As an owner of a Jeep Cherokee that has taken me to the ends of the earth and back without a whimper I can tell you they are very capable from the start. I would say that only minimal modifications can make them billy goats.
1. Mild (2-4 in.) lift.
2. 31X10.50 tires on steel wheels. If you bent a rim you can hammer it back, you can't do that with aluminum. Also spend the money for good tires. I now buy only Goodyear ATXs and have never ruined one. Killed many BFGs in the past though.
4.ARB Air lockers or Good Limited Slips like Power Locks.
Other options if you have the cash:
Lower gears 4.10-1s are perfect especially with 31X10.50s
If auto trans, and external trans cooler
External spare tire/gas can carrier with a handyman jack.
Roof rack
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