Easiest 5 Speed Swap To A Dauntless 225?

Is there an "easier" swap to get a 5 speed into my ecj5? Would something like a 5 speed from an s10 with a 4.3 bolt up?

 

In a word, no. All too long, AFAIK. About the only you might consider is the AX15 or NV3550. These came in XJs and other Jeeps:
The Novak Guide to the Aisin-Warner AX15 Transmission
The Novak Guide to the Jeep NVG 3550 Transmission

There's a Ford overdrive 4-speed (the RUG) which is a toploader and would be short enough. Not plentiful, and would have to be adapted at both ends.

Why not buy a Warn/Saturn overdrive?

 

You can use the Warn designed OD like a 4th or 5th gear Herm has them in 25% or 30% OD. The huge advantage is no additional length to the drive train and you get to split any gear you want in any range you want forward or reverse. My little T-90/D-18 combo will now have 12 forward speeds and 4 in reverse.

If someone is interested in the Ford RUG 4 spd OD (18% OD in 4th gear wide ratio 3spd under that) I have a very rebuildable core I would sell. You would have to find the linkage or figure out how to adapt a Hurst linkage for it.

 

Overdrive will likely be the easiest. Thanks for keeping me straight. Was thinking about better driveability on the highway but it's not a commuter anyhow. I can cruise at 60 easy enough.