I am looking at a '87 4cyl 4x4 toyota ext cab pickup. The problem is that it has the automatic tranny. In my experience these don't hold up well. Should it go out, is it an easy swap to a 5spd? it is EFI so I am guessing the wiring will be a problem

 

Its not hard to do, just start gathering the parts you will need and when you have everything thats needed then plan on spending a weekend swapping everything over. We did a manual swap on my 86 4Runner and i didn`t worry about the wiring, about the only thing i did for the wiring is put a jumper on the neutral safty switch plug. The best place to start looking for parts is pic n pull, i found almost everything i needed there.

 

The big thing wrong with the auto is the monster overdrive - if you go to bigger tires (especially without regearing) a tranny cooler is mandatory.

Take care of it, keep the fluid clean and the temps down and it will last forever.