3"?

 

Go for the 2" lift. The 3" requires you to do drivetrain modifications.

 

2" lift is more like 1.5" over stock but it will likely be more for you because your stock springs are a bit beat from age. I chose the 2" kit as I did not want to have to redo my brake lines.

 

That is what I thought, I do not want to have to change brake lines and drive lines, I just want to raise it a bit and put different tires on it to give it a bit more clearance. Thanks guys!

 

with 3" you still don't have to mod the brake lines.

 

Why do you suggest the medium if I am not going to get bumpers right away? I would think the HD would be better for clearance without having a bumper and having bigger tires. Please explain the reasoning. Thank you!