Offroad-Express

Alright, firstly I am the newbie of newbies so help would be much, much appreciated.
I have a 91 Surf (free) and I want to do a few things to it.

Firstly, the 2.4td needs to go ( 400000ks and still going strong ) so I'm assuming a supra engine mould be the most likely replacement seing as I also want to go petrol also. Cost and Logistic help on this please?!?

Secondly, the auto tranny (don't hate me, like I said, it was free) I have to change, but to what I don't know. HELP?!

Thirdly, Im going to buy some wheels/tyres hopefully something like swampers so I'm going to need to go up, and like any newbie off roader, I want to go way up. I want to get 35's in and have wicked clearance seeing as the thing is so long so again, cost and logistics? also possible swaybar disconnects?

Lastly, the accessories. Lights? Batteries? Snorkle? Bullbars? Winches? Anything else I can pick up cheap just let me know.
Also the advantages/disadvantages of going dual battery?

I have a MAX of $8k to spend so think of this as the Offroad Express Users Project Truck because I can tell you now that its your suggestions that will make this truck. If you can help me get this truck in under budget then I will do it. Your thoughts and suggestions please.

First of all where are you. North, South???
400ks on a 2.4TD wow there is hope for me yet.
As far as the surf goes I know a little bit.
I'll leave the engine swaps up to the more experienced guys here.
Lifts:
You can go a 2" Body lift and 2-3" Suspension lift to get 35"s in
I safely assume that it is currently IFS front?

I know that it is popular to do a Solid axle converesion if you are looking to do some serious off roading. I understand that this will also free up more room for the new donk.

Electrics are my hobby, Dual batteries etc
There is NO downside to Dual batteries

About all i can say is think real hard about what you want to do. Going that high is going to seriously affect your trucks handling, so if you want a serious offroader then go for it, in which case throw the sway bars away, or see if you can adopt a disconectable link off a safari. You can find lots of cheap winches and stuff on trademe but if you want to be serious buy good quality gear. Also i would suggest getting the biggist offset rims you can turn, as this will help the trucks stablity at its new found height. A snorkel is most needed and the airflow ones look ok, but i think there is a thread on here about which ones are the best, or you can get one made at an exhaust shop, it all depends on what you do or who you know. Get in touch with supralux and suprasurf as they have been there and done it!!