4.5" lift way you've done it going to cause you problems as described on a 3rd Gen.
One of your posts you mentioned receiving a package with offending packaging tape labels on it.
Reap what you sew Bro, Karma.

Ha! Thanks, appreciate it, as long as I'm on the right track, my sanity can reassert itself.

Sadly, these issues existing pre-proselytizing packing materials, so Jesus didn't cause this problem....

That said those UCA's are great, and definitely helped with getting my 34's to not rub, so win, there.

What is meant by 'front axle sliding'?

Didn't say you are on the right track, cause and effect.
Sanity restoration ditch spacers and go with body lift. History repeats itself.

Auto correct Sew - Sow

I honestly don't know, I'm not a vehicle mechanic.

Had a brief conversation with The 4x4 Center in VT, and they did mention using extended axles in certain situations, so I'm working under the belief that this was what my mechanic alluded to.

'96, ah, got it. Since I'm in the thread about this? I keep reading contradictory info regarding the best type(s) of lifting for actual use off road.

Sounds like you advocate for body lift over suspension or spacer blocks?

(Suspension) Spacer blocks are almost always a bad idea for performance, especially off road. Small body lifts are generally ok and help with tire clearance, especially for independent suspensions.

Your goal is to find the right compromise of clearance (tires, approach/departure angles, etc.), wheel travel (both up and down) and price for your situation. Different shocks will also perform better or worse in various operating conditions (high/low speed, etc.).

There is no one right answer.

-Charlie

Hmmm OK. We have 2 front axles and that just struck an odd note.

I don't think you meant the second part of your reply for me, but I'll add that I like to keep a lower center of gravity and consider myself a 4X4 lowrider (basic 2/2.5" Bilstein 5100 with 881 front and 906 rear springs - no body or spacer lift activities). These vehicles are super-capable and do what I need although I probably push it too far from time to time. I do have a pair of the Trackmotive extendo axles ready to install because even a mild lift will destroy your OEM CV boots in time.

Wow glad things are back online. I hadn't been able to hit the site for a hot minute.

Follow up question here. I've got the OME 2" lift which I'll get installed shortly. I'd like a wider tire if possible because I'll primarily be running on deep sand. Does anyone know if 285/70/16 has rubbing/ clearance issues with a 2" lift?
The height is basically the same but would be almost 1" wider per tire.

Impossible to say with any certainty not knowing if you are on stock offset/BS rims, have spacers, and the inherent differences between tire MFGs in the 'same size' etc. I would guess you'll get some minor rubbing in the rear of the front fenderwell from time to time at full lock (only in reverse for me, for some reason). Tire clearance might be a bit tight on the UCAs, but again, just a total guess. Someone else will have more experience....

Thanks, and I have no clue what I'm talking about most of the time.

Ask me about bicycles? I can expound with authority.

Made a small discovery that I shared with my experienced, but non 4x4/offroad shop.

Left turn, clunk, now I have a weird steering/tire wobble at highway speed, right turn, clunk, it seems to "reset" and the wobble 100% disappears.

Something clicked for him, he did some more digging, and I think we're on the right track. Extended axles will address the problem.

Long story short, OEM axles were fine, till I got the front blocks installed. Then all four boots just exploded, pretty much immediately.

Not making any connection to the lift (1996 axles, they were due for replacement, AFAIK), I had both "full axles" replaced and while the boots have stayed intact, the clunk has been there ever since.

Sounds like the Trackmotivs would be the solution, just spoke with them, now to find a set.

Gotchya. I do have stock rims. Yeah, this is always my issue with tires. Quite expensive to test and fail if they dont fit. Hence why I try to search the forums and ask if I cant find some idea of whether or not it would be a $1200+ mistake/headache.