Gen II owners - How much lift from your OME setup?

[Mad Matt]

I'm getting ready to order some Nitrocharger Sport shocks and medium duty springs on my 1999 Montero; ARB says it equates to a 0.5" lift, Rocky-Road.com says 1.25" lift, what have you seen? My intial goal was for a 2" suspension lift so it looks like I would have to add some 1/2"-3/4" spring spacers in addition to the OME. Do you think there is a need for the extra lift on top of what you get out of the OME? I'm not planning on doing anything really hardcore, like rock crawling with the monty, just a lot of backcountry trails. As soon as the new suspension is sorted the 33x10.5-15 MT go on!

Cheers,
Matt

[RogerH]

I never measured, but I have a 2000 Montero with heavy duty OME and 33x10.5 15 BFG KM2. I cranked the torsion bars just to level the truck out a bit. There is still lots of room in the wheel wells at full articulation and turning.

[Mad Matt]

I never measured, but I have a 2000 Montero with heavy duty OME and 33x10.5 15 BFG KM2. I cranked the torsion bars just to level the truck out a bit. There is still lots of room in the wheel wells at full articulation and turning.

How is the ride with the HD springs? is it bearable when not fully loaded down?

[RogerH]

Actually I think the ride is great! I was worried that when empty it would be harsh, its not at all. I am very glad I went with it. I often am loaded with my friends or for a trip and the weight adds up quickly. Factory was too soft and it bottomed out frequently.

[RogerH]

34135

34136

34137

Here is an example. As you can see Montero's have terrible articulation, hence the addition of front and rear lockers! But the 33's fit just fine with only OME HD suspension. Hope this helps.

[Mad Matt]

RogerH You have a sweet looking ride! Thanks for the pics, It's pretty much exactly what I am aiming for out of my rig. :drool:

Where did you hunt down that snorkle? I have been having a hard time figuring out who actually makes one that will work on our blister arch models with the 3.5 V6...any insights would be great.

It looks like you have messed around with your gearing, how was life with the 33's before you change the gears? Thanks Again.

Cheers,
Matt

[RogerH]

Thanks! There was a guy on 4x4wire (I think in AZ) that did a "last load from Australia" kind of deal and I placed my order at the time. Sorry I don't have that info with me right now. Its a TJM snorkle (no longer available in USA).
As far as gearing goes...on highway I was fine, even over mountain passes here in Colorado. It was the offroad climbing that was hard on the transmission as it would get hot. But, I had that problem with smaller tires as well. If your climbing is minimal then it would not be a problem. The gears were very expensive.
This is with 32x11.5 15 and OME HD.

[tdesanto]

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=34150&d=1256919733

Nice shot ;)

[RogerH]

If it wasn't for your camera I wouldn't have had any pics! I do go wheeling but am always the driver and never get any pics. I am trying to remedy that! Bought the wife a nice camera and will probably make her jump out and get all the action shots. Are you going to next Expo?

Thanks Tony!!

[tdesanto]

Are you going to next Expo?



Probably. I need to check vacation time and schedule though. I'm only going to do it if I can work in an overlanding trip afterwards. It's not as much fun learning and talking about overlanding if you can't do it too.