You don't have to apologize! The V8 conversion is not for everyone AND it is alot of work and $$$ invested so it must be the right "fit"
The OHV and 5 speed is the PERFECT motivation for the BII, they are so much fun to drive!
I like to build our old Ranger based trucks two ways:
4.0 pushrod with a 5 speed
5.0 pushrod with an auto
Of course we get into all sorts of combos but those are the two basics. I have always said the 4.0 is perfect for the BII
I remember when I let the clutch out for the first time on my BII after removing the hopped up 2.9L and converted to a 4.0....I was like "DAMN now that is where it is at!" HUGE smile on my face after spending much time and money trying to squeeae power from the cologne 2.9...you realize the high reving 2.9 belongs in cars, the ohv with all its torque down low is motivation for a truck like the BII. I was addicted from that moment on.
Years later (12 years I drove BII with 4.0 and 5 speed, then 4.0 and auto) I converted to the v8 simply because I knew the v6 auto trans would not hold up to my plans (3ea, a4ld's in my BII before I had a bomb proof one). For 4x4ing and daily driving, a little towing (my only vehicle) I had to have the auto mostly for trails so I made a choice....and took the plunge and never looked back. 302 with auto for me!
I have since convinced MANY people to stick with their pushrod 4.0 and the 5 speed, it is perfectly suited for your truck. They come to me wanting a v8 but by the time we go over their intended use, budget, and trans/t case choices we end up sticking with the 4.0
I have also seen many people convert to the V8 using a F150 or Mustang base engine and trans only to realize it moves the truck about the same as the old 4.0 did, only now with a ton of time and money invested.
Without power adders the stockish 5.0 makes similar HP and torque as the mighty pushrod 4.0, It is all about what works for YOU and your trucks use!
Now if it was a 4 door explorer I would say GO V8, but for the small Rangers or a BII nothing wrong with sticking with the V6
These are not easy decisions to make
You are wise to know ahead of time what you are getting into and why = you have done your research and make the smart choice!!
Having fun is what driving a BII is all about, plenty of that to be had with the 4.0 and 5 speed!!
I have been considering putting a manual back in my BII, after driving my 97 F350 for a few years now with the Zf5 behind the turbo 7.3 I really enjoy shifting again.
Its rock crawling and stop and go traffic where the auto is the bees knees, otherwise the 5 speed is more fun, lighter, less plumbing, less heat and it really puts you in control of putting the power to the ground!