I like that idea and I've gt the same Marlin Bumper on my 1st Gen, it's taught me the value of good armor so I intend to mimic it's shape quite a bit. I think because of the trailering use I'd go with a center split/short dual swing-out. I'm glad to see one of those bumpers on a 2nd Gen cause I've got a 1st gen and at first glance thy look to have a slightly different rear valance line but it looks just as good on the 2nd Gen's so that's good.
Cost wise, I got the Engine and truck together for a pretty good deal ($3500) and I've already ordered $1800 in parts from ARB/OME/Bud Built and another $800 to get little parts/pieces for the swap and there will be a few more things to buy for the motor refresh and all the armor/tube-work so... I'm hoping to come in under 15K as a goal, but not at the cost of a good solid build.
The way I look at it, I can't buy this truck here in the US (certainly couldn't get anything anywhere NEAR it's specs/strength/capability for $15K ) nor do I see a better alternative (for my tastes/wants) in any modern vehicle (really not my style, a 3rd Gen's the latest I'd go, but I prefer the tail-gate even though the window thing can be a royal PITA, and while not as smooth, the old Hi-Trac IFS is a more robust system then the new coil-sus/R&P-steering system). Plus no 4wd truck offered by Toyota NA can touch it's range/mileage combined with the capability this truck will have, and when I'm doing some of the trips I like to do or have planned it's nice to know I can go out to remote places and get back unsupported. As it is, with the bigger fuel tank (23gal) and 1-2 5gal Jerry cans I'm looking to be able to drive out to Idaho, do some camping and light wheeling/exploring and come back home to Portland all w/o ever having to stop at a gas station. That's pretty impressive to me. As is being able to roll down to the Overland Expo next year in comfort and with half as many gas stops... After living with nothing but diesels in Australia I honesty believe that for anything but sand and deep mud wheeling where you want high winding power, diesel is just flat out the perfect fuel for a 4wd. The range and the power band just makes perfect sense, plus, I just love the whistle and clatter sound :sombrero:
Cheers
Dave