[ChuckH]

Just thought I'd throw in a little something on the rear springs (and other things)...

The SLR 3 pack AAL is a great setup and will give you 1.5 - 2 inches of lift in back. Using the Calmini shackles with them will give you a rear high stance, but for some of us that's desireable. Using the 1" lift shackles from SLR are a better match if you want less lift in back. Not using lift shackles will result in a level ride (since you would be lifting the front more than the back) and a lot of people like that. I don't because it means as soon as I put 200 lbs of stuff in back my truck would be dragging it's ass!

The 10 leaf pack is a nice ride, but it is designed for a stock weight truck and for offroading, not carrying loads. Those that carry extra crap find that they sag pretty fast. If those are what you really want though and you carry a lot of gear, SLR might be able to have some custom made for more weight. I know they can do that with the AAL's.

I don't know about the UCA travel difference with the swaybar off, but with it on, the SLR and Calmini seem to offer the exact same amount of travel. Guess that makes sense though. I've never run with my front bar off because it's just too much hassle.

One thing to really take note of is that a LOT of people who install lifts end up overlifting the front end. I see a lot of Xterras with SLR or Calmini lifts that are running more like 4 inches or more of lift up front just because they want the front level with the back. Doing that means the CV angles are steep all the time. Might not be a problem if the only time you use 4WD is on the trail, but if you have to use 4WD in the winter on the highway and such the CV joints will take a beating. If you are going to insist on pushing the front end lift limits you better get the differential lowering kit for sure, but that kinda defeats the purpose of lifting the front, IMO.

Now for the real world info. I have the Calmini front end lift and the rear is done with Calmini shackles and SLR AAL's. I have 3 inches of lift at both ends, but you have to consider that my truck is pretty heavy at the ass end, with about 200 + lbs of constant extra weight. If I were to take off all the extra weight I would probably have another 1/2" to 3/4" lift in back with that setup and I might want to drop to the shorter SLR shackles.