Hey Jack - I'm a tremendous fan of manual transmissions. Not offered in my 1995 Mits Montero unless you go to Mexico or Puerto Rico. That always bugged me - standard locking rear diff but no optional stick??

Will - I tow all the time in OD with my V6. Pulled nine Waves on the 14-hour drive to Rick's one year. Warranty isn't an issue on my truck anymore, though. I'd bet that your manual says the same thing mine does - towing in OD voids all warranties. Only an issue if A) you're under a warranty period and B) something happens. With a cooler and judicious driving, I think you're pretty safe even in smaller vehicles than your mountain of recycled steel.