Howdy y'all...Another new Mitsu convert.

[Toasty]

Cranking the torsion bars doesn't change the spring rate of the bars themselves, so the ride quality won't change unless the suspension is lifted to the point where it's hitting the bump stops.

What it does do is "shorten" the progressive rate of the spring, the bar having a greater pre load forces the spring to act on the harder end of the spring rate. The springs do eventually die from this but it takes a lot, mine got to the point that cranked up max meant less than stock ride height and it happened mid trail. It was a rough ride out.

 

[Swift_45a]

Clean LS, I saw a 3rd Gen with snorkel and rack the other day in Boulder and was missing my rig. I've had both a 6g72 and 6g74 2nd gen Montero, and both are quite capable when you go on the trails.

Have you taken a look at the crank bolt? Not sure if the 72 in a 2nd gen had it but it would be worth replacing if its there. My 72 died from a front crank seal and then soon jumped the timing (don't think the 2 were related) and bent the valves, so I'd go over all the belts and valve stem seals after that before playing with lifts and tire/wheel upgrades at 200k.

 

[B.N.Z.MTNS]

I haven't investigated the engine bay much, other than checking for leaks, oil sweat, etc.
Luckily most of the miles seem to have been low on stress and high on maintenance.
You should see the folder of receipts that this came with. Everything from major service items at the dealer down to every oil change and each new set if tires.

When I get some free time, ill be looking at power plant and drivetrain things in more detail as I plan for future mods.

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[jaccox23]

the crank bolt suggested to check for is very simple to check for on a cool engine. simply reach down and feel for the bolt inside the harmonic balancer. If the bolt is flush with the face of the harmonic balancer it needs to be replaced as soon as you can, and if the bolt is recessed inside of the harmonic balancer you most likely have the updated bolt. It's an $11 fix and maybe an hour or two of your time. Be sure to replace the washer as well. Valve stem seals is pretty simple to determine as well, just let it idle for a while then go romp on the throttle and check for a bluish smoke from the exhaust (burning oil). Both of these are super simple to check for. Good luck and it's a beautiful ride.

 

[B.N.Z.MTNS]

Have you taken a look at the crank bolt? Not sure if the 72 in a 2nd gen had it but it would be worth replacing if its there. My 72 died from a front crank seal and then soon jumped the timing (don't think the 2 were related) and bent the valves, so I'd go over all the belts and valve stem seals after that before playing with lifts and tire/wheel upgrades at 200k.

In the paperwork that came with the vehicle it shows the timing belt being done twice already (once at 65,921 miles and one at 152,999 miles), so I'm going to trust that it it true and correct.

the crank bolt suggested to check for is very simple to check for on a cool engine. simply reach down and feel for the bolt inside the harmonic balancer. If the bolt is flush with the face of the harmonic balancer it needs to be replaced as soon as you can, and if the bolt is recessed inside of the harmonic balancer you most likely have the updated bolt. It's an $11 fix and maybe an hour or two of your time. Be sure to replace the washer as well. Valve stem seals is pretty simple to determine as well, just let it idle for a while then go romp on the throttle and check for a bluish smoke from the exhaust (burning oil). Both of these are super simple to check for. Good luck and it's a beautiful ride.

I did look at "The Bolt" and it appears that it is flush with the balancer so it appears that it needs an update. However, in the dealer invoices that came with the vehicle it shows a crankshaft bolt recall performed under warranty at 65,921 miles on 5/16/01.
Would this be the same bolt? Did they change the bolt head design between then and now?

 

[MarkGramlich]

I did look at "The Bolt" and it appears that it is flush with the balancer so it appears that it needs an update. However, in the dealer invoices that came with the vehicle it shows a crankshaft bolt recall performed under warranty at 65,921 miles on 5/16/01.
Would this be the same bolt? Did they change the bolt head design between then and now?

If I remember correctly, there were two new bolts. The original factory bolt had a body that was nearly the size of the bolt head. The first replacement bolt had the same size head with a slimmer body. The second replacement bolt was shortened, eliminating the bolt body almost entirely.

 

[B.N.Z.MTNS]

Thanks for the info, I'll probably just replace the dang thing when I do my next service anyway...just to be sure.
Anyone know the part#? Who knows if our dealers or parts stores around here will even know what I'm talking about.