We still have our 2000 Wrangler TJ. It has been a great vehicle, but it is not a truck.

You will do a lift and larger tires, so do not go cheap on the lift. Look a Curry/Savvy. You will want to re-gear the axles if you go above one size larger on tires. The vehicle is under powered so adding the tires will make it even worse. Read before you start doing mods, and read some more. Build the Jeep for what you are going to do with it, and not what the crowd thinks you should do. The hard tops are great, but not really needed in the south, so if you get one make sure you have a place to store it. If there are Jeep clubs in your area, join. The guys are normally great and will help you a lot. Its not like a hunting club. LOL