2004 mitsubishi montero/pajero

[walkingtall]

Hello I am new to the forum and I had a couple of questions. I am looking at getting a 04 montero/pajero and was wondering how well they perform off road. Also is there anything I should look for when I buy one.

[tdesanto]

Welcome to ExPo.

They do pretty well off-road actually. The '04 will have traction control which I understand does a nice job of engaging quickly to keep the truck moving.

Aftermarket support is going to be the only downside of choosing this over a Land Rover or Toyota LC. But, ARB supports it pretty well. You can get an OME suspension, snorkel, front and rear lockers, and winch bumpers.

For underbody protection, you'll have to talk to some guys in Austrailia (http://www.pajeroclub.com.au/home/publicforum/)(where these are used all over the place), or get a fabricator to build you some sliders and a few skid plates. Skid plates under the engine and transmission/ transfer case are actually really easy for someone to make. And for the sliders, there are already places under the body to bolt brackets to...so that's not that hard either.

The drivetrain on these is solid and reliable.

Let us know if you've got any more specific questions.

Good luck.

[walkingtall]

Thanks for the welcome, I have to say this is the best site I have been on. I have another question what is the ground clearance on the Monteros, and what is the biggest size tires that will fit on them stock i'm looking at a 03' 04 model. Also I know that after market support is hard to find where is the best place to get accessories for them. Thanks again. I'm in Maryland

[tdesanto]

I'm not sure what the largest tire size you can fit without a lift. I can tell you that with the OME HD lift, you can fit 33" tires. You can also swap in the Mitsubishi 4.9:1 gears into the diffs to help out if you do go up in size; although, some don't seem to mind running the stock 4.3:1 gears with 33" tires.

Best place to find accessories for your truck? Sierra Expeditions (http://www.sierraexpeditions.com). Talk to Wil or Wendy. They can get anything that ARB sells for it. So, if you don't see it on the site, don't worry; they can get it for you.

I just got my rear ARB locker from them.

Ground clearance? Sorry, I'm not sure about the stock clearance anymore. You might be able to google that one.

[datrupr]

The max size you can fit with out a lift is 265/75/16. About 32". Any bigger and you'll need to lift it. I agree with Sierra Expeditions, they can get it for you and their service is top notch. I also don't remember the stock ground clearance.

[CliftonSmith]

Hello I am new to the forum and I had a couple of questions. I am looking at getting a 04 montero/pajero and was wondering how well they perform off road. Also is there anything I should look for when I buy one.

Hi there bro! what Mitsubishi vehicle did you decided to have? 2 of my friends are selling there truck one is a montero and the other is a pajero. I'm just confuse on what to have. I just want to know which vehicle has lesser Mitsubishi parts (http://www.stylintrucks.com/vehicles/mitsubishi.aspx) maintenance?

[scrubber3]

Hi there bro! what Mitsubishi vehicle did you decided to have? 2 of my friends are selling there truck one is a montero and the other is a pajero. I'm just confuse on what to have. I just want to know which vehicle has lesser Mitsubishi parts (http://www.stylintrucks.com/vehicles/mitsubishi.aspx) maintenance?

I believe that they are the same truck other than the name is different depending on what international market you are getting it from.

[4D55 Performance]

Here is a review from a 4x4 expert.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gYJCNPYJTM

[Monterorider]

The max size you can fit with out a lift is 265/75/16. About 32". Any bigger and you'll need to lift it. I agree with Sierra Expeditions, they can get it for you and their service is top notch. I also don't remember the stock ground clearance.
I've had 285/75R16 stock wheels, on mine many years ago. No lift. I believe I was first to verify that they actually fit Gen 3 at least in US. Then I'll repeat myself saying taller springs by themselves should not be considered a lift as far as fitment of larger tires is concerned, on IFS/IRS equipped trucks.

[MunkeyTX]

285's? Really? On a stock 3rd Gen Monty?

WOW....I say this because I'm looking at moving from a '98 4Runner into a Monty. It was always my ultimate goal to have 285's on whatever vehicle I end up with (285's provide the perfect amount of clearance for the travels I do)...if I can do this without a lift...I just made a mess in my pants!

Really? 285's??? Come'on'dog....REALLY??

[Monterorider]

http://www.pajero4x4.ru/gallery/albums/2002montero3/DSCF2461.sized.jpg
Here it is side by side with my stock Gen 2 with 285s as well
http://www.pajero4x4.ru/gallery/albums/2002montero3/DSCF2462.sized.jpg

[MunkeyTX]

No rubbing at full lock? Flexed out? Did you need to massage anything with the Sawzall?

All i can say is...wow!

[Monterorider]

No. No. No. Stock rims. Unless one starts being creative with offset, too little backspacing rims or too wida rims. If I'd have to do it again I'd prob go with 255/85R16. Same diameter narrower tread. Mostly because stock rims 7" are bit narrow for 285s although it's not terrible.
I did some crude flex testing.
http://www.pajero4x4.ru/gallery/albums/2002montero3/DSCF2449.sized.jpg
It actually flexed just a bit better then my Gen 2.
http://www.pajero4x4.ru/gallery/albums/2002montero3/DSCF2428.sized.jpg
Before setting off to some moderate trails. I think this is going up Mt Blanka in CO.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Cusf8h2KnP8/Rtz0imrrrtI/AAAAAAAAHq8/TuT4r1o6WDg/s800/DSCF5301.JPG

[MunkeyTX]

Again...WOW! I never knew they could stuff 285's in there!

I'm looking at 2003+ models so I'll be dealing with 17" wheels, but nonetheless, it's the size that matters!

How did your mileage fare with the larger tires?