Gitout.com - Ultimate Expedition Build - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Limited

[montypower]

That was good times. Miss you and Jason on the trails.

That was a killer Sport. Nearly perfect condition, every factory option. 4.90 gears. 3.5L. Leather. Got some decent trail use in stock form. I liked it better than the Gen2 full size Monteros. But 3rd Gen is a much better vehicle in every way compared to the sport or earlier models.

 

[montypower]

3.15 Transfer Case Gears arrived. Will be installing in the next couple months. Looking to do rear main seal, headers, exhaust, rear heat removal, power steering hose replace. Also, rebuilding the front end (preventative maintenance): bearings, lower control arms, upper bushings, ball joints (upper/lower), cv shafts (new factory ones), changing front springs.

 

[All-Terrain]

3.15 Transfer Case Gears arrived. Will be installing in the next couple months. Looking to do rear main seal, headers, exhaust, rear heat removal, power steering hose replace. Also, rebuilding the front end (preventative maintenance): bearings, lower control arms, upper bushings, ball joints (upper/lower), cv shafts (new factory ones), changing front springs.

Very cool. Please do a DIY thread on the transfer case gears, if you don't mind...!!

 

[Sabre]

Very cool. Please do a DIY thread on that whole project, if you don't mind...!!

Fixed!

 

[BOPOH]

But 3rd Gen is a much better vehicle in every way compared to the sport or earlier models.

Just wondering if it's based of a current setup on your Gen3 or factory capability compared to previous vehicles - could you please elaborate a little more into details. Sorry for thread jack, i have both sport 3.5l 4.90 gears and gen2.5 w/locker but i dont go on crazy trails and maybe Gen3 will be a nicer better option in the future

 

[montypower]

Just a better platform. More space, better ride, more stock wheel travel... Better transmission (5 speed), rack and pinion steering, more comfortable, more refined.

 

[BOPOH]

one of my biggest concerns is rear overhang, i dig dirt with my Gen2.5 on all trails - how do you deal with it?

 

[montypower]

I still have the factory hitch and bumper. I don't care if they drag; it has never stopped the truck. It drove through the Rubicon just fine. I'll gain 6" or more when I modify the hitch and build a bumper.
You'll gain more capability with gears and lockers than high clearance rear bumper. Over 21k off road adventure miles in just over a year. Mine is well tested.

 

[IncorpoRatedX]

3.15 Transfer Case Gears arrived. Will be installing in the next couple months. Looking to do rear main seal, headers, exhaust, rear heat removal, power steering hose replace. Also, rebuilding the front end (preventative maintenance): bearings, lower control arms, upper bushings, ball joints (upper/lower), cv shafts (new factory ones), changing front springs.

The rebuild has nothing to do with the superior front end getting beat to superior hell on the sierras? From the sound of things you'll need to rebuild the superior front end after any serious superior wheeling when it comes to the superior gen 3's. But what do I know, I drive an inferior gen 2.5

 

[montypower]

The rebuild has nothing to do with any failures. It is original with 122k miles (many challenging miles). The upper control arm bushings are getting worn. I'd rather replace everything than deal with individual part replacement.
I'm leaving tomorrow for 2k mile trip through part of Sierras including a ghost town, couple hot springs and hiking in Yosemite. Only work done since the Rubicon was wheel alignment.
Front suspension on Gen2 is plenty beefy. However, performance wise, I'll take the Gen3 coilovers and rack and pinion. Just handles better, tighter. Old technology vs new.

 

[Toasty]

You rebuilding the IRS too Pete? I was looking at FullMonty's after Fordyce and his bushings were starting to tear, maybe have a look to be safe at that end too. How many miles have you logged on the New BFG A/T's? I'm thinking about getting a set of 35's or 35's for my Montero and putting the Toyo M/T's on my Mighty Max, I think my IFS might run longer between rebuilds with reduced unsparing weight. Also have you torn a sidewall yet?

 

[montypower]

I'll do the rear after another year or so. I've only replaced the rear trailing arm bushings last year (getting play in them). Control arms and ball joints are still good. I'd like to run them another 15-20k then rebuild everything.

I have 8k miles on the Ko2 tires. Ripped one sidewall. Of course, these are load D so not as tough as E rated version. Extremely happy with them so far.

 

[IncorpoRatedX]

The rebuild has nothing to do with any failures. It is original with 122k miles (many challenging miles). The upper control arm bushings are getting worn. I'd rather replace everything than deal with individual part replacement.
I'm leaving tomorrow for 2k mile trip through part of Sierras including a ghost town, couple hot springs and hiking in Yosemite. Only work done since the Rubicon was wheel alignment.
Front suspension on Gen2 is plenty beefy. However, performance wise, I'll take the Gen3 coilovers and rack and pinion. Just handles better, tighter. Old technology vs new.

ah, I was under the impression the sierras was your first time on a rock crawling trail with that truck..?

Good luck on the adventure, you're gonna have to take the Gen 3's set up, 'cause that's what you're stuck with until it's scrap metal!

 

[montypower]

I'm not stuck with anything. I've built 8 rigs for off road use. I chose this truck because it fits my use. When it doesn't it will be sold. Cost is no object, function and performance is what matters to me.

I'm surprised how many Mitsu guys downplay the 3rd Gen. I've owned every generation and would never go back.

 

[BOPOH]

i'm not downplaying, i'm just doing a research

unlike lucky you, cost is an object for me so i'm just trying to figure out what's what :088: