I'd like something that I could still DD but with that being said I have a warped sense when it comes to what is a DD. Drove a bagged out ACR neon with a full cage for 3 winters while my f350 sat in the garage, and currently been using the Ranger as my DD (winter add all) with only 3ins of ground clearance lol.
But what I am picturing is a full bed cage, trailing arms and coil overs out back, front engine cage and some long travel arms. I'm not apposed to running rear leafs if the price is significantly less then a trailing arm setup yet still contains good handling. And to be 100% honest, this might only see the dunes several times a year. I just want something that I can have fun with and still drive.. Though about building a 2 seat mini buggy but don't want to store it.
Figured since I'm always wanted a prerunner and have the Ranger as the perfect platform to just go with it.
to properly link your truck and get good geometry, you'll need a fuel cell to be able to properly locate the upper link mounts on the frame. a full bed cage is required and at that point, you'd be wise to cage the entire chassis from front to back to add strength to keep the back from bending up.
the easier route if you're set on links is the giant motorsports daily driver link kit. it allows you to keep a stock fuel tank and frame and whatnot. or you can get their 64" spring kit, it's as close as you can get to linking your truck without all the work (which means cheaper). that spring kit still gets 19-20" of travel and is the kitten's mittens for leaf springs.
for the front end, dixon brothers is no longer in business. the company has been sold and will supposedly be starting again soon out of Las Vegas. but their kits are only for the torsion bar trucks as it is. call or email camburg, ask for carlos and say mac sent you. he will set you up with a front kit or answer any of your questions to get you what you need.