I've run 4.5 inches of lift on stock steering with no problems you just need an adjustable draglink drop to re-center the push pull box. The torque rod will not be an issue under 3.5 inches and I have used steering stablizers in place of it on lifts above that and had no problems. The springs that require mount relocation are longer than stock and is the reason for having to do that, avoid add-a-leafs since they turn your ride into a tank. I've done several lifts of the type it sounds like you are wanting and have done them this way and there is nothing wrong with longer shackles to add around 1.5 inches on stock springs which is what I've currently done with my 85 4Runner. I will be continuing my lift soon with a spring lift around what you are looking to do. I may build my own spring pack off of a stock main leaf and go from there. You can get stock length spring lifts from just about any 4x4 shop anywhere from 3 to 5 inches in lift.