While the modified truck does indeed look cool, You have a nice stock truck. The modifications not only cost to install, they have higher ongoing maint costs, ie less life for u-joints, transfer case and front end. A stock 1008 still looks and is way cooler than most civy pickups, Just my opinion.
Uh huh...cause Dana 60's and 14FF's wear out from 37" tires...uh huh...
My m1028 is going to a spring shop that a buddy of mine owns and we are going to fab a 4 to 5 inch front and rear lift. I am going with 35 inch tires. In the past that size tire does not put much strain on the powertrain and I should be able to get a little better highway speed out of it. 37 inch tire would give you better top end but will also make the truck even slower and you will be doing minor fender trimming. with a 4 inch lift you just have to relocate brake lines and change pitman arms, any higher than that you are putting more severe angle on the driveshaft. anyone fill free to correct me. good luck with whatever you do and merry christmas!!
just my 2 cents
I have 38's on my truck and I bet it's no slower than most of you guys with stock trucks. Not to mention when you're bouncing off the governor at 55mph I can go 70. I can go faster but my ears hurt...about like yours at 50ish.
You need at least a true 36" tall tire to overcome the deep gearing these have.
Frankly I wouldn't lift it at all.
-Buy some 36x12.5R16 Interco Super Swamper TSL Radials or perhaps 305/85R16 Gumbo Mudder Radials. Put them on the stock wheels.
-Trim the fenders minimally.
-Buy the ORD bolt on steering brace.
-Do the Jeep Cherokee XJ steering shaft conversion.
-Consider ORD's Zero Rate 1" lift add-a-leaves and using them to lift the front 1" and locate the front axle forward 1" or 1.5". This centers the tires in the wheel well and eliminates most of the issues with the tires rubbing on the rear of the wheel well opening.
Even with the 38" tires I have on my truck fits under a 7' garage door jam. Just barely but it does. I can tow a regular trailer without having to have a super drop hitch and my bed isn't so high you can't use it or need a forklift to load it.
Beyond that...season to taste. Stereo, cup holders, free flowing mufflers, a Class V hitch, cold air intake, 12v conversion, etc etc etc are all up to your tastes.