Expedition Mitsubishi Challenger

[mrbishi]

G'day everyone - Jon here in Perth, Western Australia.

Thought I'd post up some info on my Mitsubishi Challenger (known as a Montero Sport in the US I believe).

It's a 3lt Petrol engine (gasoline) with a 75lt fuel tank. I carry jerry cans on the roof for extended trips and currently fully loaded get around 500km range from the standard tank.

She has just clicked over 140,000km and is running the following:

- 3" suspension lift, 2" body lift
- 33 x 12.5" Goodyear MTRs on -27 degree black steel 15" rims
- Nudgebar with 2 x Lightforce 240 Blitz spotlights
- Rhino alloy track mount roof rack and basket with 2 x Roolite 180s (same as Lightforce) mounted on the front, shovel holder on 1 side, custom canvas awning on the other and a reverse spotlight on the rear.
- Dual Battery system (N55 60amp hour cranker, N70 Exide Extreme 80amp hour axillary), SurePower battery isolator.
- Unifilter foam filter
- Custom rear storage setup
- 30lt Engel with 20lt TwoZone attachment and custom modifications
- GME TX4400 UHF radio, Garmin Legend CX GPS

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2546962271_bf6f6792e5_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2546966437_9f33410fd4_o.jpg

http://images.jonhammond.net/4wdcustomaction/challenger-4.jpg

http://images.jonhammond.net/4wdcustomaction/challenger-8.jpg

[mrbishi]

I've done a few bits and pieces to the interior.

Here's the view up front:

http://images.jonhammond.net/challenger/interior1.jpg

GME TX4400 UHF and Aux battery monitor

http://www.jonhammond.net/images/challenger/interior2.jpg

TwoZone wireless fridge monitor, interior temp and time

http://www.jonhammond.net/images/challenger/interior3.jpg

Switch Panel controlling the rear spot, front spots, and dual battery emergency join - I need to redrill it as it was doing quickly and not straight

http://www.jonhammond.net/images/challenger/interior4.jpg

[mrbishi]

Front Fuse Block:

http://www.jonhammond.net/images/challenger/interior5.jpg

In the rear I have built my own custom storage system but am in the process of pulling it out and redesigning it. Each side has lids to store gear and the main slide stores and Engel fridge and boxes of gear.

http://images.jonhammond.net/challenger/twozone1.jpg

The old 30lt Engle and TwoZone attachment - repsrayed it and its working good as new. I've done some custom modifications to make it work a lot better and will take some pics and post these up.

http://images.jonhammond.net/fridge1.jpg

http://images.jonhammond.net/challenger/twozone3.jpg

[mrbishi]

Heres the TwoZone wireless fridge temp monitor:

http://images.jonhammond.net/challenger/twozone.jpg

The rear switch panel controls 2 fans custom mounted to my Engel and TwoZone (more on this later), 2 x 12v outlets, rear interior LED light, air compressor via a BlueTongue aircompressor, and pressurised water setup (50lt water on board).

http://images.jonhammond.net/challenger/back1.jpg

[mrbishi]

Here are some pictures of the custom awning I had made out of 13 oz canvas.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2547793012_9c46f1f771_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2148/2546970173_1bde5c800c_o.jpg

Heres a pic from a recent trip with a friends Nissan Patrol (JeffWA on this forum)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2547793964_a56e03078d_o.jpg

[mrbishi]

A couple more of the exterior of the truck:

http://images.jonhammond.net/challenger/challmag6.jpg

http://images.jonhammond.net/challenger/challmag7.jpg

[DH2002]

very nice rig :clapsmile

[Trail Monkey]

First class setup. Great job..

[tdesanto]

Wow. Nice truck! That setup is outstanding.

I dig the bivvy/cot/awning setup. Easy and versitile.

I really like the articulation you get with the rear axle.

I'd love to see that rig in person...especially with the great setup you have in the back of the vehicle as well.

nice job.

[4Rescue]

Good old Swags, I love those set-up with the awning and all. Great rig too, I've always loved the look of those trucks.

Cheers

Dave

[Stock Tyres]

That is a absolutely beautiful set up, Very nice work!

[OverlandZJ]

Welcome Jon! :wavey:

What an awesome rig you have there, i'd love to read more on the pressurized water setup.

[mrbishi]

Thanks for the kind words guys - this forum is awesome!!!!

The water system is fairly simple and I'll have to get some better pictures of it. But below is a basic explanation.

I've taken my rear seats out and am planning on building some sort of deck/extra storage area in the future. Hard up against my rear storage I can strap 3 x 25lt water jerry cans (the pic below is an older setup of mine with the seats but its a little bit different now without the seats but you get the idea). For quick trips I usually only take 2 - only pack 3 on the big adventures.

http://images.jonhammond.net/challenger/rear_water.jpg

The three separate Jerry's give you a bit of piece of mind if one springs a leak. I am considering replacing it with a single custom rectangular tank (either out of HDPE plastic or aluminium/stainless). to fill that gap and then maybe for long tips carrying an extra jerry on the roof as backup.

Something like this maybe to the correct dimensions:

http://www.allstores.com.au/product_images/millarrototank.JPG

In the picture of the Jerrys you can see a hose going into the first one. This goes all the way to the bottom of the jerry and runs to a pump that is mounted in a compartment behind my switch panel. I have a Jabsco Par-Max 1 4.3lt/min pump (http://www.boatersland.com/japa1auprpu.html) hooked up into the back switch panel and its both pressure switched and manually switched. The outlet runs into the back panel to a common hose connector and I have a coiled up hose that clips into this and has an adjustable spray pattern head.

http://images.jonhammond.net/challenger/back1.jpg

I've found the pump to be perfect - any more pressure and it'd be a waste - there is heaps there as it is! Is great using the adjustable head as you depress the lever to let the water flow but then when you let go it stops and the pressure switch detects it and turns off the pump and vice versa.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/2570314294_dd0791ef45.jpg

I'll get some better pics up asap.

[mrbishi]

I'm running a SurePower 1314 battery isolater but recently have been having issues. It randomly will not engage when the car is started and charge the aux battery. Gotta take it back to ARB and get a replacement (I've had it just on a year now). :mad:

http://images.jonhammond.net/challenger/batt1.jpg

Excuse the mess of spaghetti wires - this is all very soon to be tidied up neatly. I'm running an Exide Extreme N70 sized 80 amp hour aux battery and a N50 sized rebranded Exide Extreme N50 60 amp hour cranking battery. I do plan on adding another battery inside when I rebuild the rear storage/deck area.

http://images.jonhammond.net/challenger/batt2.jpg

[mrbishi]

I pulled the SurePower 1314 isolator apart last night (as I would in the field if it screwed up) and gave it a good scrub/shake and a liberal spray of WD40/CRC. Put it back together and this has seemed to have done the trick - it's working properly now everytime the car starts.

Something to try if anyone has one that dies out in the field.

[OverlandZJ]

Thanks for the details on the shower Jon, i like it. I was mistaken though, i thought it was air pressurized from your original description.

I use a portable ZODI system currently and want to eventually install something like yours. At 1.1gpm how many showers per water container?

I would need a heat exchanger in a shower system as i camp in mostly cooler weather... not much in the heat of summer.

[mrbishi]

OverlandXJ - sorry about that I guess I meant pressurised with a water pump rather than gravity fed.

I haven't actually had a shower with it (a quick spray off after a surf or a swim at the beach) so to be honest I'm not sure. Theoretically at full power it will empty a 20litre jerry can in 5 minutes. I'm sure there would be a way to rig up an inline hose to slow the flow even further.

It gets used for washing up water, drinking water, rinsing off water etc. Eventually I am going to rig up a Helton heat exchanged and have a proper shower setup.

Check out my mate JeffWA's helton shower setup and Nissan Patrol:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=245210&postcount=5

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16944

[spray]

GDay Mrbishi


A inline restricter could be easily setup with retic parts. Those little diaphragm pumps work better with some restriction on them any way




cheers spray

[JeffWA]

Spray & Mrbishi, What are you do drongos doing on here!? LOL:sport_box

Yeah thats why I had so much pressure out of the pump in my old surf, because the hose had heaps of restriction in it, made it work great! :wings:

[spray]

Spray & Mrbishi, What are you do drongos doing on here!? LOL:sport_box

:wings:


I could say the same to you

[mrbishi]

Spray & JeffWA following me as usual :p

[mrbishi]

Few more pictures from last weekend. The ammo box in the back now carries a Magnum hand winch, cable, ARB extension strap, snatch block etc.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/2727107273_0e7264d05d_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/2727935366_5226cec325_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/2727934394_72a2ea8294_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/2727928086_a714a41e02_o.jpg

[ZooJunkie]

Wow, envy. My Trooper sure doesn't look like that. :) Nice setup.

[robertdarin]

i second that...i believe that is one of the sweetest setups i have seen. now i am going to have to buy a fridge

[Overland Hadley]

mrbishi,

Great to have you here on ExPo!

I have been really enjoying the photos of your truck and your travels. Keep them coming.

[Air Sierra]

Nice rig!!!

My wife has a 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport XLS that she has given me the green light to build for a expedition rig and just use our TJ as a rock rig.

So my question is who makes sespension part for these Montero's so I can stuff 32-33" tires under it??

Thanks!

[tdesanto]

Nice rig!!!

My wife has a 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport XLS that she has given me the green light to build for a expedition rig and just use our TJ as a rock rig.

So my question is who makes sespension part for these Montero's so I can stuff 32-33" tires under it??

Thanks!

Have you looked into the Old Man Emu setup?

[FlyingWen]

Nice set up!

OME does have suspension parts/kit available your your rig. If you have any questions or need pricing, let me know,

[Spikepretorius]

32's fit. I have 32's on my truck. They touch a teeny bit at the back of the front wheel arch but I live with it. They rub against the steering box as well, which I also just put up with. I stayed with std wheels (7J) to stay as narrow as possible.

[hovenator]

Excellent set-up! You Aussie's sure do it up right.

[L8 APEKS]

Can you get away with the stock alternator and all those accessories?

How does that switching power work between the 2 batteries...does it sense when your cranking battery is full, and then charge the aux battery?

[mrbishi]

The stock alternator is 90 amp so copes easily.

I am running an ARB dual battery solenoid.

Got an Asus eeePc for my birthday - going to run it hooked up to my garmin for mapping duties as well as music / video playing through my car stereo.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/3109444739_6c86b5f2ff_o.jpg

[allochris]

Hey, i have both Asus eee pc & Garmin etrex too! Can I have more info how u hook the Etrex to the Asus for navigation?

[Emmanuel]

DIY invisi-mask and window tint...?
Has anyone tried this stuff? I just ordered the invisi-mask for the rockers and rear fenders. I hope I can get it on correctly.

I also want to get my windows tinted, but there is only one guy in town and he wants $350. This place has a pre-cut kit for $90. I'm more unsure of doing the tint myself vs. the invisi-mask stuff. Has any one tried either of these products?

3M ScotchGard Clear Bra and Paint Protection for your car
__________________
2009 Black SRT8 6-sp 11/11/08
Mopar CAI
Predator 93 CAI Tune
BT Catch Can
BT SRT Nose Emblem
Eibach Pro-Kit
Techco Strut Brace
5000K HID Fogs
SS Door Sills
50% Tint

1965 Coronet 2-door post, 440 cross ram
__________________________________________________ _______________
Over the Counter Acne Medications (http://www.acneway.com)
thailand medical tourism (http://www.discovermedicaltourism.com/thailand/)

[mrbishi]

Ok its been a while since I posted so I thought I'd update you all on whats going on.

Have some new goodies coming to be fitted out.

The suspension is pretty knackered after a lot of hard offroad kilometers so I have some new stuff on the way.

I decided to go with some Boss 12 way Adjustable shock absorbers. They are a pretty new brand over here but a lot of hardcore trucks are running them and they are proving to be really good.

Some of the features:

* 12 way adjustable dampening
* 60mm body
* 22mm shaft features female thread to enable any combination of top mounting
* female thread in the base of shock bottom for combination of bottom configuration
* Oil/foam filled twin tube construction
* Durable rubber boot protection
* virtually any length available
* can be mounted upside down for less unsprung weight
* forged pin or loops, chrome plated for durability

http://www.superiorengineering.com.au/images/cms/boss_shocks_1_copy_400_03.jpg

At the same time as I fit these I'll also be fitting new greasable rear shackles and bushes.

I've also located some AVM free wheeling hubs to be fitted and a Rancho 5000 steering damper suitable for the Challenger.

I'll be sure to post pictures once I have the gear!

[mrbishi]

A couple of pictures of a recent (wet) camping trip we took to Dwellingup, Western Australia (one of our favourite close spots to escape to/explore).

My g/f behind the wheel offroad for the first time - she absolutely loved it and had a blast. I think I'll have a fight on my hands from now on as to who gets to drive offroad :D

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2431/3826504920_2c1e70af4f.jpg

At camp

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3825684695_4279a15d64.jpg

Some of the fireroads that typically criss cross the area.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/3825704925_6864536cb0.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/3826491520_cf569d6f31.jpg

Parked up on the way home taking some photos of an abandoned farmhouse

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3826495040_efcce82110.jpg

[mrbishi]

The Challenger don't flex too bad (about as good as it's gonna get).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3825704437_e42f32ca34.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2638/3826489154_2e72e80ebf.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2540/3826488644_8d44aec12f.jpg

[soonenough]

mrbishi - just wanted to say that I love your Challenger...it's one of my favorite vehicles on ExPo.

I noticed in the last set of pictures you didn't have the netbook in the car - are you still using it or did you find it cumbersome to use out on the road? I ask because I just got an HP Mini netbook and I'm debating whether to go to the trouble of mounting it in my truck to use with GPS.

[mrbishi]

Thanks :) She'll also be getting a snorkel soon and I think I'm going to rebuild the rear storage (got a few more ideas after a lot of trips).

I haven't yet used the netbook - the problem is I can't get my GPS to talk to it when I'm running Easy Peasy (and Ubuntu Linux Distribution). I haven't tried windows yet.

Another option I found is that some of the onroad GPS devices here can be hacked to runn OziExplorer - so I'm leaning toward that at the moment to run topo/offroad maps on top of my Garmin.

[off-roader]

Nice setup Misterbishi. You're now the 2nd Misterbishi I know from down under. The first one (Frank) ran a 95 or 96 Pajero that was very heavily modified. Things didn't work out with his Paj (I don't recall what happened) and I think he's running a LC now.

I like your awning setup. Any details on how you did it?

[mrbishi]

For my awning I went to a shop that worked with canvas for caravans, boats etc. and told them what I wanted.

Basically the awning fits into a piece of sail track on 1 side and the the other 3 sides have zips on them (so I can zip extensions on or make it enclosed. It uses 2 poles that extended out from a bracket on the sail track and then on pole across the front to keep it rigid. Then 2 uprights. I'll take a close up picture of the various sections next time I have it out.

[mrbishi]

Couple of interior shots:

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/interior_1.jpg

Communications are handled by a GME TX4400 UHF radio with external speaker (top right). Two Zone wireless temperature gauge - shows me the temp in the cabin and inside my Engel. Digital Volt meter keeps an eye on the batteries.

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/interior_2.jpg

Garmin Legend CX for mapping duties (looking to get a second device to run OziExplorer as well). Missile switches control front and rear spotlights as well as the battery joiner for jump starting.

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/interior_3.jpg

7 Watt LED torch & GME 5watt Handheld UHF

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/interior_4.jpg

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/interior_5.jpg

New seat covers - to keep mud and red dirt off the seats.

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/interior_6.jpg

[mrbishi]

Decided to have a look at the low hanging rear bar.

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/rearbar1.jpg

My plan was to slot it in and bolt it back on the top mounts and then have a cutout in the bumper for the hitch.

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/rearbar2.jpg

Of course its about 2mm too wide to slot in above the chasis and bolt on - I'm sure it could be "pursuaded" with the right equipment.

For now I've taken it off completely (don't tow often at all) and will fit 2 recovery hooks direct to the chasis. A friend is going to help me fit up dual swing out carriers (1 tire, 1 jerry) once hes finished a whole heap of fab work for others in late October.

The idea will be to run some brackets off each side, inside the bumper from the chasis and have the pivot pop out through the plastic on each side - should look rather tidy!

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/rearbar3.jpg

Also got my iPhone ram mount. It's bolted to the dash and is a solid bit of kit. I think I'll be getting one for my GPS as well. Waiting on some cables so I can run a single cable from the iphone that wil split to 12v charger and a 3.5mm out to run into my head unit.

Now I just need to get my iPhone jail broken and load up that offline mapping software and see if I can get it working.

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/interior_night_iphone.jpg

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/interior_night_iphone2.jpg

[apsilon]

Your Challenger is awesome mate. Too bad we're on opposite sides of the country, I'd love to see it first hand.

[mrbishi]

Cheers Apsilon - I've seen your truck on the other forums and it also looks damn nice. Pity we're at the opposite sides of Aus!

[mrbishi]

iPhone all mounted up now.

I've got one cable (the dock cable) running from the iPhone into the dock (which is hidden behind the dash). Out of the dock runs a 3.5 aux into my deck and a charger input - works out rather neatly.

Take 1 ebay dock:

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/dock.jpg

Crack it open:

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/dockopen.jpg

Wire it all up and voila:

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/iphonedock.jpg

The ram mounts are impressive - I'll be getting another to replace my flimsy Garmin mount.

[teotwaki]

subscribing in order to learn more "cool" ideas! :bike_rider:

[Jnich77]

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/interior_night_iphone2.jpg

I found the problem.. your steering wheel is on the wrong side...lol :smiley_drive:

Oh yeah... I absolutely love your rig.

[mrbishi]

Cheers guys!

Got my new front shocks today - can't wait to get them in!

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/3235/shocks.jpg

[Crikeymike]

I decided to go with some Boss 12 way Adjustable shock absorbers. They are a pretty new brand over here but a lot of hardcore trucks are running them and they are proving to be really good.

Some of the features:

* 12 way adjustable dampening
* 60mm body
* 22mm shaft features female thread to enable any combination of top mounting
* female thread in the base of shock bottom for combination of bottom configuration
* Oil/foam filled twin tube construction
* Durable rubber boot protection
* virtually any length available
* can be mounted upside down for less unsprung weight
* forged pin or loops, chrome plated for durability


Are they valved specifically for different vehicle models?


How are you getting 3" of lift out of it? Did you lower the torsion bar mounts, or just crank them up?

[mrbishi]

New shocks installed after a bit of wrenching last night - turned out to be a bit harder than expected (always happens!). The lower bushes were about 10mm to wide to fit the mount and had to be trimmed and one of the old shocks top pin bolts decided to round itself.

Old vs New - the old shocks were in pretty good cosmetic condition but one push of them found them to be notchy and gritty after years of abuse.

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/shockcomparison.jpg

Installed at last!

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/shockinstall.jpg

I've tried them briefly on setting number 1 which will be great offroad, and setting 6 which seems to be good onroad. When I get the rears in I'll be able to give a full report but so far much better than the old busted ones.

[mrbishi]

Well knocked off 2 projects today - installed the cargo barrier and built a flip out table that extends off my existing slide.

Sorry the pictures are so crap - will take some better ones tomorrow when its light.

The cargo barrier:

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/2176/cargobarrier.jpg

The rear table - its 86 wide by 60 deep - lots of space to setup for cooking and preparing dinner. Also my LED light mounted on my boot lights up the area perfectly. Its got an aluminium top and fold out legs that can adjust in height so uneven terrain is no worry.

Open without the slide extended:

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/3840/storage1.jpg

Closed (closes perfectly over my top shelf):

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/3356/storage2.jpg

Slide extended and table out:

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/9776/storage3q.jpg

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/9642/storage4.jpg

[mrbishi]

Couple more pics - can't wait to give it a test out next trip!

Open with slide extended:

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/table_open1.jpg

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/table_open2.jpg

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/table_open3.jpg

Closed:

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/table_closed.jpg

[mrbishi]

600watt inverter now hooked up for camera battery/rechargable battery/occasional laptop battery charging duties.

http://www.jonhammond.net/pictures/challenger/inverter.jpg

[apsilon]

I like the table extension idea :cool:

You're probably going to use it for other things given 600w is fairly beefy but I was considering an inverter recently for battery charging but found it cheaper/easier to just buy 12v chargers for the camera and netbook. In fact just last weekend I installed 2 cig sockets at the rear of the centre console for just that.

[mrbishi]

The inverter was actually a gift I was given 3 years ago and I just never got around to installing it. With the cargo barrier it was just too easy and I had to :D Not that I've ever had a need for 240v in my car but its nice just to have another "toy" :p

Few more little project to tidy up and get her ready for a 5 day trip in 2 weeks into some remote terrain.

[p1michaud]

Its got an aluminium top and fold out legs that can adjust in height so uneven terrain is no worry.

Finally had a quick run through your build up thread, well done. Looks like you are getting out there and enjoying the country.

Cool fold out table. Where did you get the table leg hinges that allow them to fold out? I'm thinking that for the legs, you could simply pick up some adjustable tent poles but not sure where to source the folding part of the fold out legs.
Cheers,
P

[mrbishi]

thanks mate - they actually are adjustable tent poles cut down to size :D

The "hinge" and the "eye" are high density nylon parts picked up a large camping store (I think BCF or Anaconda) in the tent pole section :)

[p1michaud]

thanks mate - they actually are adjustable tent poles cut down to size :D

The "hinge" and the "eye" are high density nylon parts picked up a large camping store (I think BCF or Anaconda) in the tent pole section :)

Ah, I thought they looked strangely like tent poles! I'll have a look for the "hinge" bit the next time I'm out at the camping store.

Cheers,
P

[GTKrockeTT]

nice truck! i'm forwarding this on to a buddy of mine with a montero sport, time for him to get started with his build.

[mrbishi]

hey guys - it's been a while but I thought I'd add a few more pictures.

Here are some from country around Pindabunna Station in outback Western Australia:

This was setup at camp - usually if we setup a basecamp I'll take out canvas tent along. If it's just myself I'll just throw the swag in the back.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3465/3965268585_d44945ee1e_o.jpg

Awesome remote country out that way - perfect for exploring:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2477/3965531603_aa094a6113_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3965240263_d0380471e5_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2428/3966227174_5df5d98282_o.jpg

And here's one of me airing up at the roadhouse before the drive home:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/3966319532_b404728771_o.jpg

[mrbishi]

Ok heres a picture of how I have the rear setup now. If you go to this link you can move your mouse over the picture and it has notes of what everything is.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrbishi/4542738576/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4542738576_14c0a3c9c6_o.jpg

In there is:

- 600w inverter
- amber eFlare EF300
- Primus power light and LED portable light in canvas bag
- winch handle
- 2 x 20lt water jerries
- St John's offroad first aid kit
- 33 x 10.5 spare
- Recovery Gear lives inside the spare rim.
Underneath - Roll of Winch Cable, ARB Winch Extension Strap, 2 x rated bow shackles, tree trunk protector.
Above - Snatch Strap, Equaliser Strap, 2 x rated bow shackles, ARB strap damper, riggers gloves
- The bread tray was a temporary addition to just throw camera bags in etc so they are easy to grab driving around.

It's pretty close to ideal now. The only thing I want to do is build a false carpeted floor over the spare and have a hatch in it to access the recov gear.

[Monstero]

Cool pics. Love how you have it setup inside.

[tiresmokindad]

Nice 3" suspension lift. I think it is good to have that parts. You did a great job with it. :D

[mud-rock]

Quick question on how your rear floor slides out. I apologize if I missed how you built it, I didn't see a breakdown of how it was done. If you don't mind, and you have the time could you e-mail or pm me with how it was built. You have one of the best thought out builds I've seen, Great job!

[Racer-X]

Any updates?

:wings:

[mrbishi]

Wow has it been a couple of years since I last posted here?!

I'll get some photos up but a few things that have changed:

* Smaller Tires - I'm now running 16" black steel rims at the standard Challenger offset. On these I have some 265/75 Kuhmo KL71s. I've found them to be a great tire and the advantage of this package now is the handling on the road is miles better as well as the fuel economy. That being said they still kick *** offroad! I'm still running the body lift and this has allowed my front torsions to remain at their stock position (rather than cranked) to allowed for balance up and down movement of the suspension.

http://www.tiremedia.com/images/tire-big/kumho-road-venture-mt-kl71.jpg

* AVM Super freewheeling manual hubs - I like to know that I'm 100% locked in or out of 4wd plus less wear on the front drivetrain.

http://www.arb.com.au/media/products/accessories/AVM-hub_001.jpg

* Front sway bar is back on - I find the places I travel to these days don't require extreme amounts of articulation and I'd rather have the added comfort and safety of the swaybar when the truck is loaded.

* Side steps are back on - again I don't really wheel many areas where they are likely to get damaged and my girlfriend (short) appreciates them getting in and out of the truck :D

* New ARB 47lt Fridge - I finally retired my old Engel and Two Zone. It served me well but the new ARB fridge IMO is just miles ahead in design compared to the others now days.

* The interior/storage has evolved a bit as I've worked things out every trip - it's pretty much close to perfect now!

[ktmk36]

Let me say, here in America the Montero "Sport" has not faired so well and I was never a fan of it....with that said, yours looks awesome and I only wish more here in the states had done to theirs what you did to yours...looks great!

[shov3lbum]

Let me say, here in America the Montero "Sport" has not faired so well and I was never a fan of it....with that said, yours looks awesome and I only wish more here in the states had done to theirs what you did to yours...looks great!

Oh, we are here indeed, just in slightly smaller numbers than what you'll find in Australia! http://msport97.proboards.com/index.cgi our main site is down, but these are the forums where the montero sports get together :rally_guys::Mechanic::friday:

[Cruisn]

Nice rig, Maybe will see you around perth or out on the tracks.