clayton your response is my favorite and most informative. Obviously this isn't the only source of information i have so no one needs to post and suggest looking on a different site. if i wanted the advice of those douche bags i wouldnt be posting here.

sorry i fell off the map and never responded. my only drivable cherokee was totaled and i lost interest in the buggy idea...

 

A guy I know (and don't like lol) has a samurai based buggy with Toyota running gear, leaf springs up front and coil springs in the rear with a four cylinder and dual cases and is the best setup I have ever seen because it is so light its not easy to break and he is only on 35s.
If you want to keep a Jeep I saw a guy selling a xj based tube chassis on pirate 4x4