How much suspension lift can I safely add without affecting my automatic transmission, OEM driveshaft or needing to add an additional transmission drop kit? Ideally I am looking at 3 to 3.5 inches.

 

I tore my boot on the front driveshaft the first time out with my 2.5" Teraflex coil kit and shocks. Once I disconnected and flexed it to the max it was torn. With a 3-3.5 inch lift you will need a front driveshaft and a back one if you have a 2 door.

 

When I had the Teraflex 2.5" coil & shock kit I would just barley touch the driveshaft to the auto tranny and not tear the boot... then I cahnged to 3" lift shocks and first time out the boot was toast. Also with the 3" lift shocks at full droop the driveshaft also hit the auto tranny skid plate crossmember. I now have the full Teraflex 3" spring and shock lift kit and a new Coast front driveshaft. No more hitting the tranny or the skid plate crossmember (already notched to clear the stock DS) Now I need to install my extended braided brake lines
It doesn't stop... JEEP = Just empty every pocket

 

To be safe with the auto you really need to stick around 2" of lift. Your best bet would be a spacer lift. The good thing with that is you can still run 35s. most 2-2.5" coil lifts are going to put you in the 3"+ range for actual lift, which is the danger zone for the front DS if your going to be off roading and disconecting and flexing it out.

 

Tore my front boot as well with a 3.5" RK X factor. Would just factor a front DS into your mods. It is just better to do it up front and be done with it. Just had two Reel DS's installed last week. Your rear DS may hit your gas tank/gas tank Armor as well. But the rear can wait. Doesn't take long to swap them out but a lift sure helps and so do air tools.

Also, my front DS was about to fail. Once we took it off and did a deeper inspection on it, things were not looking good.

 

Maybe I should just go with a Teraflex leveling kit or 2.5 inch BB? I want to add a little lift now and then go bigger in the future when I have more money to do a 3.5" lift the right way.

 

a 2.5" BB is a great entry level lift and that would be a great option for you to go with.