Hello and welcome to our Crawler Land!
You know, trying to find a EFI solid axle around here is really tough. Especially XtraCab models which still get $4k-$5k in stock form here.
It has
always been my opinion that if you want a 5-speed then you should buy a 5-pseed. Less you'll have to cut the firewall and mount a clutch pedal & slave assembly, replace the radiator, amongst other things. So I'd like to ask you a question about the 22R-E. What are your thoughts regarding the engine? Are you looking to convert it to a newer 2.7-liter 3RZ-FE or 2TR-FE, or even a 5VZ-FE 6cyl? If so, then you'd be doing enough custom work that what I consider a blemish of installing a manual transmission into an auto truck would be greatly overshadowed.
Otherwise, expect to have poor performance and gas mileage with the automatic setup. The early autos have an additional viscus coupler in the non-divorce-able transfer case which robs addition power from the drivetrain. With stock tires it may be bearable, but anything oversized and you'll be looking at 10-14 MPG for city driving.
Looking at the pictures I think this is a good buy at $1,400: EFI & solid axle. It seems to have everything present down to the factory engine bay skid plate. Does it have a tilt wheel and is the A/C stock or aftermarket? No moon-roof and a no sliding rear window (which might be a benefit as they are more difficult to break into).
If you are looking to build a wheeler out of this, you'll out-climb many people with the nice long wheelbase.
Regards,
BigMike
