The 97-up TJ's are a lot more livable as a daily driver. They ride nicer and the interior is better.

If you want a YJ I believe the last couple years (94/95?) are the most desirable due to a better trans and engine. Think the external slave cylinder was 94/95. They switched from the 4.2 to the 4.0 with EFI in 1992. You also got the family style rollbar with rear seat shoulder belts in 1992 and up.

The 4 cylinder motor is reliable, it's just gutless. I've heard stories that the 4.0 will get better fuel economy in most situations.

4-6" of lift is a decent amount of work on either of them. For a smaller 2" lift I think you can get away with spacers on a TJ. You typically need about 4" of total lift on a TJ to get decently wide, 33" tires underneath it. You could accomplish that with a 2" coil spacer and 2" of body lift, or a complete suspension lift. On a YJ you have to swap springs.