As far as I can tell the front suspension is stock. I don't have a lot of money to spend and I am wondering if I can get away with more heavy duty shock absorbers or if I need to get new springs also to support the added weight. I know the 5100s are a big hit with 3rd gens. Would that be enough to support the added weight of the TJM T17 bumper? Thank you!

Bouncy comes from shocks, height comes from springs, and rough vs. soft ride is either/both.
Fresh shocks should eliminate the bouncy thing. The T-17 is about 100 pounds as I recall, so that makes it, what...about 50 pounds heavier than a stock fat lip front bumper? If the springs are original, at 18 years they are tired and sagging. Best would be to replace springs and shocks together, but if budget only allows shocks go for it. Because the front shocks sit inside the springs, R&Ring the fronts shocks is more labor intensive and tool specific than doing the rear shocks alone.
I've never used 5100 Bilsteins. Aren't they for lifted vehicles? I used stock height Bilsteins on my old Toyota 4WD truck, and they had a really nice ride.

Yeah the T17 is just above 100lbs. If I've done my research correctly, and if I am wrong someone please correct me, you can set the 5100's to ride at stock height. This rig is going to be my daily driver for a minute and it's in excellent condition so I'd like to keep it that way. I can get some extra money to get springs too especially if it will provide less wear and tear. In that case it wouldn't hurt to give it somewhat of a lift. Right? ��

I don't think I've read anything negative about the old man emu springs. Combined with the 5100's I am thinking it would be a pretty reliable setup. Also I don't think it would break the bank especially if I do the work myself. Minus setting the shock absorber inside the spring I'll pay a shop to do that. Does anyone have anything positive or negative to say about that setup? Or any comments to add? I also know the pervious owner installed air bags in the rear springs. Not sure what brand they are but they are blue. Also not sure if that would make replacing the rear springs more difficult or not. Or how difficult replacing the rear springs would be in general. I saw a video where someone basically dropped the whole rear axle to replace his...

I am new to lifts and coilovers so any input at all would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

yes you can set the 5100 at stock height which is the lowest setting get the springs that match the height. FYI ome springs voids the bilstein life time warranty but a lot of folks have used the setup with out issues.
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That is an excellent write up! Wish I could of seen that week's ago.. I decided to get the old man emu lift kit medium load from lowranageoffroad.com. That and the Sonoran steel drop kit. Overall a good price without breaking the bank and I've read some good reviews about both. Also got the energy suspension front and rear sway bar bushings and steering rack bushings. I think this should all be a solid setup. Any concerns feel free to express it.

I am slightly concerned about the raised center mass. Any downside to 1/2 inch or 1 inch wheel spacers?

2 inch lift doesn't really effect the center of gravity. The new setup with bushings will tighten up the suspension and handling. you can run spacers to get a better look but stock tire size or 265/75/16 will not require spacers. If you do, get spiderTrax or a quality brand, use thread locker with the correct torque. lots of guys run spacers without issues.

Copy that. I do have stock size tires on right now and am in no rush to upgrade those until it's needed. I'll probably hold off on the spacers if a 2 inch lift won't affect the center mass much. Thank you for your input.

Add on question. Will I still be able to use the air bags that are in the back with the bigger coils? I believe the air bags are the blue Firestone ones.