I drive a stock '97 TJ 2.5 liter and currently pour the vast majority of my available funds into Middle Tennessee State University's coffers. I'm sick of driving around looking enviously at the lifted Jeeps rolling around on 35's that are all around me. I've looked into an engine swap, but it seems to be far too costly for my "easy-mac" budget. I've considered selling and trying to find a decent 4.0 liter, but I am in love with the Jeep I have now.
I could settle for a 4-inch lift with 33, maybe 34-inch tires. How miserably slow do you guys think my 4-cylinder Jeep would be if I threw a kit like that on? It's my only vehicle, so I won't be doing any hard wheeling in it. The worst it will see are cow pastures and the occasional curb.  

its going to slow you down some, but the biggest difference is you will be constantly shifting out of 5th (assuming its a 5speed) for even the slightest incline.  

Oats, I had a 97 2.5, and out 29s on it. 5th gear became a fond memory, occasionally used going downhill on the freeway with the breeze. To pass anything above 60mph meant shifting down, as did any slight rise or even increasing speed on a flat road with a headwind below about 80. I spent a lot of time in 4th, and my right arm development became the subject of unflattering references. I moved to a 6cyl X in 02. Interestingly, I got nearly the same mileage from the 6 at 75mph as the 4 stock, and better from the 6 with its original tires than the 4 with the 29s. Just around town, and 4WDing that doesn't include power situations but good driving, the 4 is fine. Highways and 4WD power situations - scrambly hills, eg, the 6 shows itself.  

I have a 97 Jeep TJ with a 2.5 and 4.11 gears, With 28's my rpms would run around 3100 in 5th going 70, I upgraded to 31's and I had trouble going 70 in 4th, Now I have 33's and I have trouble going 60 in 4th, I go faster in 3rd than I do in 4th. I am putting 4.88's in it which will restore it to stock. If your Jeep didn't come with 4.11's when it was stock you would have to upgrade your carrier to go with anything lower than 4.10's  

just go with a set of 31 inch tires.it will take some power away,but still make it look alot better and do very well off-road.no lift would be needed for 31's and you will still be able to use 5th everyonce and awhile.if you really want 33 or bigger for looks,you will be looking at people passing you consistantly,looking at your gas gauge go down to around 12mpg,and not taking into account for a lift to hold them tires,regearing,and i know that the 4cyl has a dana 35,you put 35 inch tires on it and you will be stuck with a jeep with a blown rear axel.your jeep can do just as good with 31's than 33's if you know how to wheel it right.that will keep your easy-mac diet on track,and not at the soup kitchen line.good luck  

It depends on your gearin if you have 3.73's you will do good with do good with 31's anything higher you wouldn't even see 5th gear. Oh by the way if you get 31's expect to upgrade your steering stabilizer, track bar, and shocks in about a year.