97 Montero LS Suspension Question

[3percentproject]

Good day everyone. I am a longtime lurker and finally decided to post. This is my 1st Montero and I am really enjoying it so far. I almost feel like as if I have been robbing myself for not getting one sooner. The value seems to be the best available for a used 4x4 with great build quality and capability. My last rig was a 97 LX450 which I sold before moving from AZ to PA because I thought we wheeling days were over. After 6 months of realizing I hated the North East the wife and I moved near Ensenada, Mexico (I work from home) and I have been dying to build something because our Rav4 is not going to conquer Baja. I purchased a 97 Montero LS 181K (no rear locker/cloth interior) from Craigslist in San Diego. I was lucky to get something completely rust free. As soon as I got It home, I took it to a mechanic and had him complete a full tune up, (spark plugs, fuel filter, distributor, cables, leaky gaskets, transmission fluid etc). It runs freaking amazing! I poured so much into my last cruiser to keep it well maintained and it never felt this good. This feels truly dependable.

Now that it's running swell, I need to address the worn shocks. I am a firm on the belief that less is more when it comes to tire size. To avoid changing gear ratios, and less wear/tear on other components I wont be going over a 33 or 285 tire, but I will be adding a heavier front bumper/winch, hi-lift etc. What is a cost effective way to handle the weight and add maybe 1-2 in of lift. I am even open to a slight body lift and just getting new shocks. Can you guys help me out? I will post some pics tomorrow. and have a fish taco for you all.

 

[nwoods]

Its my opinion you don't need to add a lift to get the results you are looking for. 33" tires fit like it was made for it, without any lift. You can increase your load capacity and improve damping with a replacement suspension such as Old Man Emu, but you don't need to increase ride height unless you are thinking about tackling the Rubicon. The factory KYB's are adequate, and handle high speed sandy washes well, but are otherwise bouncy. A lot of people on this forum and Adventure Driven Design seem to like the Bilstein 5100's for a softer ride.

Here are a few photos of my 98 on 33's with no lift on KYB's

 

[Toasty]

Shovel is dead on, as usual. 4.90 and 33's will be the amazing, hands down my favorite combo for a Montero. I would look into OME or Bilstein 4600 too, I ran Tokico Trekmasters and liked them a lot as well.

 

[3percentproject]

Here are some pics. Got it cleaned up and had engine degreased yesterday. Very excited for this project. Going to search the local yards for a scrapped SR and start looking for some bumper options, shocks/springs.

 

[3percentproject]

Its my opinion you don't need to add a lift to get the results you are looking for. 33" tires fit like it was made for it, without any lift. You can increase your load capacity and improve damping with a replacement suspension such as Old Man Emu, but you don't need to increase ride height unless you are thinking about tackling the Rubicon. The factory KYB's are adequate, and handle high speed sandy washes well, but are otherwise bouncy. A lot of people on this forum and Adventure Driven Design seem to like the Bilstein 5100's for a softer ride.

Here are a few photos of my 98 on 33's with no lift on KYB's

I love the way these look. Very nice looking rig you got there. If you are ever in Mexico let me know.

 

[3percentproject]

First trip out. Found some great trails with secluded beaches. The truck handled eveything great. We noticed a bit of rattling from the rear tail lights. They are both loose with some play causing some very obnoxious rattling (even though screws are nice and snug) Anyone else have this issue? Seems as if the weather stripping has worn away and allowing eveything to rattle. Would appear to be an easy fix.