1989 Short Wheel Base (2dr) Montero Sport 2.6L 5Spd

[Snea]

Hi Guys,
I just picked up a 1989 Short Wheel Base (2dr) Montero Sport 2.6L 4cyl 5spd
I'm looking to do a super budget build with it (2" shackle & t-bar lift) 33" tires, rock sliders and a winch.

I've been looking everywhere for some lift shackles but cannot seem to locate ones that I know for sure will fit. I understand that I can use the front lift shackles from an 83 or below Toyota Pickup, but I don't want to order something, do the work just to find out they don't fit and have to deal with re-assembling and returning them.. Can someone direct me somewhere I can order these things? Or is there anyone out there that can make them for me and I'll just order them from you?

Also, anyone know if a winch can be mounted to these things with just a winch plate? I don't care about a bumper, trying to go as budget as possible. If so, anyone know of any winch plates I can pick up for this thing? If no choice but a bumper, what a good simple budget winch bumper?
Thank you
Ken
Im in Southern California

 

[Toasty]

The Toyota shackles are kind of too small, they will work with some hammering but it's not really that worth it. Everyone I know who has run them switched them out later, do a 2" body lift and run some 35's. The Montero was designed to hold a winch between the frame rails, they were equipped with them from the factory in some countries. I might be able to whip you up some parts in a few weeks but right now I'm swamped with bumpers, lifts, chromo idler arms, an IFS upgrade/rebuild, a Turbo swap, a NP241OR swap and and and the list goes on...

 

[JohnnyBfromPeoria]

You can also locate a set of inexpensive add-a-leaf springs that will replace the bottom, flat spring in the rear leaf pack. My '87 has a set. They're short, arched pieces that sandwich in the leaf pack on the bottom and add about 2" to the rear stance.

Although many would tell you not to do this, I do it and have had no problems: In the front, pull off the front wheels while on jack stands, locate the four rubber bumpers that limit the downward travel of the front suspension (obviously two on each side, under the upper control arms), and cut half of each bumpstop off with a horizontal cut with a razor knife. Don't cut so much off that the bolt heads for the stop would impact the control arm, that's too much. Then crank the front end up by tightening the torsion bar anchor bolts. Don't go so high that your bump stops touch the control arm with the truck sitting on the wheels or your ride will suck.

My '87 has the add-a-leafs, the cranked front torsion bars and a 2" body lift. When it's sitting on its 33" tires, it looks pretty menacing.

John B.

 

[Toasty]

How about those Toyota shackles on the Mighty Max?

 

[Snea]

Thanks Toasty, let me know when you have some time to whip me up a simple winch plate or if you know where I can grab one... What would you charge for something like that? Literally all i need is a winch plate, no need for a bumper. You can text anytime (562) 881-1687. The shackle idea is appealing to me cus of the simplicity and ease of install and the fact that Im so burnt out on time and work into building 4wds (Ill post a pic of the one I just sold) All my previous 4wds had a lot of time, sweat and money in them. My goal for this one is to literally build this as budget and easy as possible. Tired of cringing every time I have a close call. I know putting a body lift on is a bit of pita and I really have no more patience for that anymore at least for a while. Also, Im not really a big fan of body lifts. But I understand people do them to these things for a reason, I just want cheap, simple and easy that require no brain or patience. I just wanna go play and camp and not care about this thing if I lay it on its side.

Ive had a few 4wds and kinda tired of the glamour builds. Im gonna play the budget game for a bit..

 

[Toasty]

Wanna do the Sierra Challenge this September?

 

[Snea]

will a ****ty 1989 montero with a t-bar and shackle lift on 33s make it? lol if so then most likely. I'll have to check because I am a photographer and run a travel company so I literally over seas for half the year.

 

[Toasty]

If you know how to drive yeah, you'll want at least sliders though. Your truck looks nice.

 

[JohnnyBfromPeoria]

Snea, you'll need at least one traction aid to make that trip. A limited slip AT LEAST. And a body lift on a Gen 1 takes like 3 hours and costs about $100. No stickers required.

John B.

 

[JohnnyBfromPeoria]

How about those Toyota shackles on the Mighty Max?

The shackles are alright, I mean they give the 83 Dodge Power Ram 4WD (property of the 14th St Crew, trademark exclusive, all rights reserved) a proper stance. Just wish we had all the bushings. Two out of the three sets have been replaced, but we didn't get around to tracking down the rear/upper ones because we didn't even know what those shackles were at the time. That's the downside of Frankensteining a vehicle, I guess, unless it's documented, a new owner has work to do in order to figure out the routine repairs.

John B.

 

[mudraider]

Man, bad start. Coming on to a Mitsu forum and talking about a $hitt¥ Mitsubishi? I think you will be pleasantly surprised by how well it does.

sent from my pretty good Android phone

 

[Snea]

Man, bad start. Coming on to a Mitsu forum and talking about a $hitt¥ Mitsubishi? I think you will be pleasantly surprised by how well it does.

sent from my pretty good Android phone

Never meant that Mitsus were ****ty, I just meant mine was.. anyway here are the before and afters.

 

[mudraider]

Never meant that Mitsus were ****ty, I just meant mine was.. anyway here are the before and afters.

Turned out great 👍

sent from my pretty good Android phone

 

[rxinhed]

How about those Toyota shackles on the Mighty Max?

Toasty, tried on Mighty Max to no avail...didn't want to destroy the vintage Conferr lift shackles. Top too wide, bottom too narrow.

There is a company in the UK that makes a 50mm (2" shackle) for the new Triton that will likely work on the Mighty Max / D50 / Montero / Raider platforms.

Russell

 

[jms_brns]

This makes me want a Gen1 Shorty... turned out awesome!