Eurosonic's Montero 2.5Gen Build Thread

[eurosonic]

So instead of having various threads here and there, decided to colab all my posts to a single thread here it is:

Build Thread of my 1998 Montero 2.5Gen


The car was purchased as an insurance write off for literally having a minor bumper/fender bender. Because the OEM parts were a bit expensive it was easier for the insurance co to just write it off and sell it at an auto auction. The frame was in ok shape.

Here are some insurance co's pics when I bought the car.









After, I got the car home, I installed a set of Hankook Dynopro MT 295/75/16 on a 16x8 rim. The rims were new, tires were used with about 80% tread. Wheels fit nice, Im thinking of doing a body lift so I can get some extra clearance all around.



What I needed was left fender, front grill, front bumper, and a headlight with a turn signal. Parts were a pain in the *** to find. All the junk yards didnt have what I needed, some parts were available for the older monteros that didnt have the metal widebody. I got lucky and found a fender with some minor damage, got for a good $50. As far as bumper, I settled for the older bumper from a 95 montero SR. It will do for now. (Currently planning to build a custom metal bumper). Also temporary using a headlight from a 95 SR.


As soon as I got the car running, I took it for a drive, near a field next to my office. It rained few days before so I had some fun




That was fun,


A week or so ago, took the car to Indian Valley for some off-roading, shootin. Had a blast. Im absolutely hooked on the getting this car dialed in for some good reliable drivin' outback.






Scored a genuine ARB bumper from a buddy of mine. It came off a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The bumper is a little beat up, has a bunch of scratches and a minor ding in the front by the winch hole, but heck, whatever..for the price I got it for, its def a worthy piece...

The bumper is a bit heavy, planning to remove the ginormous mounts and brackets that are FJ frame specific. Also will have to do some cuttin` around the corners to be flush with the fenders.

Here are some pics of the bumper near the monty.

[eurosonic]

Over the weekend was visiting the Bay Area, so had a chance to stop by and pick up the body lift kit from 4Crawler. Its the 2"x2.5" Ultimate Lift Blocks kit with hardware. Cost me $130, great quality stuff for a good price. Hopefully will get it installed within next few weeks.

[eurosonic]

Removed the rear bumper to see whats underneath. Currently in the planning stage to fab a rear bumper. Also thinking about chopping the edges off the lower quarter panels like few here have already done.

(excuse the lousy photoshop skills)

[red87]

Could you take some more pictures of the truck without a rear bumper? My long term plans involve a plate rear bumper and I'm curious what all is going on back there.

[eurosonic]

Removed bumper, has plenty of mounts to work with.

[red87]

awesome, thanks

[sneakyninja]

you can cut right along that bottom ridge line, or higher for awesomness.

i Boatsided mine, My cut was along the middle ridge. The bottom ridge would make it flat across the opening.

[red87]

I just noticed the Stanceworks license plate frame, haha

[eurosonic]

Picked up set of Raceline Renegade wheels from Craigslist for $160. Will have to polish em up a bit, maybe paint..will see.
Gotta love craigslist..

[eurosonic]

Today, I finally got some time to install the body-lift kit that I purchased from 4crawler few weeks back.
Overall the install was really straightforward, took me around 3 hours do to. Thought it would be much harder. Anyways, pretty happy with the setup. Truck has nice wheel clearance. Glad that ordered the 2" blocks, overall stance is just how Id want it. Now, all that its left is to level the body out with the torsion bars. Later, maybe springs spacers in the back.

here are some pics that I took with my phone.

Here is how I started out the day. Btw, I installed the Raceline 16x8 rims. Thinking of painting them, still deciding on the color. I like them much better than the chrome Eagle Alloys. Also, found some more parts to complete the exterior. Installed the left headlight, and fender off of 2000 Montero, (maching color, yay ) . There is a "ENDEAVOR" sticker underneath the Montero logo. Didnt know thats what they were called.




Floorjack, jackstand and couple of blocks.




To get to any of the bolts inside the cabin had to get under the carpet.




Under the rubber caps are the bolts



Underneath mounts



Lifted the frame, put a jackstand with wooden block underneath the body, then lowered the frame. Thats all it takes.





Installing the blocks.
To anyone else who is planing to order a kit from 4craweler, make sure you get the 2.5inch wide blocks instead of the 2inch. The 2.5" are almost the same width as the existing mounts, they sit perfect. They're only couple of bucks more













They are not all the same





Taadaah...Here are the results...







Front bumper sits lower due to being mounted on frame rails. ARB bumper is next on the list.