I've got an 1986 GD300, use it as a local runabout on 235/85R16 continental ATR tyres and some bilstein shocks.
That's it, no mods, no frills, just straight out of the box with only minimal recovery gear.
Over the years it has never suffered major mechanical problems, still on the original engine after 650.000 km. The odo only registers 99.000 km and I stopped counting at 6.
I've grown to love this 90 hp 4x4 as the transfer case is fully synchronized and you can switch from L to H while on the move.
The fancy bling bling mercs are very costly and do not provide the same robust simplicity that the millitary versions do. They are simply a merc marketing ploy to keep the G alive.
Just face the facts, if everyone would keep their vehicle 25 years plus and they build em to last 25 years plus. They would surely be out of business.
The G pur or professional ie the 461 build are the "bulletproof" versions which get refined year after year with minimal changes.
The other versions are more civilian tryouts to keep the cash flowing.
Can't fault that though!
Just like Toy always has its basic models for the UN or other intercontinental agencies.
No frills, no bling, just basic get in and get there simplicity.