ANOTHER Guy With A Gen 2.5 Build - Sure, why Not? It's My First!

[KIRK!]

OK, I'm finally getting all my ducks in a row in regard to setting my '99 up the way I want. I haven't offroaded for about 20 years, so I'll call myself a newbie. That's why I have been trying to learn as much as I can from this site before starting my Montero. I have built many classic cars, so the fab stuff should be relatively simple, but I want to do the right stuff the right way. Feel free to give your input.

The plans for my rig are:
-Paint the wheels that came with it (Done)
-Get everything stock, mechanically sound (done as far as I know)
-1.5" body lift (Done)
-Surco Safari rack (Done)
-Build front bumper (Done)
-Build rear bumper
-Build rock sliders
-Off road lights
-Coat grey rockers with spray-on bedliner
-Build spare-mounted jerry can holder
-Snorkel (TJM is supposed to have them in stock in the USA soon!)
-Build any necessary skid plates
-Try to fab quick swaybar disconnects
-Figure out inside storage without losing room for two dogs and a kid
-Enjoy!

Getting started this weekend with the body lift.

Before

 

[eurosonic]

I like where this is going :ylsmoke:

 

[KIRK!]

I like where this is going :ylsmoke:

Thanks. I have the body lift part of your build thread printed out to help with mine.

 

[eurosonic]

When lifting the body be careful not to stretch/damage the brake lines that run through the upper apron.

 

[grandpa]

Looks good. I hope to do many of the same mods.

 

[KIRK!]

When lifting the body be careful not to stretch/damage the brake lines that run through the upper apron.

Noted. Thanks!

 

[Sabre]

Great-looking rig! That's a particularly nice color and the black wheels look great with it. I'm going to be following with interest, as my Gen 3 will, if all goes well, soon be replaced by a Gen 2.5.

 

[KIRK!]

It was a fairly smooth weekend and I got a bunch done. Thanks to Eurosonic and Silverwulf! The body lift parts of their build threads were a nice help. It's a fairly easy job, but getting yourself prepared is a bonus.

-1.5" body lift installed? Check!
-Surco Safari rack installed? Check!
-HID headlight conversion installed? Check!
-Remove rear mud flaps and hardware? Check!
-Third row seats and seatbelts removed? Check! (anyone need them?)
-Pick up Hi-Lift jack, bumper lift accessory and bumper mount for $80 off of Craigslist? Check!
-Buy used bumper from Craigslist to modify? Check!
-Repaint intake cover? Check!
-New non-wimpy horns installed? Check!

I had planned to build the front bumper from scratch, but I saw this and only need to modify it a little to fit. I had the brush guard. It's off of an Isuzu Trooper. I'll be combining the two.

 

[Senor Carey]

I might be interested in your stock bumper if you're selling it. Please P.M. me, if so.

Thanks.

 

[eurosonic]

Great progress. Rig looks great!

More info on the hid's!

 

[KIRK!]

I might be interested in your stock bumper if you're selling it. Please P.M. me, if so.

Thanks.

The center is nice, but the ends have scuffs.

Great progress. Rig looks great!

More info on the hid's!

Thanks!

Simple conversion I got on eBay. Like this one HERE. I have done them on a couple other cars and my motorcycle. Really easy!

 

[eurosonic]

Simple conversion I got on eBay. Like this one HERE. I have done them on a couple other cars and my motorcycle. Really easy!

is that the exact on you bought? I was thinking of ordering a set from DDM Tuning. It looks like these are on sale.
Do you still have lowbeam/hibeam?

 

[off-roader]

Simple conversion I got on eBay. Like this one HERE. I have done them on a couple other cars and my motorcycle. Really easy!

Please check the output pattern on those HID's. in most cases, aftermarket hid conversion kits which use the OE reflector/housing ends up with a lot of scattered light that blinds other drivers unlike OEM HID systems.

I really get PO'd when someone has them because they're essentially blinding others... Kinda like driving with your high beams on without regard for others.

Sorry I don't mean to discourage you but thought you should know.

 

[KIRK!]

is that the exact on you bought? I was thinking of ordering a set from DDM Tuning. It looks like these are on sale.
Do you still have lowbeam/hibeam?

No, not the exact kit. I checked my buying history and it's been too long and they no longer show up. I did order the high/low beam kit.

Please check the output pattern on those HID's. in most cases, aftermarket hid conversion kits which use the OE reflector/housing ends up with a lot of scattered light that blinds other drivers unlike OEM HID systems.

I really get PO'd when someone has them because they're essentially blinding others... Kinda like driving with your high beams on without regard for others.

Sorry I don't mean to discourage you but thought you should know.

They are great. I had my wife drive the opposite way down the street last night while I was in my car.

 

[eurosonic]

U mind sharing install pics? mostly interested in ballast mounting location