My Dad freaked out after I told him how much it would cost *ME* to do an ARH longtube system and have them installed and dynotuned ($2300) so I have a backup plan. Suspension! What do ya think? Feel free to pick it apart and help me out. I want to spend around $1500 give or take a 100 or so.

1) Tokico D-Spec Adjustable Strut & Shock Kit (94-04 excl. IRS Cobra) ($536.99)
http://www.americanmuscle.com/tokico...trut-9404.html

2) H&R Super Sport Springs (96-04 GT/V6) ($249.99)
http://www.americanmuscle.com/h-r-sp...ngs-96-04.html

3) Maximum Motorsports Caster/Camber Plates (94-04) ($189.99)
http://www.americanmuscle.com/maximu...tes-94-04.html

4) Steeda Tubular Front Sway Bar (94-04) ($179.95)
http://www.americanmuscle.com/sttufrswbar.html

5) Steeda Heavy Duty Rear Sway Bar (79-04) ($169.99)
http://www.americanmuscle.com/steeda...ybar-7904.html

6) BBK Rear Upper & Lower Control Arm Kit (99-04) ($309.99)
http://www.americanmuscle.com/bbk-up...larm-9904.html

7) Steeda Two Point Strut Tower Brace (03-04 Mach 1) ($99.99)
http://www.americanmuscle.com/20ma1sttobr52.html

TOTAL: $1736.89
AM Discount: $0104.21
END TOTAL: $1632.68

 

No matter if I think exhaust or suspension is the better choice, I say get the one you'd like to have more. If the one you really want is breaking the budget, just save up a little longer. Spending money on second choices makes the first choices even further out of reach in the future. That is a great sounding suspension set-up if you decide to go that route. Don't rule out Steeda subframes with the additional center brace as well.

 

Also keep in mind that you don't have to do the exhaust all at one time. Just remembered SLP X-pipes are 3 piece fitting both stock manifolds and LT headers so you don't necessarily have to drop a butt-load of cash all at once. Not to mention, a dyno tune is surely recommended with LTs, but it's not an absolute immediate necessity so you can wait till your done with the exhaust to get that done. With my tight budget I've always had to follow the old Johnny Cash song "One piece at a time". I think full exhaust yields more enjoyment for the majority of us who don't go flying around corners, but really not trying to sway you either way. Just don't want you spending $1600 then regretting not getting what you wanted to do first.

 

and you could also keep your eyes out on the many different forums, and ebay for used headers. I just bought used kooks for my my 04 cobra engine, Got $400 off their original price and they are in PERFECT condition.
Also you would be fine without a dyno tune if all you are doing is exhaust

 

The thing is, if I did the exhaust, I want ARH which I would have to do all at once and this is my DD so I would have to borrow my Dads truck while it is in the shop... So even if I can afford it, which I certainly can, my Dad has to agree or else he will not lend me his truck lol. He just cannot justify spending any amount of money on anything that is not hid jeep lol, he wants me to save my money. Another thing is I would be doing suspension in the future anyways and this will give me a chance to buy wheels and tires as well(which I need) after winter, which I would be fine with. I want to do both, each have a different kind of awesomeness to them so I dont think I will regret either one.

 

Will I need spring isolators?

 

talking about the spring isolator cups? the plastic pieces right? ya you should get new ones.
and why not get a turbo kit for your exhaust
and do it yourself! its not THAT bad, and you save an A$$ load of money

 

Yeah agree w/ kweb288 on the isos, definately get new ones instead of using the factory ones. The H&R gives a substantial drop using the isos, so no reason to leave them off. Good luck with the project, you should have one sweet corner-carving driving MACHine (damn I'm good!) when all's said and done. Pics ofcourse when she's ready, or ban!

 

Ha. My Dad is still freaking out, says he needs a week to think about it... I have no clue what that will do besides make me wait... Its not like he is paying for it. Well see what happens I guess.

 

Yeah, he just wants what's best for ya. You know how ma & pas can be. Have you thought about maybe doing a little on each end at a time. Like get what you need to drop her (cc plates, isos and springs) and a midpipe. Maybe going that route could sound better to da folks. Best of luck though, I know exactly what you're going through. Actually, just married for 1st time a few weeks ago so I'm going through it a second time. What she don't know don't hurt though, like the used LTs and catted x I just bought!