I'd say with the kids see if you can find/afford an unlimited. The longer wheel base makes for a better ride as well. Saharas have the better rear axle, 44, Rubicons have 44 and lockers front and rear. The inline 6 has exhaust manifold issues, header solves that problem. I'd stay away from the 4 banger.
A great dual purpose DD set up is a small lift and 33" tires, some arb lockers and some skid plates. Do a header and a throttle body spacer and you're set. My brothers was set up this way along with some steering upgrades and it did very well. It was his DD for a few years, made its way to Utah, South Dakota and all over Washington state, his only complaint was the short wheel base on long trips.
If I do another one it will be an unlimited with lockers, no lift and 35's. Bumpers and some armor...done.
Check out AEV, they have some great products and some killer real world builds.
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