I know it is too late for OP, but for those that haven't yet purchased a jeep and might run across this thread, consider buying a rubicon model --- they have higher gear ratios standard in the axle. (Higher is right, right? Always forget how that works. The high number for the gear ratio.)
That's what i did. Not saying it was right but just one of several ways to get in to the jeep world and then run bigger tires with lifts, etc..