Just bought a 96 Montero SR...joining the crowd

[off-roader]

Are those numbers w/ a stock tire size and if not are they adjusted for your tire size?

[mike5]

I'm running 32x11.5 I believe. I have not adjusted for size. But I believe if I adjust, the distances would be more with the same gas usage, so MPG would actually be higher. Larger diameter means less revolutions, so the indicated miles covered is actually less than actual.

[red87]

If thats the case, you're getting wicked good mileage

[off-roader]

I'm running 32x11.5 I believe. I have not adjusted for size. But I believe if I adjust, the distances would be more with the same gas usage, so MPG would actually be higher. Larger diameter means less revolutions, so the indicated miles covered is actually less than actual.

That's correct. IIRC the stock tire size will either be 235/75R15 (aka 28.9") or 30" tires. That means you need to increase the mileage by either 10% (if they were originally 29's) or 6.6% (if they were originally 30's).

To help err on the conservative size (as far as getting a speeding ticket is concerned) I'd use 10%.

[mike5]

Little update: I replaced the windshield wiper blades yesterday. The units I put on are Bosch MicroEdge blades. Again, I got these from www.bmaparts.com for $9 each...and they had it for me on the same day. I believe the size is 19" for both. And it is not just the blade, but basically the whole assembly minus the arm. The units are made in Belgium. It took a few minutes to put them on. They slide in (no need for the provided adapter) and snap into place. I tried them out last night and they work great. Great product at a great price. A

[scrubber3]

Little update: I replaced the windshield wiper blades yesterday. The units I put on are Bosch MicroEdge blades. Again, I got these from www.bmaparts.com for $9 each...and they had it for me on the same day. I believe the size is 19" for both. And it is not just the blade, but basically the whole assembly minus the arm. The units are made in Belgium. It took a few minutes to put them on. They slide in (no need for the provided adapter) and snap into place. I tried them out last night and they work great. Great product at a great price. A

That last sentence sounded like one of my feedbacks I leave on Ebay.

I have these wipers myself and they work great. Far superior to the old style.

[mike5]

It's been a while since I've updated, but I do have a couple of updates. Over the last month I've taken my car to two amazing places:

1. Coyote Flat in the Sierras (with one other car)
2. Swansea-Cerra Gordo with a local club (bunch of fixed up Jeeps)

In neither instance were we doing any major crawling or overcoming of big obstacles (which a Montero is not made for). But it was some serious wheeling. Both experiences showed me how capable the Montero is, even with ok tires. You might get a little slip or need the locker if you want to avoid using momentum in a places you're not familiar, but this thing is good. I even slept in it on one of the trips as the seats fold relatively flat.

I've learned that good AT tires (32 or 33 with 11.5 width), torsion bar crank, a CB, and a truck in good condition are sufficient to get it done.

Here are some pictures to enjoy:

Coyote Flat
Swansea

[eurosonic]

great coverage!

curious where these trails are located?

[off-roader]

Nice Mike! Yeah, it's amazing how capable the rig is straight out of the box. Add a few upgrades like bigger tires and you're set for most trails except the most severe ones. Once you're ready to take those on simply go to 33's, rocker panel armor, and coil spring spacers in back (if necessary) and with careful driving and good spotting you should be fine.

[mike5]

Coyote is outside of Bishop CA, west of it basically in the Sierras. Swansea is east of Lone Pine, CA (which is 40 miles south of Bishop). That whole area, on either side of the 395 has some trails to explore. We should be making a trip out there..

I think some aux lighting coupled with sliders and more aggressive treaded tires would have me all set. Maybe a basket on top. If I could find a aftermarket bumper for the rear that is smaller and is a good base to built on...I'd be very happy with that!