I was thinking about getting a small lift for my XJ and was wondering if a 3" coil spacer for the front is practical for the highway because I drive back and forth from college?

can you even get a coil spacer of that amount? most i have heard about is like 1 3/4  to 2" I have a coil spacer lift of 1 3/4" on my ZJ and i have not had any issues with it over the past 2 yrs that i have had it. I average around 25,000 miles a yr if not more, most of them are freeway driving with long distance stretchs of like 200 miles at a time. I have not felt any bad effects from them at all. With a spacer lift, you will need shocks, so it might be cheaper to just find a 3" lift kit with shocks if your wanting to go that height. You can also go and add some ZJ front coils to your XJ and that will lift it around 2" or so i think. Depending on how sagged out yours are and how used the coils you find are. Just look around and check out your options and see what you can find. It never hurts to mix and match as you progress along with your 4x4in skills. Thats how my ZJ is evolving.  

ya go with coil spacer up front and a add a leaf or longer shakles in the rear.  

When I put a lift into my cherokee I put a lot of research into it and came up with the decision of the Rancho 3" system.  I chose this because of rancho's history and quality of products.  Now this lift included all new springs, bushings, shocks and lower links, this has been a awesome system.  I daily drive my jeep and the ride is 10 times better than stock and it seems to ride better the faster you go off road.  I have jumped this truck, raced my buddys on desert wash and crawled the rocks in summit county colorado all with great results! 

A couple of things you will want to take into consideration when lifting 3" or more:

Buy an adjustable track bar, I purchased the skyjacker unit, very cool!

Although it is said you don't have to lower your transfer case I would if ground clearance is a concern for you, I go through a set of rear u-joints about every 5 to 7,000 miles of highway.  I have never had any binding problems, in fact I don't mind changing u-joints either.

Most important you should picture yourself in about 2 or 3 years, where do you see yourself and your jeep?  If you do not plan on keeping this truck long I would go a cheaper route like spacers and add a leaf kits, they are good for there intent but not for a long term project. 

I think that I spent about $800 on my lift with shipping and about $130 on the track bar, it was definately worth it though.  I wheel HARD and have had no issues with these products in 5 years of abuse.

sounds cool any pics?