Looking to buy a truck.

Howdy all. I'm starting to get serious about buying a truck. I currently own a '91 Toyota Pickup SR5, but it's getting too small for growing kids in the extended cab, and as reliable and tough as it is, I shudder to think of my kids and I surviving a crash in it.

So it's time to look for a newer truck. I've been doing plenty of research, and have test driven the Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport (the seating position is not great), but there are many choices and I'm hoping to hear from those who have real world experience with this segment.

What I need:
A crew cab that's big enough for 2.
A driver seat that is comfortable for me at 6'3".
I'm a huge fan of manual transmissions, so I'd really dig a stick, but that severely limits the choices, so it's not a requirement.
Needs to be 4X4, I drive up to the Sierras once in a while to ski, and I'd like offroad capability. Don't need a setup for extreme off road, but able to get through most road conditions.
Under $35,000. I'm fine with used vehicles, but it would need to have less than 50k miles on it.
Don't see myself doing any towing over 5000 pounds. I would be driving this truck for home improvement/maintenance jobs, road trips, camping, skiing- not commuting. Short bed is fine.

Would really appreciate any feedback, especially from those of you who own trucks. Thanks!