Just bought an '88 4x4 and want to replace the 8" long cheapo shackels with actual lift springs. Seems like OME have the most consistent reputation. Who has the best deal on these? Seems like it's around $300 for the pair from 4x4 connection + the bushing kit. Will I need to replace the U bolts for them to fit?

 

Actually if you look hard enough http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kits...&t_pn=EXP33311 has a deal on 4" procomp lift springs I think it's $190.78 for the set and they come with bushings.
They aren't a ome spring but I think they are worth the money. Yes it would be a good idea to replace the u-bolts too while your at it. The 4" lift spring eventually will settle and become more of a 3" lift spring after a while so with a set of balljoint spacers and those and stock shackles you should be all set.

 

You will need two front ubolts (stock right side goes on the left and new ones go in their place) and two sets of rears. I bought mine from 4x4connection, great guys great service couldnt be happier. Or as that guy^^ said you could look into Pro Comps, they are super cheap

 

Right now it has about a 2.5" lift, torsion bars in the front and shackles in the back. I'd like to keep it at about that in the back, 2-2.5". That's why I was considering the OME springs. They seem to have pretty decent reviews for the ride quality. My other option I was looking at was the Downey 3" springs. Seem to have some issues with sagging on them, though mostly on the 4runners, so I'd anticipate an eventual 2-2.5" lift from those.

Right now I have skyjacker shocks on it, though I'm considering the KYB monomax for lifted applications (up to 2" lift)