I'm not much into off-roading but I have been considering a very moderate lift, maybe 1-1/2" to 2". Nothing serious you understand. My only fear is loosing even one ounce of road-ability or loosing any suspension and alignment integrity. I will not do this if there's any hint of excessive tire wear or steering characteristics. I do plan on staying with the stock size tires and wheels.

 

If you lift it 2 inches, you probably wouldn't like the look of stock tires. If you install a puck lift, it uses the same springs, shocks, etc... No difference in ride feel.

 

Road handling won't be hurt.
Offroad, tire wear depends on the terrain and, more important, on how you drive. If you take it easy, do not spin tires (or spin as little as possible), and air down, tire wear wouldn't be a problem.
Airing down, to 20psi or less, reduces rubber friction and spreads the grip over a larger area, which is easier for the Jeep and tires, and also softens the ride.

 

The OP is talking about keeping stock tires on the road. Airing down to 20 psi or less will actually increase friction, internally and at the contact patch. It will be harder for the Jeep and tires.
Softer ride? Yes, that is true. The rest of it spells disaster.

 

Don't lift it. Just place a 3/4" spacer on the front springs. Just doing this may drop mpg a notch or two due to change in aerodynamics. In the future get the same size tire but with a slightly more aggressive look, but this too may drop mpg from increased rolling resistance. Wheel spacers to increase track will improve how it feels in turns.

 

Isn't it amazing the information you get? You would think the key word road-ability would be a dead give-a-way as to the type terrain I will be drive on. You are correct about deflating the tires. Maybe more traction but certainly creating more drag and wear.

 

I said "tire wear depends on the terrain", not 'road'.
Added 'Offroad' to make it clearer.

 

It not only makes it clearer, it's the key word that changes 90% of your post, especially after your opening statement.

 

If you want your jeep to act and preform like from the factory on the road. Then save yourself some money and leave it alone. If you like it the way it is don't change it. The engineers have made it a great road vehicle.

 

I'm incline to agree with you. I would at least like to level it out.