LoreMordred's 98 Montero Build --A Noob Story--

[loremordred]

Hello Everyone,


I have been lurking on this page for the past year, studying all the ins and outs about Monty's vs The World. Doing my homework for FJ 80-100s, Land Rovers, etc.

I finally purchased my 1998 Montero + Winter Package (GrasCat's old rig) today. After a lot of headaches and a previous Monty and CA Law.




The Business:

Winch -- ARB Bumper already installed.

Snorkle -- Safari Snorkel installed

ReGearing - I would love 5.29 if I can get some, but they may be beyond my budget for the time being. I will do with 4.9 from a sport or OEM. Currently 4.62 :ylsmoke:

Suspension Lift - OME 2" or Iron Man.

Locker - Already installed.



What will I use it for?

Everything!
Over-landing/Expedition and later Rock Crawling. Since I paid 4K for it, I might as well use it till it is dust, and that is my goal.





*******Leaving this here for others if they search for this info**********


A few questions for those who may know.

I checked out a 1999 Montero which had the Adjustable Shocks, I expected the Endeavor to have all these amenities.

Why is it that they do not?

Can I adapt all the switches in the Center Console to have the functions that are not currently there?
I know this seems obvious since there are about 3 blank switches. 1 for the locker (this I know is next to the lighter). Under the armrest is where there are two blanks, which I recall one was for the Adjustable shocks.


To be frank....I want ALL the Options I can get on this Rig. I feel I will be using them all real soon.


I will be posting Pictures soon, possibly tomorrow since it is dark.



Just Curious:

Can I fit a Gen III 3.8L engine in a Gen II bay? I am really contemplating doing this if I have any sever engine troubles.

A Diesel Swap is also a interest.





My gratitude to Grascat, Eurosonic, Silverwulf and Grandpa for some awesome rigs. You guys inspired me to get this Pony!




New pics will be added soon.

 

[loremordred]

First order of Business:

Removing the runner boards and painting the wheels.

 

[eurosonic]

welcome on board!

 

[eurosonic]

Please tell me where I can get OME kit for $150!

also I have a rear end from a 2.5gen with a locker laying in my backyard.

As far as the adjustable shocks, I wouldn't bother. I dont have them either and glad that I dont. They are expensive to replace, you're better off with a nice set of Monomaxs or OME's.

 

[loremordred]

Do I need to replace the whole back end/axle?

I thought the locker was just a bolt in?

Anyway.... Sold. I will PM you later since I am at work.

 

[off-roader]

Welcome to the board.

Looking forward to some pics. If you're up for it, we're in the process of putting together a Sierra Carnage trip. Lloyd Schwartz is planning it. You can find that thread on 4x4wire's AZ forum. He's done several in the past. Note: They are mostly rock crawling trails so if you elect to go bring your under armor.:smiley_drive:

 

[grandpa]

Do I need to replace the whole back end/axle?

I thought the locker was just a bolt in?

Anyway.... Sold. I will PM you later since I am at work.

You can replace the center diff and the left axle. I just did mine. Welcome to the Montero club.

 

[off-roader]

As far as the adjustable shocks, I wouldn't bother. I dont have them either and glad that I dont. They are expensive to replace, you're better off with a nice set of Monomaxs or OME's.

Apparently not so expensive for gen 2.5 adjustable shocks unlike the gen 2 adjustable shocks.

 

[SoCalMonty]

Welcome to the club! I'm next door to you in Lake Forest.

Where do you plan to rock crawl? A locker and a modest lift with decent tires will get you through pretty much any trail within a 300 mile radius of us, save for the more extreme trails like the Hammers. I did solo trips through John Bull and Holcomb Creek in my Gen1 with just 32's and a t-bar crank with rear coils (rear LSD was used frequently; no locker).

4-crawler off road (Roger Brown) has body lift kits (1, 2 or 3"); Camel 4x4 has Ironman suspension lifts (t-bars and coils, 1.6", about $400 shipped for the kit).

Yes, the engine would most likely fit, but swaps are major jobs so you would have to expect unforeseen costs and a good deal of down time, plus possibly some custom fabrication, depending. You may be better off getting a spare engine from a junkyard and rebuilding it in the garage, then bolting it in when you need it. Won't need to worry about engine management that way.

I try to get out to the Death Valley area whenever I can. Let me know if you wanna wheel or wrench!

 

[loremordred]

I am just starting. My main goal, was to get my lady and I up to Deep Creek Hot Springs, since I almost destroyed my car last time I went there. Apparently GPS does not know the Low-Clearance Route, and sent me to all the 4x4 back roads. Now that I know there is a trail there for some wheeling, it will be my next goal.

I would love to do Rubicon one day, just to show off some Monty Muscle. But that would be later in the future when I have Armor, lift, tires, Hi-lift and a winch setup. Or if you guys bail me out if I get too deep.


I don't know if I will have any immediate availability until I can get some extra funds for mods. If I can find some good Craigslist Deals for some nice tires, even used, I will jump at it.

Currently my Mazda3 is burning oil all of a sudden so my "spare" cash will be going into fixing up my car first. That was my ladies mandate.

I work in Irvine, and Live up in Huntington/Seal Beach area, and would most definitely need some help with wrenching and wheeling. I am confident with driving, but I can't ever say I have had a good 4x4 off-road experience myself. Unless you count Nebraska and Pennsylvania Winters in a Ford Explorer 4x4.

I currently have no access to proper tools, jacks and other equipment in the immediate area, and the closest setup/yard would be out in Riverside with a family member. Need to get my own tool-set and garage to work in.

Starting some Work OT tonight to build the Monty Stash.

 

[SoCalMonty]

I don't have a garage to work in, but I've got tools up the yin-yang.

Take things one step at a time. I did Deep Creek just fine in the Gen1 Montero (32's, 1" lift, LSD) and also in my XJ (33's and open diffs). IMHO, the "Big 3" Big Bear trails (Deep Creek, John Bull, Holcomb) all require about the same mods. 32's or larger, 2" lift, and LSD/locker. Anything more than that will just be icing on the cake and make things easier with reduced risk for damage. Start with Gold Mountain...it's the easiest but still enjoyable. Don't head up to Big Bear alone your first couple of trips; get to know the trails with a group first! Just in case!

Rubicon and other Sierra trails are considerably more difficult, so I would recommend getting practice locally first. The chances are good of breaking something or suffering body damage, so it's best to know your truck and its limits before hand.

Good call on getting the Mazda back up to snuff. Hopefully it's nothing major; valve stem seals aren't the end of the world (assuming it's not the rings...). I regret selling my Protege5. Loved that car.

I'm putting the finishing touches on my truck after some major work, but I'll have the kinks worked out in a couple weeks. If you want to hit up Big Bear on a Sat or Sun, I'd be glad to head up there with you. I'll bet a couple others could be coaxed into joining us too!

 

[loremordred]

Deep Creek Run

I will be going down to Deep Creek Hot Springs this weekend, and or to the Mountains (Big Bear, San Gorgonio?) this weekend.

If anyone in the area is interested. Let me know if you would like to meet up.

 

[eurosonic]

wait you replaced your rig?! This montero color is my absolute favorite. What an awesome platform to continue building on.

 

[off-roader]

wait you replaced your rig?! This montero color is my absolute favorite. What an awesome platform to continue building on.

It's GrassCat's old rig. Notice the license plate?

Glad to see it went to someone else on the board. I'd hate to have it go to a soccer mom looking for a minivan.:ylsmoke:

 

[SoCalMonty]

I will be going down to Deep Creek Hot Springs this weekend, and or to the Mountains (Big Bear, San Gorgonio?) this weekend.

If anyone in the area is interested. Let me know if you would like to meet up.

I just got back from a Death Valley trip, so I can't afford the gas quite yet. Darn! You should head up to Big Bear with us on the 11th though!