[aigel]

There is a reason a lot of people tow these behind their regular trucks when they go to the boonies. The short wheelbase alone is cause for much of the bouncy ride and the 2 door still has that same wheelbase, right? Of course, that short wheelbase makes it great off road, but it sounds like you are just looking for a stickshift with better ground clearance for maybe a dirt road. A Wrangler may be overkill for that.

For serious other off road SUVs there are also the Nissan Xterra and the Toyota FJCruiser with a stick. They both don't ride great either but may be a better compromise for your application.

G