Thai, you know I appreciate the information you bring to the table and I don't want to sound like I'm bashing or anything b/c I'm not; but the tire comment makes no sense. Upsizing tires is the cheapest and most effective way to increase ground clearance. A vehicle that is taken offroad into anything moderate or above should have the tallest tire it can fit at full compression in my opinion. IF 31" is the tallest the G can fit then that makes sense. There is only one thing that will get the diff off the ground and away from rocks; that's the tire! I am sure your G's drivetrain should be able to handle upsizing to at least 33's (285/75's for us 16"ers) even if it was for trail use only (ie 2nd set). Hell it would be no more stress than the drivetrain sees with AMG's G55 setup!!!
Actually, it's nearly impossible. Thus, i had to spend $$ just to get European 16" rims...MBUSA dealers won't sell them to me. I can only think of 4 rims that would fit on my G-wagen (18" AMG, stock 18", my 16" rims, and Borbet 16" rims). Nothing else fit...unless i find someone to customize one for me...and that's even more $$$$$.
I went with 16" rims BECAUSE it provides more tire selection especially when it comes to all-terrain tires (and cheaper too). There is no selection of BFG AT, Bridgestone Dueler REVO, or GY Wrangler Silent Armor in 18" stock size (since i don't want to screw with on-board electronics). Why are you even arguing with me on this one...HELLO, i have done my research on this...a quick internet search ain't gonna do it.
Do you cook and clean too?? Because if you do, maybe i can hire you cheap.