1998-1999 Gen 2.5 questions

[BIGdaddy]

• 
  Which motor does this have? The 3.5L, correct (I honestly forgot to check, though I did pop the hood of the one we're looking at)? Is this considered a solid motor? Interference with a timing belt?

• Does this particular year lend itself to the use of Jeep cherokee winch bumper like the Gen II's do? I have a nice winch/winch bumper setup that I'd like to re-use if possible.

• Does this Generation allow for the fitment of Warn manual front hubs for wear and tear reduction/mpg gains?

• What would I need to run a rubicon level trail? My short list is this: CB radio/antenna install, torsion bar crank, body lift, 35's, tow points, winch/winch mount, rock sliders, low hanging body cladding delete, rooftop/rear door/rear cargo area - cargo storage. Would that about do it?

This would be a rock limo for my family of 5 and a daily driver. We test drove a 1999, and REALLY liked it, but these are the questions that my wife had, that she wanted me to confirm.

Thanks in advance!

 

[off-roader]

• Which motor does this have? The 3.5L, correct (I honestly forgot to check, though I did pop the hood of the one we're looking at)? Is this considered a solid motor? Interference with a timing belt?

Not sure about the SOHC 3.5L but the DOHC 3.5L is an interference engine. Either motor however is a solid engine. Like most Mitsu v6 engines you will likely need to replace the valve guide seals which is a common problem on these motors. Nothing serious so long as you keep the oil level topped off but it will smoke until you do. The replacement seals typically last for 50K plus miles.

• Does this particular year lend itself to the use of Jeep cherokee winch bumper like the Gen II's do? I have a nice winch/winch bumper setup that I'd like to re-use if possible.

The bumper mounts are the same between a gen 2 and gen 2.5.

• Does this Generation allow for the fitment of Warn manual front hubs for wear and tear reduction/mpg gains?

Superwinch (used to sell manual hubs) or Rugged Ridge (currently sell manual hubs) as well as the original Aisin manual hubs that came on many Mitsu 4x4's from the mid 80's - early 90's. One of the guys on 4x4wire has also found a source for new Chinese made clones of the original Aisin hubs which seem to be holding up.

• What would I need to run a rubicon level trail? My short list is this: CB radio/antenna install, torsion bar crank, body lift, 35's, tow points, winch/winch mount, rock sliders, low hanging body cladding delete, rooftop/rear door/rear cargo area - cargo storage. Would that about do it?

35's, armor (rocker panel and re-inforced skid plates going across the transfer case and transmission). 2" BL, cut the rear lower quarter panels behind the rear wheel or armor them. The rig already has a front snatch point that's capable for most needs. In back, you can easily add either a non-hanging hitch or use the loop that comes with the rig.

Also keep in mind, the 'con, dusy ersham are all getting harder due to use so building it to be able to do the trails are a constant challenge. On the otherhand, going with a group who can help you stack rocks when needed, is always a good thing.

HTH.

 

[BIGdaddy]

Not sure about the SOHC 3.5L but the DOHC 3.5L is an interference engine. Either motor however is a solid engine. Like most Mitsu v6 engines you will likely need to replace the valve guide seals which is a common problem on these motors. Nothing serious so long as you keep the oil level topped off but it will smoke until you do. The replacement seals typically last for 50K plus miles.

The bumper mounts are the same between a gen 2 and gen 2.5.

Superwinch (used to sell manual hubs) or Rugged Ridge (currently sell manual hubs) as well as the original Aisin manual hubs that came on many Mitsu 4x4's from the mid 80's - early 90's. One of the guys on 4x4wire has also found a source for new Chinese made clones of the original Aisin hubs which seem to be holding up.

35's, armor (rocker panel and re-inforced skid plates going across the transfer case and transmission). 2" BL, cut the rear lower quarter panels behind the rear wheel or armor them. The rig already has a front snatch point that's capable for most needs. In back, you can easily add either a non-hanging hitch or use the loop that comes with the rig.

Also keep in mind, the 'con, dusy ersham are all getting harder due to use so building it to be able to do the trails are a constant challenge. On the otherhand, going with a group who can help you stack rocks when needed, is always a good thing.

HTH.

Excellent. Thank you very much. And yeah, the group I'd be going with have gone for the last 8 years consecutively - good advice, though.

 

[off-roader]

No problem. Cap510 did the 'con a few weeks back with his rig (37's locked front and rear, 4.9 r&p, 3.15 xcase, 3" lift, etc.) and he did encounter difficulty but then again he wasn't taking the easy lines and wanted to do the entire run w/out assistance or stacking rocks. You can probably ask him which parts were doable and which were difficult.