Alright, try #2 for a Jeep Wrangler - help me Reddit Wrangler Peeps!

Hey guys! Not too long ago I had purchased a 1997 stock 2.5L - 175K miles - Jeep Wrangler. I made this purchase for 3K and planned on using it for an upcoming road trip from Indianapolis to Ft. Myers. And boy did I get backlash. I got so intimidated from people that I posted the thing up for sale for 5k (Indy folk loves these things) and sold it for 4.5K!

Anyways, I found a local dealer selling a 2003 Wrangler I6 with 120K Miles with what seems to be some accessories on it. I haggled alot with them and they let it go for 10k flat. (Good deal?)

Anyways, the point of this post is to address 2 of my questions:

1. What do I need to make sure of that this Wrangler is in the best condition possible for a 2K Miles Road trip for this coming weekend? My buddy works for ZoneAuto (get it?) and hooks me up with great deals on parts.

2. The jeep seems much taller than the 97 I had. Too much for my taste. I plan on using this thing on road 100% of the time just to get to work and visit family - in these coming Indy Winters. What must be purchased to return the car to 100% Stock Height?

If you in the Indy area, i'd love your expertise - I'll hook you up with Beer and Pizza for your knowledge!

Pictures:

http://imgur.com/a/1VCW0

Too long: bought jeep, need road trip and returning to stock height advice