As far as I know, they never made a 5-speed R/T. I'm not saying there aren't conversions, but they didn't come that way. The original R/T was a performance package so no-go on the 318s. There was a later version with a 4.7, but it was just a trim package.

I had one (the first automobile that was ever mine) and it was fast, but it wouldn't hook worth a damn. Even driving conservatively, I remember breaking loose if the tires and pavement were cold. It was definitely a fun truck and I'd like to own another one. I've heard those 46REs can be problematic, but I've not experienced that myself. I really don't think you'd regret it at all. I don't know that I'd give up a 5-speed Mustang for an automatic Dakota (unless I needed a truck), but you'd still have tons of fun if you did. Plus, they look better. I dunno, maybe I would.