I can easily beat my buddies 3.0 auto 91' pickup with 28's and 4.56's with my 3.0 5spd 89 4runner with 33x12.5's and 4.10's...
a 2nd gen 3.0 with a 5spd should be fine, a bit slow, but fine.
Im planning a 3.4 swap myself, i need power to pass over 60mph....
But, a 96 would be a nice platform, or get a 98 with a 5spd and e-locker!

89 4Runner
3" BL, M/T locks, 33"bfg mt, bilstein, Kayline, tubebumper, toyotafiberglass panels
TBI: Elocker,3.4 w/ORS,b+b,S2Sstg2cams,arias pistons,P+P intake,TRDs/c,URDpullies+7th,downey headers,MAPECU2,WEGO WB, SupraMAF,walboro255,stg4clutch, EPaOo2 sim