well, after a not so diligent search for a suitable Trooper over the past six years (!), I finally just bought a 1987 Trooper II off CL. Of course, it's not the exact one I was searching for, as I wanted a 1988-1991 2.6 in white or silver (this one is red), but what the heck. Some of you locals (I'm in central NC) probably saw it for sale on Greensboro CL. It was listed for $800 but I got it for $500. Not the cleanest vehicle I've ever smelled (the seller was/is a heavy smoker of cigarettes and other things), but I'm gutting it so that doesn't matter much.
It has:
Good body, with very little rust
A rebuilt engine with ~20k on it
Five speed tranny
starts immediately, runs, and even drives
The 4x4 was disconnected (parts were removed), but I got the parts at least
decent tires (which of course I'll swap anyway)
Kept in good mechanical condition pretty much since its purchase by the second owner in the 1990's or so
Original manual and etc. in the glovebox
Bone stock
So, I've finally officially joined the Order of First Gen Troopy Brethren instead of being an armchair enthusiast.
thanks for all your helpful posts over the years, they really helped me figure out what to get and what to avoid and what to modify. I'll probably be bugging this forum about sourcing some items over the next year, so you may want to run and hide before you become my personal Trooper advisor (I kid, I kid...well, somewhat)
I hope to perhaps make it to Uwharrie this year! Even if she's still stock at least I can come and have y'all make fun of my ride

cheers!
Steve