Hi - I picked up a 1997 Montero SR 2 weeks ago. Been slowly taking it apart as it needs quite a bit of maintenance. It has 225k miles on it! It is a great vehicles - its going to be my camping and hunting rig.
I am starting with suspension work, then moving to the engine (timing belt, some seals, fix some leaks) and then the interior, although I've kind of started on all 3 at once, waiting for parts to arrive.
I've already replaced the second door window regulators and exterior door handles, and still need to do the rear tailgate handle. I've torn out the carpet and will replace it with a vinyl floor.
It still has the original front shocks! - the ones you can control from inside, but the rears have been replaced with some cheap-o ones.
As I am doing the suspension, I am replacing the brake calipers, pads, wheel bearings and seals, ball joints, and tie rod ends. I've re-fitted the driver side axle with a new inner boot as it was torn. Not doing the brake disc rotors as they are brand new.
My question and request for advice is related to the brake dust shields. As I removed them, 7 of the 8 bolts sheared off. I've been trying to drill them out with varying degrees of success. My question is about those dust shields - what would be the problem if I simply left them off? Do they really need to be in there?
Thanks for your time, and I'm sure I'll have some more questions.
I am starting with suspension work, then moving to the engine (timing belt, some seals, fix some leaks) and then the interior, although I've kind of started on all 3 at once, waiting for parts to arrive.
I've already replaced the second door window regulators and exterior door handles, and still need to do the rear tailgate handle. I've torn out the carpet and will replace it with a vinyl floor.
It still has the original front shocks! - the ones you can control from inside, but the rears have been replaced with some cheap-o ones.
As I am doing the suspension, I am replacing the brake calipers, pads, wheel bearings and seals, ball joints, and tie rod ends. I've re-fitted the driver side axle with a new inner boot as it was torn. Not doing the brake disc rotors as they are brand new.
My question and request for advice is related to the brake dust shields. As I removed them, 7 of the 8 bolts sheared off. I've been trying to drill them out with varying degrees of success. My question is about those dust shields - what would be the problem if I simply left them off? Do they really need to be in there?
Thanks for your time, and I'm sure I'll have some more questions.
