Intro: 1987 Dodge Raider for back country excursions

[geocrasher]

I happened along this truck on the local Craigslist site and got it for $500. Its got a huge amount of miles (334k) but has been well maintained and the PO even had a brake job done on it recently. When I got it it needed all new clutch hydraulics and I'm almost done with that.

The rig is completely stock. I'd like to leave it that way. I am going to put 235/75/15's on it or 30x9.50x15's on it to get a little extra clearance, but no more than that. I want to keep the stock wheels.

I live in Nevada, and the back country here is sparsely populated and provisions are scarce in spots. For that reason I'm interested in increasing fuel capacity. I'm also interested in other mods that will make it more comfortable for spending a few days away from the rest of the world.

I also plan on adding a roof rack with lights front and back.

I'm open to any suggestions as to what to do to make the vehicle suit my purposes. Thanks a lot!

 

[off-roader]

In the US, the most common way to increase fuel capacity for any of the Mitsu 4x4's is by using Jerry Cans or having a custom gas tank fabricated & installed. From my experience over the past decade there are no domestic sources for off the shelf gas tanks larger than stock for any of the Mitsu 4x4's.

Australia and possibly S. Africa may have extended or even auxiliary tanks you can import but the cost will be prohibitive as will the wait time for the unit to be shipped and get through customs.

If your primary intent is for simple back country trails and you want to retain the stock wheels, you can still run bigger tires in order to gain better clearance off road (31x10.5's fit w/out any other upgrades). For basic 4x4 use (hunting, etc.) I'd stick as close to stock tire size as possible to minimize wear on the drivetrain.

As for roof racks, what you choose should really depend on your requirements for it. I recommend putting as little weight & wind resistance up there as possible (this coming from an owner who totes 4 jerry cans up top:Wow1.

One thing to watch out for is overheating the engine. If you do just once, there's a very good likelyhood that you'll have to replace the head gasket and head since they can crack very easily from too much heat. Before you even think to put bigger tires on, inspect your cooling system and especially your radiator in case it needs to be 'rodded'. Do not replace it with a cheap radiator that has plastic tanks. Only use one that's all metal.

HTH!

 

[Ozarker]

X2

Looks like one of the two I traded for my fozzy

I had stock wheels and ATs which were more than sufficient for trails, dirt roads and highway.

I'd take the back seat out and put a platform in, even so, it's too short to sleep in unless un tip the front seats up, I'm 6'. If you were not getting into really rough areas and climbing much, I'd get a rack for a trailer hitch and pack it as needed, keeping weight down and not increasing the brick wind resistance.

Keep it stock, IMO.

 

[fatrat]

Welcome! As off-roader stated, definitely verify your radiator is in good shape and a well made all metal radiator. My Monty came with all service records since new in 89 and included a receipt for a new radiator that had been installed about 8 months before I bought it. It turns out it was a cheap radiator with plastic tanks and it started overheating in traffic then the radiator busted which ended up cracking my head. So go pop your hood and check that radiator / cooling system!

 

[geocrasher]

Thanks gents! Yes stock or close to it for sure. 235's are a lot narrower than the 30's and I am trying to go for those. They are just easier to find used as people upgrade to bigger tires. I don't want to spend lots of money on tires right now.

I will check out the cooling system ASAP. I looked yesterday and noticed the radiator was not full to the top with water, but it is a metal radiator not plastic tanks.

As for the extended range, I am not sure what I want to do yet. There are plenty of options if I didn't mind putting the gas tank IN the car, but I don't think that's a good idea. I also don't want to put the jerry cans on top, the less weight on top the better. Maybe I'll skip the roof rack idea altogether. A "Rubicon rack" like they have for the jeeps might be workable, I'll have to look into that.

EDIT: There was still some light left out so I went and filled the radiator. Between the radiator and the overflow tank on the fender it took a little over a quart of water. Not much, so I am not worried unless I am told I should worry.

Lastly, I've had thoughts about putting an automatic locker in the back like an aussie locker or lock-rite or similar. Thoughts on that?

 

[rxinhed]

The Mitsu LSD is capable enough for most situations. Look for an LSD from a Starion to add in your front diff, too. As you know, I've run up to 33" tires on my Raider, but 31" is more reasonable, fit on stock rims, and don't kill power or braking efforts.

Haul a small trailer with your added supplies.

 

[geocrasher]

I'll keep a look out for diffs. Is the Starion diff 4.62 also or will I need to have the 3rd member set up with my gears? For the rear I'll find one from a Montero 1st gen that has it and swap it out. Thats no big deal. Thanks for the idea on that. LSD's front and back would be plenty!

I found a nice set of 235/75/15's from a local wheeler, BFG AT's. Should be just right.

 

[off-roader]

I'll keep a look out for diffs. Is the Starion diff 4.62 also or will I need to have the 3rd member set up with my gears? For the rear I'll find one from a Montero 1st gen that has it and swap it out. Thats no big deal. Thanks for the idea on that. LSD's front and back would be plenty!

I found a nice set of 235/75/15's from a local wheeler, BFG AT's. Should be just right.

LSD for rear prob has to come from another 2.6l model and not the 3.0l model.
To use the station dif you only use the LSD and not the r&p from the starion.
ARB also makes a locker for the rear should you get into more aggressive terrain.

 

[Ozarker]

BTW, there is a Subaru advertisement on TV, where the guy is in the salvage yard getting the gear shift knob from the one he crashed....watch closely, the is a shot with a Radier on a pile of cars showing the hood and grill/front end....so parts are still out there...LOL :ylsmoke:

 

[geocrasher]

Oh good, I feel so much better!

 

[geocrasher]

I got tires and wheels today. 15x8's with 30x9.50x15's. Uniroyal all terrains. I got them for very little.

 

[fatrat]

What's the AC plug sticking out of the headlight used for? Do you have a diesel?

 

[geocrasher]

I wish! No its an inline heater hose block heater. Its less work to leave it in than take it out. Would make a great spot to put in a heat exchanger though. The hoses are already there.

 

[fatrat]

Yeah I wish my Monty had a diesel! I looked into to a diesel swap before rebuilding but it was going to cost twice to three times as much.

 

[geocrasher]

That is why this truck will stay stock, or mostly stock. I'm not lifting it, I'm not swapping out the drivetrain, etc. If I really want I might do an ARB in the back, and if I get an ARB then I'm going to swap in a Toyota rear axle at the same time so that if/when the truck dies, I'll have an easier time either re-using the ARB or selling it. Plus this rear has 334k miles on it, needs a rebuild or replacement anyway