Mine is a 5 speed Manual. It has around 250K milage (kilometerage) on it and you still don't feel the difference when going uphill or downhill.
I do regret not having an Auto transmission but don't think the Auto will give so much output. Not sure as I haven't driven one.
It has manual hub locks on the front and has an H4 button so it is not a full time 4WD. Don't know if it is better to have the manual hub locks or an electronic one.
The drive is amazing, so much amazing that at times on normal roads you will feel as if you are in a car and not a jeep. Its all stock.
Don't know if it will be affected (driving stability and all) with an ARB front bumper and heavy duty winch.