I'll throw another option out there... don't forget there are portable options. I wouldn't generally recommend such as a primary welder, but if your location doesn't allow for anything else, there are alternatives...

gas power'd ARC welders. you can get one for about $1k, and though its about $700 more than the electric version, you'd eliminate all the hassle of upgrading wiring and having to run all this by your landlord. plus you'd get the added benefit of having a generator (not sure if this is something you could make use of or not).



and i've used one of these before:



these work good and are portable and nice to have out on the trail even. With enough batteries (2 or maybe even 3), you can easily MIG weld 1/4" and beyond which should be plenty good for general 4x4 fabrication. only downside is your duty cycle is going to be depending on your vehicle's charging system. IIRC, they run about $600.

-Rob