Hey all, new here to the forum and new to these cool little rigs. Sooo.. I picked up an 89' V6 Raider with a seized motor (originally as a parts rig for my SWB 88' Montero, but not anymore). It has been dubbed "Project Tomb Raider". The plan is to stick the indestructible OM617 Mercedes diesel into it for reliability and longevity. The vision is more of an overlanding / expedition build that we can take out for extended periods of time and get us through some rough areas (we do a lot of remote rock hounding, photography etc).
So here is what I'm thinking:
Engine / Transmission- OM617 Turbo Diesel
- Stock AW03-72 Transmission w/ adapter plate
Wheels / Tires- 15" Steelies
- 31x10.5 Yokohama Geolandars
SuspensionBody- Respray with undecided color
- Bedline / Rockguard lower body
- JW Speaker LED headlight upgrade
- Custom front winch bumper
- Custom rear bumper w/ spare tire carrier & rotopax system
- Drip Rail Roof Rack for gear
Currently I have sourced a donor Mercedes for the OM617 and thanks to the Facebook group, I have sourced the required adapter plate, I just need to pull the trigger. I encourage constructive criticism and any insight from those who have gone before me. Thanks all.


