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First, all else being equal, a manual trans versus a decent automatic with a lockup torque converter, is about 1 mpg difference. But the manual needs at least 60% more mechanical gear reduction to make up for no torque converter.
Second, when i took my Cherokee off-road, the only time i used low range was on descents, otherwise i would have been on the brakes ALL the way down, i know, i tried it twice just to compare. With low range and second gear, it held itself to 15 mph without ever touching the brakes once. The 4.0L with a very good torque converter, a lame 2.80:1 first, and a reasonable 3.55:1 in the axles, was enough to climb over anything the 235/75R15 street radials could climb over, without low range. But with low range, i was able to pull a broken Toyota 4 Runner up 40% grade, on a trail rated a difficulty level of 5, which no stock Subie can even do when not towing anything.
GM ruined the 4.3 after 93, the extra power is nice, but not necessary. The S10 was offered with a manual in the 4.3L 4x4, but why? The S-10 also has a full frame, the Subie doesnt.
And the final nail in the coffin, there is a guy that has cared for his 4.3 in his Astro delivery van past a million miles without a rebuild, no Subie ever did half that.
Don't make me bring the icing on the cake, just man up and admit defeat. You can't beat the facts of a genius with the wrong opinions of a dork.
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