How can I tell if I have the Dana 35 or the Chrysler 8.25 rear axle?

Why do some lift kits come with leaf's and some with none, yet claim to do the same thing and be complete? Feels like I'm missing something here.

Also, I came from sports cars so I don't have much experience lifting a suspension. Assuming I have shocks w/boots, leaf springs, u-bolts, front coils, lower control arms, and front track bar relocation bracket is this really everything I need to do it myself?

I appreciate anyone's help or suggestions. I'm always pretty wary of effing my cars up.

 

 

as for Q#2 some lifts come with a rear shackle instead of leafs. they can also have a rear add a leaf instead of full leaf packs.
as for Q#3 depending on how high you go as in 4+ inches you may need a brake line extension

 

What are the pros and cons of either?

 

Personally i would get the leafs to replace the stock ones. Shackles have a tendency to make the stock leafs sag. You are going to pay more for the leafs though.

 

you will also need an Transfer case lowering kit or a Slip yoke eliminator. I have a 3-4 inch lift with just a T-case lowering kit. SYE's are expensive, i'd only do that if i was to go over 5 inches.

 

i have 3 inch rough country full leafs with a 1.5 inch shackle on the back. the back sits a little higher than the front. stock shackle was so small compared to the teraflex one i bought.