IMO JDM is a mistake. Hard to find parts, accessories, belts, and such.

IF IT WERE ME. I would put a 2003ish LSX vortec motor, 4l60E, and NP241 in there. You're prob looking at 5-6 k worth of parts to do it RIGHT, and have a NICE solid build. A pull out drive train is like $1500-1700 bucks. ECU re flash 200, drive shafts 1k... I have no idea how much labor would cost for something like this, BUT As I've said all along during all of your trials and tribulations.. DIY trumps everything. No mechanics to screw things up if you do it yourself.

400ish ftlbs of torque, 3:1 low range, 4:1 1st gear (ALL STOCK OEM) Easy to keep cool, Easy to work on, Get parts CHEAP, and anywhere. Non complicated. Non exotic. Not trying to squeeze tons of HP out of a v6... Just tire smoking power with very little trouble.


IF you are wanting a Trail / Road worth expedition vehicle, then you need something common, simple, and easy to repair. As you are coming to realize, rebuilt 3.5's don't fit that bill.