Looking for opinions on what to do to my 83

[rcbildr]

My 83 4x4 diesel truck has been sitting for a while because I managed to mess up the transmission, and then I had to pull the engine to get my Burb back on the road. The truck has a 700R4 that was supposedly (bought the trans off craigslist) built to the hilt so to speak, but I did a bit of a tranny drop and (from what the local trans shop tells me) now the forward clutches are needing to be replaced.

I have an SM-465/NP-203 and all the parts necessary to convert it to a manual except drive shafts. Back when I had an SM-465 in my Burb, I loved that set up...I could go anywhere and pull almost anything. I even have the parts to make it a hydraulic clutch too.

Should I go ahead with the conversion or just keep it an automatic. I think the cost will be close to the same either way. I'm leaning towards doing the manual swap for the durabilty and fun factor of a manual. But if I get the 700R4 rebuilt properly would it be just as durable?

My plans for the truck is to put a 6.5L turbo diesel in it and put a set of 32" tires or maybe 33's if I decide to lift it...I already have a set of 15x10 chevy ralley wheels for it.

Here's a pic of the truck...it's not to pretty right now because it's still partially disassembled from when I pulled the engine.