Your reasoning is sound... at first I was thinking you were wanting to run 33's or something and was worried about the VX suspension. I might go 36's with the stock IFS... but In my mind that's maxed out on offroad capability.

I think it would be worth it if you started with a built drivetrain/suspension & the 4.0L. Otherwise the effort to swap out the d30/d35 along with mounting a VX body would be too much effort.

...in that case I would just keep the stock frame and swap out axles. Like sleveritt's build.

This is just my opinion and my reasoning against it. If you want a jeep chassis, I say go for it and take plenty of pics along the way!!! I would love to see the outcome.

...or you might like this build, Rodeo on 1 ton axles with coilovers. Many of us wheeled with this guy in Moab and his Rodeo is a beast. Look at the difference between the stock Rubicon & his Rodeo.