Me likey the sound of that ;-) Thanks for all of the answers!

 

Hey one more idea, how about getting a roof rack instead of investing in the skid plate stuff & then you can just throw 4 5-gal Jerry cans up there for Gas? Bear in mind I don't have a rack (yet) but seems like that would offer a lot of help, you could even throw another spare up there, a hi-lift, a tent, maybe even build a hi-rise condo ?

 

For starters, you don't want 18" wheels for off roading. They suck. As for tire size, most guys stick below 32" tires with 31" probably being the most common. The OME spring/shock lift is probably the most common as well with just shy of 3" of lift. Plenty. Any more and you have to dump a lot of money into other belly bits. Armour for your under belly is probably dependant on where you go. Down here in AZ we get some pretty ugly patches and well chosen armour might help. Being a smart driver is a bigger help.

Bigger tanks are in fact possible. One of my buds has a Long Ranger made in Australia. The tank adds another 12 gallons but shipping alone was over $800. A nice rack and 2 Wedco cans will get you an off road range of at least 300 miles. On road you could probably get upwards of 350-375 miles. Again...plenty.

Water fording isn't limited by the exhaust. I've seen many a Disco push through grill high water. Technique again matters most. Even a snorkel is a non-benefit unless you relocate much of the electrical bits and breathers.

I'm following the pretty standard mod path.So far I've added:
- 16" wheels with 265/75/16 BFG TAs
- OME heavy duty springs/ shocks
- full rack
- rock sliders which do come in handy and add a jack point
- Steel bumper, the approach on the factory plastic crap is really poor
- 3 Wedco cans, Hi Lift, and other trail tools

On the way soon: Upgraded CVs, axles, drive shaft, winch, snorkel.

AND: Lockers. That Traction Control on open diffs is terrible.

 

I found someone who makes a 140l fuel tank replacement with a 45l aux tank option for the D2. I'll be swapping my main tank for sure, but I'll need to put on an aftermarket rear bumper before I decide if the aux tank will be too exposed. The replacement tank keeps stock departure angle setup. Once I install one I'll post my opinions.