New wheels!!!!

I just got new wheels and installed the I had to replace the my studs so they could be longer and it also turned out that I need a new front drivers side wheel bearing. Well, I am thinking about a lift or level trying to stay not so expensive but not crap you know... O have look at the rough country lift and the bilstien 5100 adjustable set at 1.75 or 2.5. What I want to know is how is overall travel with the 2.5 to 3 inch life and what not will I need other parts or can I run what I have. My dream is to get the Old Man Emu but that's not cheap I...and is there aa tire size that I can get that will work with what I have until I get enough cash for that lift...and show me sent pics of your lift or level that I am looking for... And has anyone just put the front 2 bilstien stocks on set at 1.75? Thanks, Eric