the truck in that pic is lifted more than 2-3". what exactly is the plan for this truck? seems to me that to a certain extent the amount of lift I wanted would trump the precise method of lifting. bigger lifts cost more. bigger lifts mean bigger tires. bigger tires mean crappy acceleration, leading to needing better gears. it's a never ending cycle of spending. :( seems like a lot just in case you might someday get hung up on the ubolts. :dunno:
look into the U-bolt eliminator designs. between those and some relocated shock mounts, you can create a reasonably smooth underside. :thumbsup: