In stock form, I really like the in line 6 cylinder engine. It doesn't have the horsepower of a V8 but it's no slouch. What it DOES have is loads of torgue down low where you need it for off roading unless you're racing the Baja at over 100mph. (I don't think so.) Also, the actual weight of the engine is less than a V8 and lower in the chassis giving the car better, more friendly manners off road. Yeah, this is only my opinion, but I really LOVE the inline 6.
In 1980, Jeep went from cast iron transmission and transfer cases to aluminum. So if you're going to do any serious off roading, I'd really consider some healthy rock guards for those.
The axles should be Dana 44s which are excellent. Only the real hardcore rock crawling guys go for something more beefy. In stock form the Dana 44 is just superb and plenty beefy for the weekend trekker. There's an absolute ton of high performance goodies for them including air lockers and such. Jeep owners enjoy more aftermarket support than any other automotive group except for maybe the VW guys.
I do love Jeeps. For a fraction of the price, you can do 99% of what a Hummer or Mog can do and some things they can't. Like skinnying between closely spaced trees. That's important here in Tennessee.
Did I mention that I love the inline 6?

I am NOT a complete idiot! Some of the pieces are missing.