Best choice for sure. I'm from Alberta, we have the same issues. I'd say keep it on pavement or good smooth gravel til you know the frame will take a bit of flexing. Rust is a bitch but until a bolt falls out or you can punch holes in it drive with care. Me, I'd want to replace the frame..... or buy a rust free beater and use those low milage parts on it. I'll guess you got it for a rock bottom price.
Enjoy the TJ experience, they are a blast even as grocery getters.
One thing I’ve always wondered, how would my Jeep fair if I were to lift it and throw on bigger tires.
She currently does 80.. sometimes 85 for a quick second.. down the NJ highways without an issue. Wonder how that compares to slowly crawling over rocks lol
My understanding is you need to run Dana 44 if you want to run the big tires well, and do some crawling. the big tires and lifts are cool, but my guess is the mpg gets destroyed. Which I know doesn’t matter as much when you’re having fun.