The stroker will probably be your easiest power per effort move. You can make a lot of power out of the strokers, depending on how you build them. You can go anywhere from mild to wild with them. TONS of info floating around for different options.
If you really want power:
https://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/jeep-ha ... roker.html
https://www.greatlakes4x4.com/showthread.php?t=117699
http://www.colorado4x4.org/vbb/showthre ... -an-XJ-4-0
I've got an M90 from a Grand Prix sitting in the garage, just need the time to start building things out. I'd like to go MegaSquirt at the same time to get some better control of things.
I imagine you've already seen it, but the Jeep Strokers (
http://www.jeepstrokers.com/forum/index.php) forum is a pretty solid source of information.
I think the biggest benefit you're going to get with any of the factory based sixes (232/258/4.0/stroker) is the available factory MPFI. It is incredibly simple to source and install, super cheap, and very reliable. That is the one thing that is pretty hard to mimic on the V8s. It can be done, but not as easily.
If you're planning to build a wheeler, and not something that sees a lot of highway time, the NP435 or T-18 are probably good options. An NV4500 is another good option, though more expensive it does net you a 5th OD gear.
I run an NV3550 (AX-15 is real similar), and it has held up extremely well for me. I do some light towing and hauling stuff from the hardware store or to the scrap yard. Not much offroading for me. I suspect it may not hold up super well to extreme beatings, though.
aa
1983 J-10 - 4.6L(MPFI)/CS130D/Hydroboost/NV3550/D300/44/44/3.54/Disc-Disc/32s/42 gallon 'burb tank