2005 Gen 3 Montero (Pajero) Overland Build

EpicPlanet

Member
Hmm - interesting. We've used Dunlops, Pirellis, Yokohamas, Michelins, and BFGs, and are now using Toyo Open Country ATs. They are quieter than the BFGs - about the same as the Yokohamas - and are similar to the BFGs in performance, but significantly cheaper. I don't notice much road noise with them.
Been intending to go with K02s, but will have to do some more comparing with Toyo Open Country ATs.
 

EpicPlanet

Member
I am fan of Michelin Defenders LTX for all-terrain tires. But the echo what everyone else said the truck is very capable stock and close to stock. If I had to build mine again I would go with the OE tire width and maybe 1 or 2 diameter sizes about stock, thats all it needs.
What tire size did you use that made you want to stay closer to stock if you did it all over again?
 

ChrisCosta416

Well-known member
What tire size did you use that made you want to stay closer to stock if you did it all over again?
I used various tire sizes and regeared as well. Depends what you want to use the vehicle for. I am a fan of function over form. I would not try to chase 33s unless you absolutely need it. Wheel the truck with one or two tire sizes bigger and see how you do. Bigger tires increase MPG, road noise, and of course cause more strain to every part of the vehicle.
Now if you plan to build the truck for some rock crawling then I would suggest 34s and a re-gear to 4.9 diffs. But if all you plan to do is some mild trails and car camp 32s are more than enough!
 

plh

Explorer
What tire size did you use that made you want to stay closer to stock if you did it all over again?
I had 265/75R17, 285/75R17 and 235/85R16 KO2s on my '05 over my ownership. Would totally NOT recommend a lift (I did the OME medium & Bilstein shocks mid ownership, would not do it again). Best tire size 265/75R17. I can't imagine the problems you will have going to 35" tires - good luck with that.
 

EpicPlanet

Member
I used various tire sizes and regeared as well. Depends what you want to use the vehicle for. I am a fan of function over form. I would not try to chase 33s unless you absolutely need it. Wheel the truck with one or two tire sizes bigger and see how you do. Bigger tires increase MPG, road noise, and of course cause more strain to every part of the vehicle.
Now if you plan to build the truck for some rock crawling then I would suggest 34s and a re-gear to 4.9 diffs. But if all you plan to do is some mild trails and car camp 32s are more than enough!
Will be doing more than just mild trails. I'll leave the dedicated rock crawling to the Jeeps, but would like some extra ability to get over whatever obstacles I come across.
 

EpicPlanet

Member
I had 265/75R17, 285/75R17 and 235/85R16 KO2s on my '05 over my ownership. Would totally NOT recommend a lift (I did the OME medium & Bilstein shocks mid ownership, would not do it again). Best tire size 265/75R17. I can't imagine the problems you will have going to 35" tires - good luck with that.
Good to know. What problems did your lift cause?
 

EpicPlanet

Member
If/when you get stuck then build it from there IMO. I have the 2.5 series Kings (Long thread on it on my profile) Same goes for Total Chaos. Total Chaos UCAs are not needed unless you have kings
Thanks. I'll read through that thread. Saw on their website a couple months ago that King now makes their own UCA for the Montero for that clearance issue.
 

alanymarce

Well-known member
285's on stock offset wheels still rubbed a bit in the front on minor obstacles, ride was super harsh compared to stock. Some people don't mind a lumber wagon, but 90+% of our driving was on road.
Good to hear your experience. For what it's worth we lifted 50 mm with a Dobinson's "medium load" kit and have had no clearance problems; the ride is good (we probably cover 75% on asphalt).
 
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EpicPlanet

Member
From my knowledge King still does not make upper arms. King works with Total Chaos on a lot of their stuff. - https://www.chaosfab.com/product/1999-2006-Mitsubishi-Montero-Upper-Control-Arms
Checked King's website, no UCAs. Must have been another site I was looking at that sold Kings with UCAs as a set. Been reading so many websites about this lately. Is that your Montero in the pic on their website?
Been reading through your threads. Just realized who you are. I've read a lot of your posts before while researching. Even had some of them copied to my notes from years ago. Glad to see you're still around!
I'm still leaning toward Kings, but I am very curious on how a Koni RAID 90-5443/88-5389 setup would do. Need to look more into that.
 

ChrisCosta416

Well-known member
Checked King's website, no UCAs. Must have been another site I was looking at that sold Kings with UCAs as a set. Been reading so many websites about this lately. Is that your Montero in the pic on their website?
Been reading through your threads. Just realized who you are. I've read a lot of your posts before while researching. Even had some of them copied to my notes from years ago. Glad to see you're still around!
I'm still leaning toward Kings, but I am very curious on how a Koni RAID 90-5443/88-5389 setup would do. Need to look more into that.
Nice! That is my Montero! It transformed a lot after that!

I created a Gen3 suspension guide that should be somewhere on here with all the options. I heard a few people having issues with RAIDs but I suggest reaching out to LusoOverland and they might be able to get you more updated info.
If I had to build my truck again, I would either do Kings or Raids. If you want a cheaper option, Koni HTs and Lovells or King Aus Springs is also a great choice!
 

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