A few answers
Couple of good things if you didn't know,
You bought an 86, this is the first year for all 22r's to become 22re's. I bought an 86 and converted it to SAS for that reason alone.
Because of the E its electronic fuel injected, thats a good thing, it means more power and it can run at any angle as well. There are literally tons of aftermarket parts availiable for your engine to make it fast or slower, ie rock crawling.
The bad thing is you got the first year for IFS, Independent front suspension which limits the amount of travel you have off road, its fairly intense to change it to a Solid axle as well. IFS is often refered to as Inferior Front Suspension, but thats what just about everyone has on this board, it can be worked with however it is more expensive to modify and easier to break.
The thing on the front is a brush guard without the extensions to cover your lights, generally its just extra weight unless you have one that you can add a winch too, or maybe custom add some lights.
As for your problems, check out
www.4x4wire.com for a nice board with nice people who can help you out more. I can proabably answer them all but I don't have the time right now, my wife is recovering from surgery and I have to make dinner for my two kids.
Ask away though as I'll be on later tonight with more time and I might can help further.
T,
1st gens are probably still my favorite and there what got me started in 4wheeling.