I Need Some Advice On Parts Upgrade For My Mountain Bike?

Ok so i bought a new mountain bike, and i am looking to upgrade some of the parts. The Bike is a Santa Cruz Superlight that is set up for downhill mostly, but i do alot more cross country/ all mountain kind of stuff.

On My bike right now i have a Stratos Front Fork that i am looking at replacing so what would you guys put on there?
Also, the front set of gears is single speed with a bash guard, and the rear cassette is only 8 speed. so what do u think for switching th a nine speed and new shifters etc. Post your reccmomendations for any or all of the parts! I am on a bit of a budget though so nothing extravagent please.

So here is what i am looking at replacing.

Front Fork
New Shifters
Installing Disk Brakes
Upgrading rear cassette to Nine Speed
Upgrading front cassette to Three speed

Thanks!

It Doesnt necesarily need to be a three speed in the front, its just that that front gear is rather large and i dont have a good bail out gear for climbs

Being on a budget (but you didn't state how much) I would upgrade in several steps as you can afford it.
1st, Fox fork, the best shifting bike in the world is no fun if your getting a rough ride.

2nd, disk brakes, The fox fork will allow you to cover rough terrain faster, now you need to stop better.

3rd, change to a triple crank, The first two mods will get you a better riding, faster bike and you'll be looking for more intense challenges. You'll need the extra gear ratios to pull it off.

4th, there is no great advantage of having a 9spd rear cass. vs. an 8spd. The change would be mainly if the rear derailleur system is totally worn out and you need to replace the worn out parts.(also replace the shifters at this time)

Last and not on your list would be to get a new set of rims, lots of weight savings can be had here.

Cant go pass Sram X9 Shifters and Der, look at the X7 for a biy of a cheaper option also. In order to put three speed chainrings on the front you will definetly need a der. and will most likely need new cranks. Disc brake wise id be looking at Avids, either Juicy 7s, 5s or Ultimates, depending on budget.
Hope this helped.

Dude, a superlight is pretty fcuking far from a DH rig.

When you say new, you must mean, 2nd hand.

Sounds like some one has either tried to set it up for four x. Or it's been stolen and rebuilt with bits from other stolen rigs.

Seven speeds will get you any where you wan to go. No need to jump to a nine speed. No need for a disc on the rear wheel.

Get a new set of cranks - probably bottom bracket too, a new 8 speed cassette and chain, and build a new front wheel with a disc and lever, spend the rest of your cash on shocks.