Need help learning about diesel G wagons!

Hello guys & girls,

I'm sad to report that my 95' Jeep XJ 5spd is on its last legs and that it is time to consider a replacement. I know people here have TI lug nuts on their cars that cost more than it but I absolutely loved its raw simplicity and am very sad to see it be retired. I want to replace it with an old diesel Gwagon,or maybe something similar(Landcruiser,Def 90...) that would look awesome parked with the 360 and M3. The problem is: I know very little about diesels Or G wagons.

I seem to want a 2 door military version with the roll cage,like this
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/mercedes-benz/gelandewagen/2141799.html

My questions are:
1. What is the best factory motor to have in one of these?

2.Are all the manual boxes the same? What's the best one for a primarily street driven G?

3.Will it be half as reliable as my Xj?


I'm having a really hard time finding good information on these so any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

Haha! 1995*