I’d go 97 or later TJ or LJ, with the Dana 44 rear option. These are all coil spring models, not leaf. The LJ is a long wheelbase TJ and came standard with the Dana 44 rear axle. They were 3.73 axles in standard and 4.10 in Rubicon trim. 4.0l six is a great engine, and the 4cyl was not available with the D44 option. Avoid a standard 4.0l package with the D35 rear axle, as they had 3.08 highway gears. A 3.73 gear set will let you run up to a 32-33” tire without bogging things too much. A 2-3” lift and 32’s is perfect, in my experience. Did 31,32,33,35 inch tires with 3.73 and 5spd. 33” or less is best.
