[jonb96150]

It kinda depends on your tolerance for slowness while climbing grades and what percentage of time will be spent on long grades. My 87 sas 4r (almost exactly like you describe what you are thinking of) with a 22re and headers 5:29's on 35's will go up Spooner summit about 35-40 mph when fully loaded with gear. Luther Pass about 30 mph. Yep it's slow on grades, but I don't mind cuz like you said "it's stupid reliable". On the trail the fuel economy is pretty good. Just got back from Moab, and all the jeeps are fueling up every morning, and I fueled up every 3rd day. They were a little jealous of that.

Plus, it's probably not all that hard to find an already built 22re 4runner and probably save about 50% over building it yourself! Just check the vehicles for sale on this forum and Pirates every day and you're bound to find a good deal.