I'd like to know what you all think is the best type (body/susension?) of lift including what parts from where and everything. I'm looking for a 2"-4" lift; something that is reliable, looks good, performs well, not too expensive. Thanks!

welcome to the site! use the search function and you will find a TON of info on this topic. If you do not want to do a solid front axle swap on your Ex, the only suspension lift option you have is for a 4" from Superlift. It runs about $1500 for just the parts. To lift your vehicle cheaper, you can do a torsion bar twist and add Warrior Shackles. Search for "TT" and "shackles" and you'll find a ton of info. The market for suspension stuff for our trucks is very small...

What are your goals for the truck? Tire size, terrain traveled, budget?

not real sure. I'm not very literate on tire sizes or know much about part names. My brother has a 98 F-150 with I think 33" or 35" tires. Whatever they are they're just a size or two bigger than the stock ones. I liked the look of those. I figured it would be over $1,000 to raise mine, I guess I'm hoping to keep it under $2,000. Does someone have a picture of a 4" lift? And if I don't want to go even that tall, would a body lift make more sense? Also, would sway bars be important after a lift and do they make a big difference? Thanks

for the terrain i'd be driving on: mostly on the street probably take it off-road just a couple times a month to have fun with it nothing serious.