nnamssorxela
Adventurer
Now that most of my maintenance is caught up, I decided that it’s finally time for a “build” thread to provide motivation and momentum to get some work done. I bought the Montero to have a capable mountain adventure and off-roading vehicle which could still be a used as a daily driver and handle time on the interstate with some level of comfort and economy.
When I brought it home:
A little stitch job on the bumper:
I’d never really gone off-roading in a truck before, but after a little research I went ahead and purchased a hi-lift jack, Off-Road Kit, and recovery strap in the event that my lack of experience or stubborn attitude got me stuck. I’ve stashed this and some other general gear where my third row used to be.
Once I got some of the basics, I planned a short off-road trip on some mild trails. I quickly came up with a list of tasks and must have modifications/purchases to improve my general experience.
Some of the must haves on the list were:
- Tire deflator (purchased); letting air out was a time consuming guess and check process, but allowed my highway tires to grip far better than I had ever imagined.
- Compressor (purchased); I lucked out and found a gas station less than a mile from the end of the trail on my first trip, but the thought of pumping my tires up with a bike pump made this one of my first purchases. I went with the Smittybilt compressor due to airflow and cost. For now I’m using this as a portable compressor, but I’d like to eventually mount it in a box underneath the body and hard wire it in.
-Lift (purchased); I searched forever for a plush lift that didn’t sacrifice wheel travel. After little success I finally caved and went with the OME lift. In general, I’m pretty happy with the outcome.
- Sliders; I experienced a little rash so far, and I think these guys will be a necessity and help me load stuff on the roof if needed. In the process of building these.
- Switch to prevent the radio antenna from rising when using the Bluetooth adapter. I was finding that wheeling alone was made better with music, but that the antenna was constantly snagging branches, and that it was only a matter of time before I was replacing a snapped antenna.
- Tires (purchased); I needed new tires and after much research I settled on the Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx. I went back and forth between 235/85r16 and 255/85r16 and eventually got the 235s as I hoped the skinnier profile would help offset my mpg drop, and after all, this is a daily driver as well.
- Sway bar disconnects; hoping these will allow my wheels to remain on the ground longer and work out my traction control less. I’m still thinking of the best way to fabricate these.
- Rear (and front) bumpers; building out of 1.5” tube. These will hopefully give me a better approach angle and allow me to mount lights and accessories as needed. The rear bumper will also allow me to move my hitch receiver which currently drags and hangs up on absolutely everything.
When I brought it home:
A little stitch job on the bumper:
I’d never really gone off-roading in a truck before, but after a little research I went ahead and purchased a hi-lift jack, Off-Road Kit, and recovery strap in the event that my lack of experience or stubborn attitude got me stuck. I’ve stashed this and some other general gear where my third row used to be.
Once I got some of the basics, I planned a short off-road trip on some mild trails. I quickly came up with a list of tasks and must have modifications/purchases to improve my general experience.
Some of the must haves on the list were:
- Tire deflator (purchased); letting air out was a time consuming guess and check process, but allowed my highway tires to grip far better than I had ever imagined.
- Compressor (purchased); I lucked out and found a gas station less than a mile from the end of the trail on my first trip, but the thought of pumping my tires up with a bike pump made this one of my first purchases. I went with the Smittybilt compressor due to airflow and cost. For now I’m using this as a portable compressor, but I’d like to eventually mount it in a box underneath the body and hard wire it in.
-Lift (purchased); I searched forever for a plush lift that didn’t sacrifice wheel travel. After little success I finally caved and went with the OME lift. In general, I’m pretty happy with the outcome.
- Sliders; I experienced a little rash so far, and I think these guys will be a necessity and help me load stuff on the roof if needed. In the process of building these.
- Switch to prevent the radio antenna from rising when using the Bluetooth adapter. I was finding that wheeling alone was made better with music, but that the antenna was constantly snagging branches, and that it was only a matter of time before I was replacing a snapped antenna.
- Tires (purchased); I needed new tires and after much research I settled on the Cooper Discoverer ST Maxx. I went back and forth between 235/85r16 and 255/85r16 and eventually got the 235s as I hoped the skinnier profile would help offset my mpg drop, and after all, this is a daily driver as well.
- Sway bar disconnects; hoping these will allow my wheels to remain on the ground longer and work out my traction control less. I’m still thinking of the best way to fabricate these.
- Rear (and front) bumpers; building out of 1.5” tube. These will hopefully give me a better approach angle and allow me to mount lights and accessories as needed. The rear bumper will also allow me to move my hitch receiver which currently drags and hangs up on absolutely everything.
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