You can use any 3D program that can export .3DS files.
Anim8or (
http://www.anim8or.com) and Blender (
http://www.blender.org) are good free ones. I have also heard some good things about Wings 3D (
http://www.wings3d.com/), but I haven't had a chance to try it.
With any of these programs (or ANY 3D software for that matter), be prepared for a really really
really steep learning curve.