Diddy -
I have the very same truck, 'cept mine is an original V8 truck. One thing you may want to strongly consider before you swap the engine or tranny is swapping the rear end. Keep in mind that your truck has 4:56 gears in the rear, so, regardless of your engine choice, your top end will be 50 - 55mph MAX, and the engine will be screaming. Performance may be a little different depending on the type of auto you swap in, but the gears are low no matter how you cut it.
Why not leave it a stick? Shifting gears is fun, and gives you a whole lot more control.
I'm in the process of swapping in a Dana 60 rear end from an 88 Dodge pickup, and it's really not that much of an ordeal. You'll have to swap the yoke, modify the spring perches, and get an adapter for the brake lines, but none of it is rocket science.
Something to think about...
Chris
