I have a 1998 Evolution V, I've had it since 2013. It's currently at my home in Japan, I visit family there a few times a year and use it while I'm there but I'm strongly considering bringing it back to the US with me when it's legal in a couple years (it's a February 1998 production).

I have no concerns really about engine parts since many things seems to be compatible with the US Evo VIII/IX. But all the other stuff worries me a little, especially large/heavy parts that might not be easily replaceable.

How compatible is the V/VI with the VIII/IX as far as things like suspension parts go? If a rock takes out my windshield, can I just replace it with a US Mitsu Mirage windshield? What about things like wheel bearings, brake discs, AYC components, rear end, etc? Obviously body panels will be a challenge. Is there a resource or reference page out there with this kind of info?

Since the car has been driven so little over the last few years I'm going to refresh a lot of parts before it leaves Japan. I'd like to do a lot of it myself just for fun, and I don't have anywhere to do it in Japan so it would have to go to a shop. Any recommendations for things I should have done before it leaves Japan just because it will be difficult to get parts in North America?

Sorry for all the questions, just trying to figure things out the best I can.

Thanks!
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Engine - easy. Basically everything you need interchanges with USDM. Transmission solutions are similar.
Suspension - if you have aluminum rear control arms, the rear suspension is pretty much identical. Front suspension is different, but everything is available to replace ball joints and bushings. Make sure your steering rack and axles are kept in good condition and rebuild if need be, you can't exactly buy reman units here.
Brakes - same as USDM Evo.
AYC - may fail, but can be serviced, or you can convert to the USDM Evo rear diff.

Basic maintenance is easy - make Amayama.com your best friend and you'll get by just fine. Your issue will be if body panels get banged up, in which case replacements are extremely expensive from Japan due to the cost of shipping. Basically everything you need for an Evo V is still available pretty easily, unlike Evo 123s where some items are starting to get very tough to find.