88 2WD PU - larger wheels and lift
 

I have an '88 2WD pickup and would like to install 15" or 16" wheels to add a little clearance. I have seen a 3" body lift kit that doesn't look too difficult to install. I would prefer stock wheels if I can get a match up with the 5 bolt hubs I have.
Any suggestions?

Personally, I'd avoid the body lift if at all possible, especially since it won't really add ground clearance, and especially a 3" lift (which will muck with your shifter). I've got 15" OEM 5-lug steelies on my truck atm with stock-height tires but I think the backspacing is off because I swear they're rubbing on my ball joints (maybe I'm just crazy) but everything else fits fine. I would suggest instead of a BL to go with long travel in the front, suspension lift in the rear, if you have trouble clearing tires (and you shouldn't, I think up to 31s will fit without chopping) just break out the sawzall.

Guys-
Thanks for the advice and info. I have a little studying to do.

ok, and 2WD's had what gears? 3:50? 3:70?

Now add a tire 6 8 or 10" taller than stock, and you'd have a what? 1:90 gear? Yeah, I'm sure your 22R is gonna LOVE you after that...

3.071 from factory for mine, might be higher for 5spd trucks. I'm on the fence between 4.10s and 4.30s for my impending regear, the stock gearing seems meant more for highway speeds than work. I ran some quick numbers and apparently a 4spd 2wd with stock gears and stock-height tires can hit 90mph in 4th with the hammer down.

when i had stock gears and my 235/75-15 tires, it was a little slow off the line but it was drivable without any problems. 30's probably would be the limit of the stock gearing for any kind of practical use

i can hit 90 easy but i have stock tires... but i'm looking into a lift too... i just want to throw 30's on and thats plenty for me for now but i want to run a total chaos uniball with 33's and a deaver set up in the rear that or convert to a solid axle 4wd

I'm aware of the gearing change from larger diameter tires. I don't plan on going to any extremes. It's just a work truck and the closest it will get to off road is backing down into the ditch to unload the lawn mower, lol. But thanks for the reminders, you never know when I'll do something stupid.
After checking into some of the links kindly provided by you guys, I'm leaning toward a 2" body lift and 1 1/2" spacers for the ball joints with a comparable lift on the rear springs with new shocks. I will probably add a shifter extension and a steering shaft extension, too.