What do the specs on the range hood say it needs to be?

It says 30 inch min and 36 max.

What is the range or cook top and what is hood model/specs?

There are collars for the tops of hood. a disguise for any trimming issue.

Are the specs telling you it should mount at 30 inches off the cook and I am guessing they do?

It’s a Thor 36 inch range top model HRT3618U and Zline 36 inch hood 700cfm model 667-36.

So, You answered your own question

"It says 30 inch min and 36 max."

And you would like us to concur with the deviation from the spec/instructions? No: )

I’m wondering if 2 inches is a big deal? Not sure how difficult it is to trim the chimney and if it will look good

Bob,

Two inches isn't a big deal, if you're not into optimal venting, comfortable cooking height when the range is in USE.

Are you a giraffe, or some species a bit more petite?

Will the venting police come? No.

Do as you like, and don't whine later: ).

If you are going to trim it? I'd return it for one that comes with a slide over and more adjustable scenario.

We can't see your kitchen 2 d plan, nor an elevation of the plan. It is to advise in an information vacuum.

Installing against manufacturer’s requirement’s just ushers in that out of warranty with no service available experience that much sooner. Neither brand will be very functional or long lived.

Install it per the manufacturer's specs, don't "deviate". Shorten the chimney so the hood is installed correctly.

You will be living with the hood for a long time. Shaving off 2-3" off the chimney extension (that is the correct term) will "hurt once", and briefly, Then you will live with the kitchen for some years with the correct distance. As noted, the distance should be 30-36". Even if that were not specified, a shorter height than 30" will be more cramped looking and feeling when you are cooking at the cooktop.