gen 2.5 (99) Montero wheel / tire combo.

[biff]

Hi guys,

New here, and I am going to start off by asking for help that everyone will scream "USE THE SEARCH BUTTON"

That said, I HAVE, and finding info on 98, 99 or 2000's seem to be a bit difficult.

It looks like there are a few of you around here that are experts on the gen ii.5's... so, hopefully you all will get me set on the right path!

I just picked up a 99, and want to put some bigger tires on her (I also plan to change out the wheels).

I read a posting by sneakyninja stating the following:
" As far as lifts and tires you can run 35's with 2" lift if you trim your front bumper or go aftermarket. You can run 33x10.5's stock and 33x12.5's with some bumper trimming. I run 35x13.5's on my '99 and 35x12.5's on my '94, the later gen 2's have bigger fenders and can fit more tire."

My question: can I run 33x10.5's without any lift?
How much bumper needs to be removed to run 33x12.5s?

If I crank my torsion bars, and raise the rear an inch (or two), will the 33x12.5's fit without cutting the bumper?

I have no issues cutting the bumper up, but curious to know what I should expect?

Also, any idea what kind of backspacing I need to run 12.5's?

My goal is to raise the truck as little as possible, and fit the tire/wheel combo. I am looking to 33's, as this will still be used for daily driving, and I am not looking to switch out gears at this time (I have little need to at this time).

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

obligatory pic:

 

[datrupr]

USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION!!!!!

Just kidding, we are not like that around here. Everyone is happy to help. Welcome to ExPo.

I am not very knowledgable on the Gen II's but I think you can run 33"X10.5" with no lift and no rubbing. I'm sure someone will jump on here soon that knows more than I do. Also, check with Sierra Expeditions for OME lifts for your truck. Thye are usually pretty mild 1.5"-2".

Nice Monty, and again, welcome to ExPo.

 

[off-roader]

Nice rig. Yes you can run 33x10.5 w/out a lift. Others have, however most tires stores will hesitate mounting them unless you insist simply because most tire sizing guide's are incorrect or don't take trimming bumpers into account. Do so, and enjoy the ride.

For 33x12.5's I suggest doing a trial fit to learn how much you need to cut especially after you crank the torsion bars. For a rim, I recommend at least 15x8 rims with 4" of backspacing (aka a neutral offset). Most reputable tire shops will hesitate mounting a 12.5" wide tire on a rim narrower than 8". Most tire makers recommend an 8.5" wide rim.

As for gearing, the engine should have sufficient power to turn 33's but it won't feel anywhere as powerful as it is now. For a r&p gearing upgrade (if/when you elect to do it) you can go to 4.63:1, 4.90:1, and possibly even 5.29:1.

HTH.

 

[RttH]

Wow! Mine used to look that nice! Even same color. I have run 32 x 11.5 x15 and currently run 33 x 10.5 x 15 and have not done a lift. I did do Old Man Emu heavy duty shocks at the same time and that gives a slight lift (1-2" I think), but no lift is needed. If you frequent mountains like I do in Colorado, a re-gear is helpful, but not needed. I did a lot of trails at 10,000+ feet without re-gearing but after a very steep/long decent and having an auto transmission I learned real quick the importance of lower gears. Same thing going up long climbs, the transmission gets real hot! Otherwise I wouldn't worry about the re-gearing, it just depends on what kind of wheeling you do.

 

[biff]

Also, check with Sierra Expeditions for OME lifts for your truck. Thye are usually pretty mild 1.5"-2".

Nice Monty, and again, welcome to ExPo.

Thank you for the help, and kind words. I will take a look at their products and see what I can come up with.

Nice rig. Yes you can run 33x10.5 w/out a lift.

For 33x12.5's I suggest doing a trial fit to learn how much you need to cut especially after you crank the torsion bars.

sounds like a plan. I really appreciate the help.

Wow! Mine used to look that nice! Even same color. I have run 32 x 11.5 x15 and currently run 33 x 10.5 x 15 and have not done a lift. I did do Old Man Emu heavy duty shocks at the same time and that gives a slight lift (1-2" I think), but no lift is needed.

Sweet. Thanks for the pics!
Your rig looks good, and I will be sending you my mailing address so you can ship me your front bumper! :drool:
(it looks soooo purdy!)

I am pretty set on 33x12.5's, as I like the wider tire... that said, your 33x10.5's look good.

I won't need to re-gear at this time, but will consider in the future if needed.
I appreciate the insight.

I hope to get a set of wheels and tires ordered in the next week or two, and will be sure to keep you all updated and I will post pics when available.

 

[biff]

out of curiousity... any of you know the backspacing on the factory rims?

 

[off-roader]

out of curiousity... any of you know the backspacing on the factory rims?

Sorry no. Btw that's an ARB bumper I believe. If you are looking for one on the cheap used ones show up once in a while on either craigslist or even bay. Don't limit your search to a mitsu specific one. Others like a jeep Cherokee and Toyota 4runner fit if you mod the mounts.

 

[biff]

Update... New pics with new shoes:

 

[mires]

Looks real good man. What setup did you end up going with?

 

[Silverwulf]

Looks great. Infact liiks really close to what mine is goung to look like in a few weeks!

BTW what did you settle on as wheel size and tire size? Im curious because I have identical truck and cant make up my mind :/

I also like how new tires and no runningboards = visual "lift". My runningboards are comming off on saturday after a new muffler goes on =D

 

[biff]

thanks guys.
I went with 15" wheels. 8.5" wide with 3.5" BS.
The tires are 32x11.5r15. Maxxis Bighorn Mud Terrain.

They do not rub at all, and I didn't have to do any trimming.

I don't think I would have got away with 33x12.5 without trimming the fender behind the front wheels. That is the closest place to rubbing, but I have about a half inch of clearance at full lock, and jumping on the front bumper.

 

[off-roader]

I don't think I would have got away with 33x12.5 without trimming the fender behind the front wheels. That is the closest place to rubbing, but I have about a half inch of clearance at full lock, and jumping on the front bumper.

You could have with a different wheel offset.:sombrero:

 

[biff]

yeah... probably... and with newer shocks too.
mine are pretty much wore the ****** out.
also, a slight tweak of the t-bars would get the extra clearance if needed.

the price was right on this setup (for me).
got the 4 wheels for $50
and the 5 tires for $800

currently looking for 1 more wheel to finish this deal (as the spare tire is sitting in my garage)

I like the 32s for mine... but I understand why people desire the bigger tires.

hell, part of me wanted to do 35s, but in the end, 32s was the easiest (and most economical) fit

 

[GrassCat]

Question for you.
Does your Monty have the winter package in it? Locker, heated seats etc. If not you can add a locker real easy and change the gearing at the same time, no need adding the headlight washer. They are not very useful anyway.

 

[biff]

Question for you.
Does your Monty have the winter package in it? Locker, heated seats etc.

yes sir! locker and heated seats!!!

was the headlight washer an option? mine doesn't have it (not that I care for it, or want it... just curious)