Hi,
If mileage is secondary, so it seems otherwise a diesel would be good, AND you want to pull, keep looking for the amount of torgue you will have AT THE WHEELS!
Besides the 5r100 trans of later models, you can calculate the torgue at wheels. The three size is important as the differential! Could be that the older model has more power than the newer with a longer axle!
See this: [url]http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html[url] not exactly what I mean but it makes my point clearer I guess.
Eg: I have 4.09 with 315/75-16 ~ 35". That is pretty exactly 3.54 with 245/75-16. With the same tires this would have a lot power. If you put NM in the calculation, than you got me