Mike, my Jeep is also a 2004, but as a two door unlimited model, that year they only made it with an automatic transmission. Not my favorite tranny for mountain trails, but since I use it as a daily driver, here in south Florida it works OK for me. The red Jeep was a manual but had the 4 banger engine, which was fine here in the SE, but when I got it in the Rocky Mtns above 9,000 feet it just ran out of power. It was easier to tow as it was several hundred pounds lighter in weight. Jeeps are sure easy to tow, 4 down.
I considered changing out the engine in the red Jeep and might should have as I had it fixed up the way I wanted it, except for the power. The yellow one is the 14th Jeep I have owned over the years.
just about to run out of road in the Colorado mountains. Probably pushing the season a bit.
I have talked to folks towing the smaller 4 Xs, such as the Trackers, and the others and they sure have a following of loyal tow folks. They are really hard to find around this part of the country.