1. Biodeisel is not "Green." With the depleted topsoil in the U.S., the crops require heavy fertilization. The production of fertilizer is based on petroleum. Yes, it is. This is fact. The biodeisel enthusiasts like to ignore that little tidbit. Hence, to produce biodeisel requires the extraction of crude oil from the ground. And we are talking about a LOT of petroleum to make the fertilizer. And don't forget the petroleum to ship the crude oil, run the combines, & transport various materials.
2. If this is a publicity stunt for biodeisel &/or a documentary film there should be plenty of funding available for you to super-modify a whole fleet of trucks years in advance of the expedition. There is probably funding out there for a whole fleet of the commie trucks from Russia as well. Even better, make a 50/50 caravan of M35's and Russian trucks. That would surely get you funding for a documentary film.
3. Not to sound mean or racist, but have you ever travelled to any Latin American countries? Remember, you need special permission to carry weapons. Even small personal-protection weapons are a red-tape nightmare & probably not suited for a "Green" documentary. I don't think the Discovery Channel wants to air a Mexican-standoff between the highway bandits & the BioGreen Caravan. It kind of defeats the whole Peace & Love, save-the-planet message. Therefore, you will be defenseless in countries that really, deep down, don't like gringos. And God forbid if you happen to have blonde or red hair. I urge you to fly on vacation to a few of these countries first. Wander off the beaten path for a few days.
4. ANY stock vehicle or any product of any kind for that matter can be modified with $$$. I don't see a problem. In fact, many of your suggestions make sense. However, as pointed out repeatedly, these "upgrades" were unnecessary for the military at the time. Or at least that's what the normal answer is.
5. Why weren't the trucks ready for fighting in conditions found in Russia? That is a valid point. Maybe the entire Cold War was just a charade designed by Globalists to keep humanity divided & distracted while they swindled us of real earnings/property & seized all remaining reins of power. Who knows except for those at the top? Maybe airpower or tanks were considered more tactically important.
6. What's wrong with air lockers? Nothing, but price. The new ARB's + allow shafts should handle your proposed specs. And certainly an international caravan would carry spare parts. And if Discovery Channel is tagging along then a parts gopher is just a Fed Ex day away.
7. What's wrong with education or philosophy? Nothing, as long as it is truly education. But, like all facets of society, the educational curriculum can be manipulated to suit those in power. Personally, I believe 90% of today's curriculum is useless. It trains young Americans to avoid critical thinking. Perhaps that is by design. Do-As-You-Are-Told-And-Don't-Question makes for a fairly efficient, and certainly controllable workforce.
8. The total cost of what you propose could probably buy two or three of those Russian trucks. Why not concentrate on finishing your Ph.D. early? Then use your salary as a new professor of philosophy to fund your hobby? Again not to be mean, but a Ph.D. in philosophy could probably be completed in 3 years with just a little extra effort. Then you have 2 years of salary to devote to the expedition.
9. Why not have a dedicated wrecker truck follow up the rear of your caravan? Then half of the modifications you propose would be unnecessary. Look in the classified section. There are HUGE trucks with all sorts of cranes, winches, and various bells, whistles, and levers that are already built & ready to go. Unless, that is, this is going to be a one vehicle expedition. In which case I hope your family has lots of ransom money sitting in the bank.