So my new 85 is an automatic and I'm not sure how I feel about that. I thought about a 5 speed swap but I feel I could spend the time and money on other upgrades. I plan to build it into a daily driver/weekend warrior. I mostly like to run moderate technical trails. I'm not into deep mud or serious rocks. I'm an amateur, lol. Eventually I'll run 33-35's. Who else has a 22re automatic? What's your gear/tire setup? Are the stock auto gears 4.30's?

 

I am fairly sure the 4.30 is for the automatics. The automatic transmission behind the 22 or the 3.0 eats up a lot of power. I think doing a 5 speed swap would be the cheapest and quickest upgrade in my opinion. Personally I do not like the automatic in these early trucks. An automatic behind the 3.4 is great but not in the 22 or 3.0,

 

Mine stays on pavement, 22re Auto, stock 4.30 w/ 33x10.5x15's, no complaints, weekend vehicle and never in a hurry, after all its a 30 years old original motor. I did however consider swapping to 5 speed but PO had the tranny rebuilt before I purchased so why fix if it aint broke. Besides that too much work & not enough space to maintain a donor vehicle, cutting, wiring for someone inexperienced like myself.

 

Thanks for the replies. After talking to the wifey I do plan to keep the automatic, this will probably be her truck someday. It seems that 35's with 5.29 is a good setup, I plan to do that along with 63/ruf next spring.

 

I love my '87 22re auto, no problems so far.