Suspension Questions: Part Deux

Alright, planning on taking a long weekend from school and going home on Friday night. Chances that I'll bring the CJ back up with me are slim to none, but I'll at least be able to double check for things that need to be done. Anyways, I've got some more questions if y'all don't mind answering them.

EDIT: Reckon I should add that the Jeep has a full size spare on a swing out carrier, heavy front bumper and winch, a full roll cage, and several ammo boxes bolted to the inside, so it's probably not too light.

1) As stated previously, the suspension is jacked 4-6" using shackles and coils. The pittman arm was also extended to at least fit a 4" lift. When I go with a 2.5" lift, will I have to find a stock one or will the new one suffice?

2) Everyone says 2.5" is all I need in a lift, even with 33's. Will that size tire not rub once the springs start sagging?

3) I know you get what you pay for and this is an oxymoron, but are there any reasonably cheap(about $300 or preferably less) lifts you would recomend, as well as shackles? BTW, why do so many companies only make stuff for post-76 CJ's? Are we really that much of a red-headed step child?

4) Anything else I need to replace on the suspension besides bump stops, shackles, springs, and shocks?

5) And last but not least, not a suspension question, but while I've got your attention... The body's rusting around the roll cage mounting points and I doubt I would trust it in a rollover. When I eventually fix this, should I remount the old cage to the body, run it through and tie it into the frame, or fabricate a new cage? I'm trying to keep the Jeep as close to original as possible, but obviously you can't enjoy a vehicle if you're dead.

Thanks in advance.

PS - Jerry, if I make it home this weekend, I'll let you know if it is a Runck bumper or not. Just curious, but are they hard to find or something?

 

Anyone? Please?

 

Thanks, Dan. My question about the pittman arm, though, is will a dropped one work with a 2.5 lift or will I have to buy a new one that isn't dropped?

 

On my 74 CJ5 with a 2 1/2" spring lift and 1/2" shackle lift , the drop pitman sits below , the level line . I think I am going back to the streight stock pitman power arm .
Cannot realty tell if it effects anything , on the surface roads , I had not drove it down the highway with the dropped arm as of yet .