Unanswered questions make this tough. Of course the budget, how much highway driving (and just by you or is it a family rig), how tough of trails will it run, how mechanical are you vs wanting newer, reliable rig etc etc.
Depending on your exact needs, be willing to think outside the box (Jeep, Toyota).
I drive an 03 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, 2" lift and 33s. Comes stock with 4.90 gears, 31 spline shafts, 9.5" rear and can fit 32s unlifted.
My rig is far from a hard core rock crawler, but it has run Kane Creek and Poison Spider Mesa among others. It is also my commuter (85 miles/day).
I am nearing the 140K mile mark with no major problems, gets about 17 mpg highway and is comfortable to drive for both me and my wife. Reasonably comfortable back seat for my three kids (ages 9-14), although the prefer the room of our Ram 2500 quad Cab.
So, it has made a great wheeler/d.d. combo. Downside is lask of aftermarket support (no larger lifts sold in U.S., only locker option is ARB, although they finally offer rear as well as front.)
That said, as soon as budget allows I want to get a 4door JK as my next rig.
Anyway, real point is to 1) narrow down your needs. 2) be open to less commonly wheeled rigs.
