I didn't pickup on the 5 passenger need... Hard to find a good trail rig that sits three in the back.
As far as building a CJ vs an EB, go with what you know. If it were me, I'd build the EB because I have had fords for over 20 years and know them in and out.
As far as your mild buildup the the 90 FSB, Heres some food for thought:
In the rear there are no "Oh My God" handles. Nothing at all to hang onto other than the front seat backs. I don't usually have a rear passenger, but a friend rode in back of anothers fullsize Bronc over some wild bumps and ended up with a shiner when his head smacked the side window cuz he had nothing to hold onto. He had a sealt belt on. After that he got in the back of a 4runner
The rear bumper is also an upgrade item. The stock bumper hangs low and bends up at the corners easily when you drag it on rocks. After its bent up, the tailgate will hit it when opened...
I'd upgrade the front hub locking mechanism with a set of warn premium stainless steel ones. Good time to go through the front hubs and replace bearings and seals. This gets expensive when not maintained.
I'd add an oversize tranny cooler with the E4OD, esp if you plan to tow. I'd stay on top of the fliud changes in the tranny and perhaps go with a syntetic. Search the archives for E4OD for more tips. (I don't know firsthand cuz I have a C6)
Note there are no good front tow points. On the rear I use the frame mounted receiver hitch.
The factory jack sux, and there are few places to lift with a highlift. different bumpers would fix this.
There are no tie downs in the rear cargo area.
But, for a stock rig, I love my Bronco. I wish I could keep mine and afford another rig
Cheers,
- Dan
99 4Runner (wifes grocery getter)
http://www.jps.net/~khoover88 Bronco * FOR SALE *