Currently have TJ with 4" Skyjacker short arm suspension lift. Axles are Waggy 44 in front and Rubicon 44 in rear. Going to keep the axles as investing in 60s is not economical feasible.

My current plan is triangulated 4-link in rear with coilovers, and 3-link front with coilovers. All arms will be the same length, so can carry one spare for everything.

Opinions solicited:

1) Planning to do one axle at a time so that I'm not down for too long at one time. Which upgrade (front or rear) will give me the best offroad performance improvement? I would do that one first. Some buddies say rear first, but looking for other opinions. The advantage of the front first (IMO) is that I can add hydro assist right away.

2) Choice is between Bilstein and Fox coilovers. Price is about the same. One buddy says Bilsteins since the shock body is steel vs. aluminum.

3) How much wheelbase can I add with just the front suspension change? I'd prefer to keep the stock gas tank as on occasion I need to be able to install the rear seats; hence a fuel cell in the rear is currently "out".

I would do the rear first, as it will be less expensive, and less complicated. I am not sure about the arms all being the same length, but i guess it could be done. Look into the genright gas tanks which let you stretch your wheelbase while keeping the tank out of the interior.

Why not just buy a long arm kit off the shelf? They're already setup and it will be much easier.

yea, look into poly's kit.

Front first, get the hard stuff behind you. I was able to get 1" in the front before steering became an issue.
No oppinion here on shocks. I end up smashing every one I put on.

T&T has a decent looking prefab kit also, here
http://www.tntcustoms.com/webv5/tjylinksystem.asp