I gave my stock XJ a 2" budget lift, this consisted of front spacers ($40 modern moters) and ranch leafs that are 2" higher than factory ($200 modern motors) this lift was cheep, did not affect any other parts on the XJ and did not affect the drivability of the jeep at all. it also gives a much nicer stance and does not give too much fender gap. i did this for the same reason, to fit nicer more aggresive tires on my XJ (although i cant afford them at the moment). also if you are planning to go higher in the future this is a cheep starter lift.
hope this helpes