What should I upgrade in a stock TJ 4.0 manual?

[A. Paul]

Thanks for the input guys. I really appreciate it. Would I avoid having to upgrade the axles if I buy a Rubicon trim TJ from 2003-2006? I’m definitely going to buy one down south or out west. What frame procreation would you recommend when I eventually get the Jeep? Thanks in advance !

As @jjvw said you're paying for a lot more than just axles with a Rubicon.
With a standard TJ if you want to run 35 inch tires, you're going to have to upgrade or replace the rear Dana 35 axle with something stronger. However, 33 inch tires should be fine as long as you don't beat on it too hard.

 

[Flivver250]

Get a stock TJ and buy good 31" all terrain tires. Join a club and meet Jeepers, go out on the trail. Drive your tires until they wear out. Buy all the safety equipment and recovery equipment first. Come back in 2 years and decide what you want to do next.

What he said!

 

[HarleyMick]

You definitely want limited slip on the rear but not the front for the street. If you are talking about a 4.0l engine with an AX15 5 speed transmission, 33" tires would be fine with a 4.56 gear. Otherwise you give up too much power with the big tires. 5th gear is pretty high on that 5 speed manual transmission making the 4.56 practical. My 4.88 gears still give me 2,700 rpm at 70 mph, verified by GPS.

Regardless of where you buy the Wrangler, drill two 1/2" holes in the low point of the bottom of the frame to allow the salt and mud to be washed out. There are plenty of slots and holes in the sides of the frame to let this crap in, but no way for it to get out. JMHO based upon 14 years with my TJ and simple facts.