nice! what a deal. I also have a 88 22re. Check your frontend steering components as well... tie rod ends, ball joints, shocks, idler arm. Just have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth and watch underneath for anything that looks loose. As far as the balljoints youll probalbly have to lift the frontend off the ground slightly.
By the way.. ive been trying to figure out on my truck what color the wire is going to the oxygen sensor on the exhaust manifold, mines cut off and i cant figure out where it hooks up. Since you have the same setup, maybe you could help me out, thanks!

 

Welcome to the world of first time mechanic! I did a similar this summer (spent way more money than originally planned, but I learned quite a bit). If your going to do the fuel pump, dropping the tank can be a pain. Just take your time, and drain the gas first (there should be a drain plug). If you do drain it, order a new gasket for the drain plug too since they are one time use (crush washer) or something.