My Alabama 1998 Gen 2.5 BUILD

[Alabama4WD]

Earlier this year I purchased my first truck! A 1998 Mitsu. Montero/Pajero with 176k. This truck is amazing! I mean. Dang. Our relationship was spectacular until about three weeks ago when I decided it was time to change the spark plugs and rocker cover gaskets. I had taken the diagrams from the shop service manuals and started taking everything off. The air intake manifold was a real "women" to take off. After several days of tinkering and documenting which part went where, I gained access to the actual block. Things went downhill from here.

I tried to take the covers off, but they kept hitting some other engine component. I did manage to gain just enough space to put in new spark plug seals. I looked for old valve gaskets and DID NOT SEE ANY?! Still frustrated I couldn't remove them, I gave up and reassembled it with new plugs and wires. I said to myself that I'd save that task for a mechanic. So it worked when I turned it over. Forgot to mention that I also replaced every gasket I had access to, just not the cover gaskets.

Fast forward to NOW. I just recently installed a CB radio and it will receive but won't transmit. I CAN fix that. So i decided while I'm at it to replace the front door speakers with some 6.5" 250w BOSS chaos speakers and install a new receiver. HERE IS THE PROBLEM: So the genius mitsubishi engineers decided that this truck needed a total of six speakers. No big deal you say? Well apparently there is a factory amp to power the speakers if you got the Infinity package which is what I unknowingly bought. When I took the driver's door apart to replace the speaker, the window crapped out. The speaker was also not loud at all. Very soft sound. Replacing the receiver was a killer as well. You have to have an amp hook up in the aftermarket receiver which I didn't know. Maybe the 250w is too much for the current stock system? I LOVE this truck, but it has only been a pain in the ***** and wallet. I'm sitting here out of all mechanical confidence. Any advice for a stereo replacement or anything else? Do you want me to keep ya'll updated? Let me know PLEASE!!!


P.S. It's coming up on 180k. So I'm saving for a timing belt and water pump change on top of new tires.

 

[Sabre]

Did you follow the instructions in the service manual? How about doing a bunch of research online before tearing into it?

Really, all this information is readily available. The configuration of the OEM sound system is widely known.

I don't know what to say about dumping a bunch of cash into the stereo when you need to save up for more essential and more important items. Since you asked for advice, put the OE Infinity system back together, return the fancy stuff and proceed slowly after doing your homework. These are amazing vehicles.

 

[nwoods]

Crutchfield sells speakers that fit, and adapters for the factory wiring harness if you want to continue to use the factory amp. I forget the exact numbers of what they are, but the factory speakers are something like a 2 ohm system. I replaced the speakers and head unit, but used the harness adapter and reused the amp. Works okay, but could use some base. The 6x9's in the rear are not enough (also a PIA to get too!).

The amp is under the rear passenger seat, in a well recessed into the floor. Search my name and "amp" and you'll find pictures.

 

[jlocster]

METRA 70-7003 Wiring Harness, Stereo (utilizes stock amplifier)

The above listed part will allow you to connect your new head unit to the factory wiring, thereby incorporating the stock amp.
if you choose to bypass the stock amp you will need to run new speaker wires to each speaker location.

FYI, the Infinity system comes with 8 speakers: 2 tweeters on upper door, 2 low range on lower door, 2 mids on lower dash, 2 full range in the rear luggage area.

For what's its worth, I ultimately choose to rewire and just install 2 new lower door and 2 rear speakers.

For more info read here at post #92 down through nwoods' reply in post #95.

 

[montypower]

Yes, the motor is fairly complicated but I found it incredibly easy to work on. Just take your time. Everything comes apart and goes together logically and easily. I just did the heads, t belt, starter and nearly every other part on it. Get some factory manuals or print the shop manuals and see how everything is assembled and make sure you have proper torque specs. Much of it comes down to researching ahead of time. For instance, you need a special tool for setting the t-belt tension. It can be found on amazon for about $25 so not a big deal if you plan ahead. Also, buying factory parts (especially the timing belt) will save heart ache later on.

 

[justbecause]

what part of AL are you in?

I wish I had gotten a montero instead of the trooper after I sold my 80.