... My other 85' 4x4, had a transmission failure at 230K and they towed with it a bunch...
Again, 230K miles (11+ years if 20K miles is an average) on any transmission I would consider an exceptionally high quality transmission.
By the way, my 1985 Shortbed with a W56 5-speed didn't make to 200,000 miles and the truck when I bought it was in incredibly good condition and very well maintained by previous owners.
Toybrota, if your profile is accurate, your age is showing 19 years. If Utah's age to get a driver's license is 16, you have only been driving for about 3 years. It appears that you have been buying and driving very old Toy trucks with high miles. I assume from your posts that you are very familiar with the history of the trucks your are referring to? I don't doubt your experiences, but transmissions that go for 11 to 16 years I would consider outstanding quality transmissions.
Is my thinking all wrong?
Gnarls.