I bought a 3" RC and had a friend that said just the AAL will say and that I should just do a bastard pack with the AAL for a 4.5" lift ideas thoughts? Comments

 

It depends on a few things..
Existing leaf condition- are they good, flat, totally shot? If they are to far gone, then you are relying more on the additional leafs, which will wear them out faster.
Spring rate of additional leafs- the higher the spring rate the stiffer the ride. So adding more softer leafs as opposed to fewer stiffer leafs is a good way to keep spring rate low and ride quality decent.
A new replacement pack is the best way to go (also most $$$) cause the spring rate is usually adjusted for ride height and they are new! Other methods such as an aal and a drop shackle can achieve more lift with softer ride and less cost...

 

Well I was thinking about a bastard pack and the AAL