Thanks for the comments, you guys. I priced an imported LHD diesel 80 out and was quoted $18,000. I has 152,000 kms on it so, a little over 90,000 miles. From what I've read, they'll get 25mpg if driven 65mph or slower. (vs 13mpg for gas, from what I've read) So, at 500 miles a week (26000 a year), I'd save about 1000 gallons of fuel a year or about $2500. In 5 years, that would come out to $12500 in savings, which would be about my break even point.
A different option would be to buy a decent U.S. 80 and drop extra money into an engine swap. I hear about guys getting upper teens out of LS engines... Or I could wait and see what the new Jeep pickup looks like.
Like I said, I don't see the 100 series having enough suspension flex for me to feel ok about running Moab style trails in it. (Unless you guys can show me some info on people getting travel out of that front end)
Also, the Waggy is too clean for me to run it in winter. I could probably sell it for $15000 out here in New England and I wouldn't be able to replace it.
Are there any other stick shift vehicles that seat 6 that you guys think would do better? I'm open to suggestions!