I love my Gen II SWB with... A V8 Lexus engine, original gearbox, difflock rear. In 4x4 it is like a spider..... Climb out everywhere...
I have now had 11 pajero's - mostly Gen 2 which included two x 3.5 SWB - both 1999 models (which I still have). also have Gen 3 LWB in both 3.8 petrol and 3.2 DiD versions. Of them all the only "bad" vehicle I had was a 1998, 2.8 diesel LWB. (Also the only one I ever bought new!) All the others have been great all rounder vehicles.
For pure play... Definitely Gen 2 SWB -preferably with a petrol engine. If you can find a 3.5 with manual box in good nick then that is THE ONE, but a 3.0 is also fine. Best performers are the 24V versions - the 12 valve V6 can be a bit lethargic unless subjected to "doctoring". Locally distributed 1998 to 2000 (facelifts) definitely have rear diff lock. I have seen "grey" import 3.5's from around 1995 with diff locks though. The diff lock is essential because of the limited front wheel articulation mentioned by other respondents. I currently use my one SWB purely as toy and it is great fun...The only thing I would like more is the older (pre-face lift) bodywork...which has better ground clearance due to removable running boards.
For pure play... Definitely Gen 2 SWB -preferably with a petrol engine. If you can find a 3.5 with manual box in good nick then that is THE ONE, but a 3.0 is also fine. Best performers are the 24V versions - the 12 valve V6 can be a bit lethargic unless subjected to "doctoring". Locally distributed 1998 to 2000 (facelifts) definitely have rear diff lock. I have seen "grey" import 3.5's from around 1995 with diff locks though. The diff lock is essential because of the limited front wheel articulation mentioned by other respondents. I currently use my one SWB purely as toy and it is great fun...The only thing I would like more is the older (pre-face lift) bodywork...which has better ground clearance due to removable running boards.
I was in the same boat recently. After much research, bugging forum members and searching forums for the "perfect" Pajero toy i came to the following conclusion, and this is what i bought: 1999 Gen 2.5 SWB Blister Fender 3.5 V6 Manual. As far as i know only the 1999 and 2000 SWB blisters came with rear diff lock.(I might be wrong)
Let me tell you, that thing is extremely capable. I have put muds on and thats it, the rest is stock.
Let me tell you, that thing is extremely capable. I have put muds on and thats it, the rest is stock.