I was about to go with a VW Diesel, Yet think a bigger Toy would be better for me considering I love to play in the Mud!

But I also want to swap to an auto Trans & figure if I go with a Toy Engine & Trans I will be able to keep my drive shaft in line as the Toys do.
Vs, the factory Offset rear axle that Sammys come with, & then dealing with the Vibration issues that are connected to the Off set angle of the drive shaft.

What it really come down too, is I need the power to play in the MUD & still be nimble enough to play in off camber rocks.

Looking for ideas?

well to be honest, I'm considering either a Toy Engine drive train or a FORD 2.3.

What ever makes the most sense, Or what ever might be shorter

But I do plan to extend the wheel base to about 108 at some time in the future.

& by the way, How do I add my own pic to my Avatar? 

the 22re/auto tranny/t-case setup from pulley to output flange is the same length as the sammy pulley to t-case output shaft due to the intermediate shaft in the sammy. i believe the measurement is within 1/2 an inch. my dad is doing the same swap into his sammy right now while swapping in Toyota axles at the same time

if you decide to go automatic you can use a 2wd transmission and make an adapter to install a gear driven T-case to it, mine came out 1/2" shorter then the stock sami drivetrain. With the 2wd auto there is no computer or electronics to deal with if you run a carb or propane or want the gear driven case for the 4.7 gears.