With such large tires, why such weak axles? I guess in snow it does not matter?

Now that I think of the original question of this thread, a Suzuki Vitara or Grand Vitara if that is what they are called.
To me they look to be a nice size rig if coming from a SWB with good build quality. Still can get a manual gearbox and decent support for driveline bits.

Cheers, Charlie
If It ain't broke, Modify it!
87 Montero turbo Converted back in Spring1989
95 Montero SR 3.8 DOHC Only one?
93 Pajero 3 door 6G75 Mivec with paddle shifted 5 speed
Then a Gen2 SR with full coil independent suspension.