The VSS speed sensor is in the bigger trucks until 1999, the change was for 1998 in the Explorers. I have a 98 Navigator BW4406 TOD for my truck. The electric shift TC should be almost as reliable as the stock V6 version, the shift motor and modules are the same. I don't know how strong that internal clutch is for the trails you will see.
The fuel tank is just finding a Sport model, can you give up five gallons of capacity? I still haven't begun trying to graft the 2nd gen tank top surface, onto my old 93 tank. If the steel top part can be attached well to the old plastic tank, then those could be used and keep the 22 gallon size.