Yup, I'd definitely make sure the basic package is sound, before doing any "optional" things like a lift kit, bumpers, etc. Rust is a BIG issue, rotten floor pans, leaking clutch master cylinder, leaky valve cover/blowby into the airbox, etc. I'd also recommend disabling the vacuum operated 4wd gizmo on the front axle, and locking the CAD. That way, the lever in the cab will work more effectively in getting it into and out of 4wd. It's fairly easy to do, don't need any parts, and if I could do it in less than 30 minutes, just about anyone should be able to do it, lol!
Yep, caught the blowby and workin on fixing it...
Planning to pull the carpet (caught that.. lol) anyway and sheet metal, i had an old wrangler that was a flintstone car. Whats the 4wd vacuum thing and where is the leaking clutch?