considering 4.5-5" lift... what are my options for steering?

do i really need to do anything? would going heim be a good idea? if so what setup is the best bang for the buck?

or should I just do a drop arm (and match the track bar)

 

You don't need to do anything. If you want, you could Do 1 ton steering preferably with TREs but some say heims are ok. No need for a DPA at 4.5". If you're thinking about going for better steering and want to do the DPA, just go for over the knuckle steering instead.

 

How much do you want to spend?

The basic is a drop pitman arm, specially if you have done a HD track bar and bracket upgrade. With this set-up you can get away with stock style steering for the most part.

The next step would be T-style 1-ton steering set-up. But if done wrong, you'll have a dead spot in the steering. If you do go this direction, get a set of delrin spacers to take place of your TRE boots to prevent rotation of the tie-rod from the drag link.

To me the best would be a WJ upgrade which includes larger brakes plus gives you true cross over steering. But requires the sourcing of kunckles and correct length tie-rod and drag-link. This is what I did and I have about the same into it as buying a 1-ton upgrade from most vendors. But it took me a few months to piece it together without dropping big coin.