So I know shackles and spacers are a cheap way of lifting, but im not going that cheap. Ive heard F150 this and Dakota that. Can I get some input from some of you that know what would/wouldn't work? Thanks

How much lift do you want, and what is your budget? There are literaly 1000s of ways to lift. It really come down to what you want, can afford, and how you plan to use it.

Im kinda wanting to do a junkyard lift. So probably no more than $200? $300? I wanna get at least 4.5-5?

just for your post, went outside and measured the leaf width on my '99 XJ and '04 Dakota. they are both 2.5 inches wide, so it will work, the amount of lift doing a bastard pack depends on the quality of the junkyard leafs you are using. you will still keep your top leaf. i got 3" procomp leafpack with bushings for 120 bucks shipped. they were here in 3 days.

addition: procomp leafpack for $120 PER SIDE.

I have not seen a junkyard lift 4.5"-5" actually hold up over time. I wouldn't to it. there are so many real options out there for lifts that it ridiculous to think of a JY lift unless you get the parts for free

Alright well this is a little off topic for a min, but I got my jeep with what looks like a 1.5-2in lift already installed. They aren't tagged with a brand, so how can I tell what they are and how much lift I really have so far? Also how could I add on to it?

what kind of lift? spacers or flexers?

Flexers. Everything looks stock so im a lil baffled?