Quick couple of questions (sorry for the cross-posting, but after
browsing through both Google and the newsgroups, I can't find the
answers I need):

1. Are there reputable companies putting out quality 4x2 lift kits for
pickup trucks? I heard a few years ago that they were available, but
have had trouble finding anybody who can recomend anything.

2. What is a good place to start looking for places in my area
(Richmond, VA, or the 23220/23284 zip codes) that can install a lift
kit & some big ass tires?

I've got a 1999 Mazda B-Series pickup, 4x2, and have wanted to put a
lift kit and some road chewing tires on it since I bought the thing,
but wasn't able to financially until just now. Any help on finding
resources would be appreciated. The local phone book isn't very
helpful, and like I said, Google isn't returning the types of results
I'm used to finding.

I believe the 1999 Mazda pickup is virtually identical to the Ford Ranger,
so there are probably dozens of reputable lift kits available for it. Do
you want a body lift or a suspension lift?

> 1. Are there reputable companies putting out quality 4x2 lift kits
for
> pickup trucks?

> I've got a 1999 Mazda B-Series pickup, 4x2

4x2 kits and parts do exist. I lifted my 1970s 4x2 Suburban by looking
up the part numbers in a Rancho catalog and ordering them from Summit.
(Total cost was like $252 for new front coils, rear Add-A-Leaves, and
another $100 or so for longer shocks.)

Fabtech makes a kit that will fit the '99 Ranger 4x2. I assume it is
the same fit for your truck. They offer from 2.5 to 5.5 inch lift
kits.

http://www.fabtechmotorsports.com/html/ford2wdrangerexplorer.html

In my experience, you should consider replacing at least the lower
balljoints in the front suspension if the truck has a lot of miles on
it. And get a frontend alignment after the truck is raised. I did
both on my Suburban and it drives straight with no shimmy or evil
tendencies (35-inch tires).

Hmmmm, maybe I should re-phrase: when I said *I* plan to lift my truck
and put some mud chewing tires on it, I meant I *plan to pay a body
shop or 4x4 accessory store* to do it.

I change the oil in my baby, make sure the other fluids are all right
and flush the transmission, but it ends there. Something like this is
not only beyond the scope of my skills, but living in an apartment with
lousy parking, I have nowhere to do it in the first place (you should
see me dicking with the oil "on the sly" so my landlord doesn't catch
me messing with it in the parking garage).

Can you point me in the direction of anything like an online directory
of places that do things like this, can give me some recomendations on
how high to lift her and some prices? Or at least a starting point
where I can start doing searches for places within 30 miles of downtown
Richmond, VA?

That's my main problem, I've been poking around and asking people but
can't find any resources to start with.

And PS - the "shimmy" is a problem with my baby, too. Lousy roads here
in the city from people using chains when it snows mean we have
potholes over 5" deep in some areas. My passenger seat looks like it's
having a seizure even when driving down smooth roads. I really need to
get my alignment checked every 6 months but haven't had it done since I
bought new tires back around November 2004.