i have 1996 2Dr 4x4. looking for advice on Suspension lift kits or what is required to do so. I want no more than a 3" lift. I have a set of 31x10.50R15s they wont fit unless I lift.

 

Your best bet would be rough country 2.5" lift. Make sure to get the kit that comes with the tubular upper control arms and the differential drop bracket. You will be able to fit 31x10.5s with that

 

There is a whole long thread with general lifting advice but I would agree that the Rough Country 2.5" lift kit could fit your needs very nicely.

I did more of a 1.5-2.0 inch lift (see below) but I still used their upper control arms so that the geometry for the upper ball joint would be correct at the new more extreme angle for the control arm. With stock upper control arms, the ball joints are oriented to far over. Also the ball joints in the RC kit are from a 1/2 ton chevy truck.

The front axle drop requires a bit of work but the front axles and their CV joints are not forced to be at an extreme angle. Even for my milder lift, I had one of the boots come loose. I was able to reattach it with a hose clamp though.