Rob, it might be more fun and easier to teach her how to drive stick.
I love the T5. It's really fitting to have to shift these ole trucks. Since your going with the straight axle, I'd keep it kinda old school with a manual trans. My flywheel is from a 261 powered truck, about 11". It will chirp the tires from 1st thru 3rd no prob. Lotsa fun. Good Luck. Whichever you decide, I'll be looking forward to reading about this build in Classic Trucks.
