TDeSanto's Montero Mod Thread

[tdesanto]

So, after many people asking me to write this thread, here goes:

The platform is the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero/Shogun (gen III).

Here's a short list of the modifications, and then I'll follow up with pictures.

Outside:
ARB winch bumper
OME HD springs and shocks
Warn XD9000
Yakima Load Warrior roof rack with 2 18" extensions
Yakima Shovel and Hi-lift brackets
JAOS rear ladder
Custom canvas awning attached to roof rack
Hella 500 driving and fog lights
Rear Adventure Trailers utility lights
BFG A/T 285/75/16's
Inside:
ARB 45 Fridge w/Engel transit bag, which necessitated the...
...Hell Roaring BIC-95300B Dual Battery system, and the...
...Optima D31M as my main battery, and...
...Optima D34M as my backup battery
First aid kit and fire extinguisher
Custom-built drawer and fridge slide
Magellan Xplorist XL GPS with Topo 3D and Directroute 3 software
Tablet PC with Delorme LT-40 GPS and Topo 7 software
400watt power inverter
Scan Gauge II

Future Wish List:
Rear bumper--if I can find someone to build it.
32mpg full loaded


A view from the front:
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From the rear:

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custom fridge slide and drawer system that I built this year.
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I built this system to help me stay organized and provide easy access to almost anything without having to move everything else just to get to that one item at the bottom. Also, I wanted to be able to use the cargo space under the floor provided by my removing the never used 3rd row seat.

More pictures and notes to follow...

[tdesanto]

Hellroaring unit in the engine bay:
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Barely squeezed the D31-M in the OEM battery tray--.1" to spare
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I built a tray to hold the backup battery and ran the cables under the vehicle and through the floor:
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Switch for controlling the isolator/combiner:
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Canvas awning:
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This consists of an 8'x10' 10oz canvas tarp purchased at Sportsman's Warehouse. The poles are 9' aluminum poles from Campmor. I had to add additional gromets for attachment points along the roof rack.

[Gear]

Wow, very nice. Quick question have you used the awning in an sort of wind and if so how did it handle it. Thanks for taking the time to explain the ins and outs. Looking good.

[Monstero]

Great setup....clean and nice...once you get the M/Ts you will go more places than you should

[kcowyo]

Wow, you have some really well thought out and nicely designed and installed modifications!

Great photos and descriptions. A very impressive set-up!

[Martinjmpr]

Nicely done. I like the dual-battery mod.

How does that 3rd Gen Monty do off road with the IRS? Do they have lockers like the 2nd Gen?

We had some 3rd Gen Pajeros in the Middle East in 2004 (they're quite popular there) but they rarely went off-road.

My 1st Gen Monty (1990 4 dr) was a good vehicle but didn't have a lot of the high-tech stuff that's available now. Does aftermarket support for the Monty still suck? That was my biggest gripe about owning one.

[HongerVenture]

Wow, I LOVE the whole package. Very well done. I think you've found a very ideal vehicle and equally ideal solutions for storage. I love how you've kept your payload in the roofrack low profile.

32mpg full loaded

Really, need you say more? All of the other excellent aspects of your rig are complimented by this outstanding fact. Bravo!

[Martinjmpr]

Wow, I LOVE the whole package. Very well done. I think you've found a very ideal vehicle and equally ideal solutions for storage. I love how you've kept your payload in the roofrack low profile.



Really, need you say more? All of the other excellent aspects of your rig are complimented by this outstanding fact. Bravo!

Ummm...I think that last part was on his "wish list." Even a diesel Monty would have a hard time getting that kind of MPG!

[flyingwil]

Having seens this truck in person, all I have to say is it is a nice truck, nice build, but in the wrong country! The mods are all well thought out!

Tony has a great truck and I am glad he finally got around to posting it up!


Come on Tony post up the story of the mystery cut you got on your build-up!!!

[tdesanto]

Nicely done. I like the dual-battery mod.

How does that 3rd Gen Monty do off road with the IRS? Do they have lockers like the 2nd Gen?

We had some 3rd Gen Pajeros in the Middle East in 2004 (they're quite popular there) but they rarely went off-road.

My 1st Gen Monty (1990 4 dr) was a good vehicle but didn't have a lot of the high-tech stuff that's available now. Does aftermarket support for the Monty still suck? That was my biggest gripe about owning one.

Aftermarket support sucks. Everything good for this vehicle is in Australia and most of that is unavailable here. I had more support for my '94 model (previous truck). I'll definitely be buying my next vehicle after doing a lot of research on 3rd party support.

IRS hasn't been an issue yet. I've never done a side-by-side comparison with a discovery, landcruiser, or trooper to tell whether those do that much better with a solid axle; so, I couldn't speak to that. Maybe at Expedition Trophy this year we could test that out?

Regarding the diff lockers--on the '01-'02 year models the rear locker was available. Unfortunately I couldn't find a used one with that option. I guess it wasn't a big seller over here or at least in my area. I have had good traction with the LS diff, even with one wheel in the rear and one in the front off the ground.

What I do like about this vehicle is the comfort factor, great visibility, and outstanding cargo room, especially for a vehicle with a wheelbase just under 110".