Scott,
I will be interested in your findings. I just got back from Weipa on the weekend and saw a Triton and a new common rail Patrol broken down on the side of the road with issues.
I was in the same boat as you mate but have decided on a new Cruiser ute as I feel that they will see many more years service for my money on Cape Yorks roads then a flimsy independent front end ute. The initial high purchase price of a L'cruiser is a bugger however they have excellent resale.
If I was only towing a boat around town to the ramp and did very litle offroad then I would have bought a Colorado or D max but the Cruiser ticked all boxes for me.
If only Toyota made a half decent duel Cab that can tow 3 tonne.
Nick Stock