BrettM said:I'd MUCH rather have drop brackets and a locker than longarms and open.
Offroad ability is determined by the entire package.
Obviously my opinion is bias but you can always buy a locker. Going from one suspension system to another at a later point in time (no matter which way you decide to go initially) may actually make the build more expensive than it needs to be. Pick which one you'd rather have - aka the one that will give you the most of what you want. I'm not just saying that because you're looking at the Y-Link kit...I'd have the same opinion if you were trying to decide between Rusty's or R.E.'s LA kit and the drop brackets.
My opinion has always been to "build it right once". Sometimes that requires that you spread your project out over time in order to accomplish this but in the long run you'll save money. Example: Go from 4" to 6.5" and, if nothing else, you need new driveshafts or will have to have them lengthened twice. Usually doing driveshafts twice costs more than the 4" and 6.5" lift up front.
Don't let the budget you have today get between you and what you want tomorrow. If you keep your rig in wheeling form the entire time you can still have a good time and get where you want to go ultimately.
Matt
P.S. If part of your problem is convincing your wife/husband (PC), try using some of what I just wrote. It makes sense and if they think you're saving money, it won't be as difficult of a sale.