Hey guys, i've gathered some information and done some figuring, and here are my results, opinions, and questions..

Using the Masterkit1's "complete kit" (front and rear bumpers, 3" body lift, roofrack, front skid plate, and a bikini top) and comparing each piece to the Calmini counterpart, the MK1 is cheaper.  yeah, the calmini looks like higher quality (primarily the bumpers and rack), but MK1 will paint everything you got any color you want for only a hundred dollars extra...    the reason i'm bringing all this up, is because i want the skidplate from either company, but calmini requires the steering stabalizer/truss kit, which is a hundred dollars extra... but then again, the steering stabalizer is a good idea.... it would be nice if calmini would throw in the truss kit for free if you bought all those other items at once...  that would be an awesome start to a great vehicle... all you'd need is a new set of tires!!

I hate to say it but I think any local garage builder could build what Masterkit sells. I would not even consider that stuff. I know I could build better parts than that. I bought the Calmini bumpers cause I cant build to that level of quality.

Mike

I hate to say it but I think any local garage builder could build what Masterkit sells. I would not even consider that stuff. I know I could build better parts than that. I bought the Calmini bumpers cause I cant build to that level of quality.

Mike

There is really nothing to a body lift ... if you wanna DIY, go ahead ... I like the convience a few extra buks gets me (and it aint like my DIY is somehow going to better or customized, so WTF).

The calmini tube bumbers on the other hand to me are crap ... For the money they want, I'd fab what *I* want ...

To each their own ... if you can't DIY, get it off the shelf ... if you can DIY, but don't feel like it, get it off the shelf ...

It's your rig/build, make *your* decsions ...

have you really seriously compared the two the masterkit skid plate is nothing th scream about and the bumpers would never touch my ride. The only thing I saw that looked OK was the roof rack.

Honestly, while the steering stabilizer is "nice to have", the truss is a BIG plus, in strengthening the front of your frame.  Also, bolting that Calmini steel onto that truss makes your belly almost invincible.  I know I have severely punished MANY rocks with my belly armor.