AT vs MT for a 4x4 regular cab

I've had both: 2006 manual prerunner i4 and a 2011 auto 4x4 i4 in access cabs. even with the extra weight of a 4x4 i definitely prefer the auto. they are trucks, not sports cars, and neither are fast. the auto is just more relaxing to drive i find. and this is my first auto car so i'm not biased

 

meepmeep,

I have the automatic in a 4X4 Regular cab and love it. Yes, you get bucket seat with the autoimatic transmission. Given how you intend to use it, low speed on fire roads, consider adding an after market trans cooler as well, $70.

 

Maybe that's a 2nd gen thing or your heavy feet, my 95 is still running on its factory clutch and brake pads at 148k. I have no idea how the owner(s?) before me drove it but for the last 20k I've been going offroading monthly and driving it daily.Sometimes I do abuse the clutch and I feel its going to fail soon however. Your 100& sure about the TOB tho.
In the end ,clutch isn't the greatest but its not the worse plus its a truck so you know it won't shift as smooth as a import tuner.