Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hello,
I am thinking to import a Pajero from Japan, the import is not an issue since I know guys that could do it for me.

I think the model that will be considered is a NG '89 TD Soft Top.

What should I look for in one of them and what can I expect out of a stocky when it comes to 4wd-ing?

I've spoken to a mate and he's suggested a few things for me to do if I was to get a stock Pajero.

1. ARB Bull Bar (with possibility to have winch attached)
2. 2" Suspension Lift
3. 33" Tyres
4. Snorkel

And further down the track possibly ARB Air Lockers.

Since I haven't got that much experience with this stuff he offered to help me put it all together but I'd need to chase the parts myself.

Could anyone roughly estimate what cost I'll be looking at for the parts (without labor)?

Also how much do you think an Import Paj should cost me?

Thanks a lot

just make sure it has been serviced EVRY 5000 KM on the dot ... the 2.5 TD has a habit of self distructing if maintanance hasnt been kept up, the motors are inherantly dirty and sooty and NEED thier oil and filters changed reguarly.

The 2.5 is a bit of a hand grenade either they go bang around the 120-170km mark or clatter on for 350+ k's the high k'ed ones tend to be the well maintained ones. the 2.8 is a far better motor but still need to have been serviced reguarly to reach high trouble free K's

Offroad they go very well, most jap models where fitted with a rear LSD that is prob the most effective ones after the Nissan LSD, with a 2" lift and 31's M/T"S (31's Can be fitted without any lift btw) and removed sway bars my LWB Paj goes most places that the big boys go,

shaving your front bump stops, and disconecting the swaybars help with the limited front IFS travel, the rears however have pretty good articulation if fitted with the later coil springs (which from memory all shortys where).

Diffs and CV's are stronger than most and Gen 1 Paj's are not known for many diff/CV brakages, the weakest link in the chain is the motor, known for cracking heads and overheating.

Thank you, your reply is much appreciated.

I'll definitely look through this forum on more info and hopefully in a few months can say to be a proud owner myself.

Thanks.