cut down suburbans are pretty cool too. for steering you can also check out
http://performanceoff-road.com/ .......i dont like plush in a trail rig.....but im a bare bones kinda guy...i also think a wayyyyyy tricked out 5.7 ls1 ..alum block/head small block. and if your spendin all that green you need to go ahead a link it front/rear and do coilovers..tuneable predictable suspension rocks. 700r4 trans built by bob harrison at tci 3:1 atlas or 3:1 205 or stak 3 speed.....thats a pretty even race in my mind just depends on what you want. i do like the rock jock choice but im not sure if there what you want really long term in something you build to abuse....but anything can will break.
but thats just me