ok so I have shackles in my possession and a 2" Bl from AC already ordered and paid for just waiting for shipping. Hopefully they are in stock and only taking time to arrive. I emailed AC and am awaiting a response on status.

about tools, I have located this link, http://web.archive.org/web/20040609051604/www.4x4lo.com/mods/body_lift/body_lift.htm
and plan to buy the parts listed on this page. Is there anything else not listed that I should have?
"Tools needed:
Time (and lots of it)
Sockets, ratchet & breaker bar (have 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 18mm, 5/8" shallow and deep sockets available)
A really good friend with a garage you can leave your truck in
Bottle jacks, scissor jacks, and/or floor jacks
4x4's and 2x4's (and other things to stack the jacks on.)
Directions"

Would a 3 ton floor jack be good enough in combination with what you have?

Ive also located these 2 links for the shackles and tbar cranking respectively..
http://midwestxterraowners.com/nuke/forums/index.php?showtopic=559
http://midwestxterraowners.com/nuke/forums/index.php?showtopic=399

and havent located any tools list aside from jacks. Any added tools that can be recommended?

also, my X has only lived in the bay area, with a few trips to the snow. I havent crawled under the truck to inspect for rust, but I didnt see it glaring out at me when i did a front brake job a few weeks back.

Ill make an effort to slide under and check it out in the next day or so weather depending.