1. I got a 96 4.0 auto with a RE 3.5 inch superride lift, would I run into any problems if I added a 1 inch spacer up fron and a 1 inch shackle to the rear, this is my DD so would I even notice a difference? what bout alighnment, and extra wear and tear?

2. If your jeep did not come stock with an external tire carrier, would there be any problem fitting one from another jeep would it just bolt on? If they are hard to find any other ones that might work? getting a whole another bumper with the tire carrier is out of ther question too expensive any ideas out there?

Thanks

 

1.) going from 3.5" to 4.5" might be possible without further mods, but it is not recommended. At 4.5" you should install longer lower control arms, relocate or extend your track bar, and install a t-case drop or SYE. If you don't do these upgrades you will at least have some bad vibrations when driving.
2.)you can pick up a tire carrier from another XJ at a junk yard and it will bolt right on. I recommend taking the rear bumper too because there is a bracket installed there that you will need. you can just try to install the bracket in your bumper, but you would need a plasma cutter. There is also a backing plate inside the rear passenger side where the tire carrier bolts up that you will need to grab as well. Pretty easy to do though. I think I got my tire carrier and rear bumper for $35.
Hope this helps