I have recently came across a 98 single cab stepside s10 2wd and i am wondering on how much lift i need to put 35's on it. I would like to get a 3in body lift. How much lift do i need  

Probably a good 6" or more. I had a stock S10 4WD with a 3" body lift I could barely squeeze 31X10.50's. I had to go up 4" more (susp. lift) to get my 33's to turn.  

Lift aside it will be a slug if you do not regear it and even then you will be pressing limits of axle. I would not goo to that size unless you upgrade rear drive axle too in the 2WD in question.  

I don't really get the whole "lifting a 2wd" thing...other than building a pre-runner/desert racer, whats the point? I digress, maybe if we had more deserts in Tennessee, i'd get it.  

theres nothing wrong with a lifted 2x4 to race in the desert or track or dirt roads with woooopty dos...just like corr class 2!  

Actually I have taken some 2wd trucks in some pretty wild places many many years ago. Over 30 years ago I had a 66 3/4 ton chevy 2wd with a 6 and a 4 speed and factory 4.57 gears and with 750x 16 traction grip tires on split rims it went a lot of places it had no business going and never needed a tow. With a small light motor up front and a deep set of gear in rear axle and grippy tires it can do really well if you know how to handle it. (a big heavy V8 in a taller geared 2wd is not a good combo) I have a 50 year old 2wd tractor that I used to pull out my 4x4 as recently as a few months ago. It will stop and start out and even climb hills mud that 4x4 cannot even think about and without even spinning a wheel most of the time so 4x4 is not a cure all.  

that reminds me...in high school a buddy had a 74 c10 camper special 2x4, 350, knobby tires and we took it out in this muddy field with hills and trails allover the  place w/big muddy water holes and bombed through there w/no problem...i think it also had 373 gears but he kept th erpms up and it was fun!  

lockers and tires help 2wd alot too!