Bought a Gen 3 yesterday......Have a couple questions!

[PonchusBrutalus]

Hi all!

I'm the very new owner of a 2002 Montero Limited! I've got a couple questions regarding some interesting things I've found since giving the Monty a more thorough inspection.

1. What should be in this empty space near the passenger side firewall? Seems to be way too much empty space to have come that way from the factory. I've never known Japanese engineers to leave that much workable room!


2. Any idea what this dangling connector might be? The PO (two owners ago) had lowered the vehicle and the large wheels/tires rubbed the doo doo out of the fender well plastic. I'm not sure if this caused issues with this connector, but I thought I'd see if anyone here had any thoughts.


3. This should have been number one....oh well. Just wanted to say thanks to all the Mitsu owners on this board for the invaluable info I've picked up! I'm a research fiend, so all the knowledge I found here was incredibly helpful! I've got some plans for the new Monty, and I'll hopefully be starting a (mild) build thread. Shout out to ImNoSaint (among many others) for inspiring me to take the road less traveled and get a Monty!

 

[jhill15]

Hey man congrats on the new rig! My 2003 has that big empty space, i dont know if anything is supposed to be there but looks like a great place for a duel battery set up.

Is there a side marker bulb on the fender? If so the harness could go to that... I'm sorry i'm not a whole lot of help.

 

[montypower]

ARB Compressor for your dual air lockers and on-board compressor

 

[Michael Brown]

1) That space is on all of them. Both my 01 and my current 05 has it. I think it is designed room for RHD in other markets where they move everything (ABS, brake/clutch cylinders, etc.) to that side.

2) The only thing I can think of is the factory fog light in the bumper. Otherwise it might be TPMS antenna for that wheel.

 

[PonchusBrutalus]

Thanks for the replies, guys! I'll have to keep digging to see if I can figure out what that lower connector is for.

As for the under-hood space, I like that compressor setup. Though I think that is a bit "Pie-in-the-sky" for my plans right now! I'm working on putting my list together. Focusing on selling off the old vehicle first. Anyone in SoCal looking for a 7.3 Powerstroke SuperDuty? Also, I'll get some pics of the new rig up soon. Though I have to warn everyone, it's a bit "different" currently.

 

[Clem]

Though I have to warn everyone, it's a bit "different" currently.

Lowered with 22" spinners? :sombrero:

Looking forward to pics...as always.

Clem

 

[PonchusBrutalus]

There she is, in all her "glory". Two owners ago she was lowered, rolling on 20's! The guy I bought it from installed an OME lift, threw on some new shoes, but didn't change the wheels. I'd love to ditch those chrome monstrosities in favor of something matte black, maybe 15" with a 32x11.5 BFG A/T. Anyone here running tiny wheels with big rubber?

 

[Eric M]

I would try to find some 3rd gen 16s. Then you can have 255/85R16 goodness.

 

[PonchusBrutalus]

I love the look of those tires! The only issue is that this is also my DD. How do the KM2s do with road noise? I've had the A/Ts on most trucks I've owned, and I LOVE them. Not much mud or snow here in the south end of the Golden State, and I spend my offroad time mostly in dirt and sand. You're probably right about the 16s though. I'd have a lot more options if I went that route. Any good resources for stock stuff aside from wrecking yards?

 

[Eric M]

Sadly, no. Unless you want to buy new. I've actually found quite a few sets of the 3rd gen wheels on my local Craigslist, so you might have luck there. As for the tire selection, I think for you I would go with the 255/85R16 Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx. They're pretty quiet on the road and they are good in sand, from what I hear.

 

[Jo_Kami]

Congrats!

I think I remember seeing this one on craigslist for a while....
Was this the one located in Palm Springs?

 

[ctdfab]

Good buy! I'm not sure if 15s will clear the brake calipers. I'm running 285 75 16 cooper AT3s and they fit really well on my 02

 

[Jo_Kami]

Are you running a lift as well ctdfab?

 

[Clem]

View attachment 274063Two owners ago she was lowered, rolling on 20's!

I was close :sombrero:

I am currently running 31x10.5R15 GY Duratracs on my Gen 2.5. If you want 33", Cooper ST Maxx are available in 255/85R16 (I think 16's were stock in 01-04) or 255/80R17 (I think 17's were stock in 05-06). 265/75R16 is ~32" tire with lot of options too.

Good luck with your new rig!

Clem

 

[Eric M]

2001 had 16s, too. It was 2001-2004.