I have a question about the original Monteros. Did they have solid front Axles or have they always been IFS?

 

Always IFS. There are quite a few in the US who have modified them to be straight axles but then you have a non-streetable rig at that point.

From my own experience with my 1990v6 model, unless you're really into +4 (on a 1-4 scale) or harder trails IFS works fine. I know many owners including myself who have been on numerous hard core trails such as the 'con, dusy, fordyce.

FWIW, I run 33x12.5's MT tires, with body/bumper "protection", the stock drivetrain (automatic, LWB rig), and it runs fine on these trails. Other's w/ a 3.0v6 have upgraded to 35's w/ 5.29 R&P gears, 2.9*:1 xcase gears. Quite a few 3.5 DOHC owners have also upgraded to 35's with 4.90 R&P's and stock xcase gears. All do use aftermarket modified or custom bumpers, rocker panel protection, & most have some level of custom or re-inforced skid plates.

Let me know if you'd like more info...

 

How did you fit the 33s under yours? I've turned my Torsion bars up 2 inches and I'm looking at 1 or 2 inch coil spacers in the rear. The OME kit is not an option. I'm not spending $500 for two springs and 4 shocks. I am also thinking on cutting an inch off my fenders.

 

To fit 33's up front you'll need a different set of rims with a wider offset and you'll also need to trim the bumper's rubber end caps. Even with it like this, mind do still rub ever so slightly at full compression while turning. This might not be an issue if you went with skinnier 33's like the BFG 33x9.5" tires.

As for suspension upgrades, don't forget that shocks won't give you additional static suspension clearance (i.e. stationary vehicle) but they will reduce the suspension rebound which helps with dynamic clearances and ride height. I highly recommend a decent set like KYB, Edelbrock, Tokico, etc. I don't recommend Monroe or even Rancho's unless you're looking at the Rancho 9000 series because they won't be nearly as good or last as long as the other shocks I recommended.

IIRC, you can buy KYB's for pretty cheap from TireRack.com ($165 + S&H for a set).

Let me know if you need help installing them yourself. There's a trick you need to know to install them.

Also 4crawler.com makes a body lift for Montero's if you need one. It's really the only way you can put 35's or larger on a Montero barring using a sawzall to modify things.

 

I just realized that you are talking about a Montero. I'm so embarrassed. I have a 2001 Monty Sport. Oops. I've taken the flares off since this picture was taken.

See:


[IMG]local://upfiles/7652/7B0F5DFD17484DA19CE2E4A6CF747934.jpg[/IMG]

 

Michael,

That's a sweet looking rig. I like the inset lights. Is that a custom bumper or a modified ARB/TJM unit?

A buddy of mine runs 33's on his Sport. I think it's a 98 and he wheels with us on these hard core trips. Here's a couple of pics of his rig on the Rubicon...



FWIW, since these pics he has imported a front IFS lift kit from overseas that was designed for the pickups and had it installed (required customization) on his sport. He's hoping to upgrade to 35's.

 

My front bumper is completely custom built for my truck. No ARB junk here! So, how do you go about fitting 33 inch tires on the Monty Sport. My front is raised 2 inches and my rear is stock. Can I twist the Torsion bars more and put a coil spacer in the rear springs? I'm also working on getting a set of Rock sliders and fender guards made. First $400 I have, they'll be on!