I have a 100 series. 31 inch tires work w/o mods, I have 31 inch goodyear ats tires. For highway driving there is no comparision, the 100 wins. The engine in the 100 is great, I think the 98-99 has like 220hp and 320 torque and a 4 speed. I know the 03 models have a 5 speed and an increase in power. The gas lid says premium, but I run regular w/o any problems. Mine came with the factory rear locker, works just fine. I have not done any real wheeling. I did drive in 1 1/2 feet of fresh snow w/o problems. The electronics are good, I didnt need to lock the center diff. I took it into small mud pits, but nothing to really test it at all. The rear articulation is comparable to an 80, I think it may be an inch more stock to stock. The front is less capable, ifs. The front is fully protected by plastic skid plates, and the usuall metal ones ofer the transfer case. The stock clearance is 9.8 inches, and with my tires im over 10 inches. maybe pushinhg 11. I have wheeled my 91, and I love the power increase the 100 has. Its more fun in a small mud pit where u just wanna get dirty. Spins tires easier, etc. I have taken my 100 in some small ditches to play w/ suspension and stuff. I got the center diff confused and had to lock the rear to keep goin forward, and it worked perfectly...I love lockers. The 80 has WAY better stock bumpers for small collisions offroad. I hate the plastic bumpers on the 100. I miss being able to kick it and have nothing happen.
I would agree that there are limited products available, but what there is is high quality. ARB has atleast 2 bars for the 100, slee has sliders and a 2 inch lift from emu (arb), and there is a rear bumper from TJM. So there are products to outfit the 100, but they tend to be more expensive than similiar 80 series parts.
For onroad driving the 100 wins, offroad 80. For expedition style wheeling I would say the 100 could handle it, esp with 2 inch lift and 33 tires. It will def out perform similar suvs like z71 tahoe or the such. I am gunna stick my neck out and advise that if its mild-moderate offroad use, and 95% onroad use get the 100. it is a great machine and you will not be dissappointed...better yet get u an full day test drive and hit up a trail...
-Matt
ps..i am in readers rigs...the one w/o arb bumpers and the works