Mitsubishi Montero

brillmtb

With repect to how I have my current rack: Yakama that slides into a 2inch receiver. The arms on the rack fold up/down and hold 2-3 bikes. It is an older rack but essentially any will work if........you add an extensinon of appropriate length to get the rack out away of the rear tire. I think I have a 9 inch extension.

The rack itself does not know it is sitting in the extension. The only concern with extensions is that the leverage is greater on the hitch so if you are towing a heavy trailer this would effectively put "more weight" on your hitch. Given that 3-4 bikes would top out at perhaps 30lbs per bike (steel bikes) this would only equate to 120lbs. A class III hitch on the Montero can carry 500lbs at the receiver so you would be well within the capabilities of the rack/hitch in this configuration. I dont know what the heck those guys were trying to tell you.

I am currently exploring something called the Hitchfork, see this link.

http://www.yakima.com/products/dynamic/8002579_2.html

You could also take off the rear tire cover and use a rear tire mounted bike carrier if you didnt mind leaving your painted cover off.

I am also considering similar sytle racks from Seras and some others that allow you to carry the bike on the back but the tires can stay on the bike. This is usually best for speed, convience and you dont need to figure out where to put the front tires.

I am considering a top rack for a space case and canoe holder as well now that my new garage is an 8 foot door.

Here is the Yakama site as well

http://www.yakima.com/products/bikes/index.html

I would look at other bike rack sites too to see what final configuration suits your needs

hhucky

I'm about to purchase a 1997 montero LS with about 75K miles on it. It hasn't had it's timing belt changed at 60K, so I plan to have the servicing brought up to date. I called around for prices for the 60K service and timing belt (with water pump) and got prices between $920 and $1500 (dealer of course). However one place mentioned that the timing belts are extremely difficult to change and only the dealer should tackle this job. Any recommendations or comments would be appreciated.

Thanks!

brillmtb

I have not heard this but would check with the guys at the following site as well.

http://www.outdoorwire.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=69

brillmtb

Valve ticking issue:

http://www.4x4wire.com/mitsubishi/tech/minutemods/lifter_noise/

General Montero Mods: http://www.4x4wire.com/mitsubishi/tech/

suzysully

Thanks for all the feed back you've given me on the bike rack saga, I've spent all summer trying to get this figured out and haven't been able to make any headway and haven't been able to pack up the bikes and go. Check out Hollywood Racks at www.hollywoodracks.com, they may have what you're looking for. More specifically the team rider racks. They were going to custom make a longer bar for me, so it would work with the Montero, but I was unsure of how safe it would be with this sticking out so far, as well as the tongue weight. By the way, do you have a dealer installed mits hitch or an after market? If aftermarket, what brand?

brillmtb

IF you didnt include the hitch out of the dealer then going back to them more is going to cost a lot more.

I used a drw tight I think but there are many class 3 hitches out there I would imagine. That is not going to be your concern.

What you need to decide is if you will ever tow, and then what type of plug to install. If you are not going to tow then a plug is not needed and installation of the hitch should be very inexpensive.

Unfortunately it seems that Mitso did not offer and no aftermarket company at the time of my install provided an electric kit that would just plug into the rear break lights to make the wiring easy. As such, some might charge a little more to "hard wire" by splicing into your trucks lines. This is what I did and it is fine as long as you have a good shop do it.

Probably a Uhaul in your area that does hitches could give you some estimates.

If you tow you need to think if you will need a 4, 5, 6, or 7 pin plug.

blkmonte

Well I did it. After lurking around for a while I went out and bought a montero.

It was a deal that I couldn't pass up...

2001 Limited, black on black, 24K miles for $23,500 + tax & lic.

I got it from a small dealer in Riverside, Ca. He buys from the Mitsu. auctions. The one I bought had been repossessed

The Monteros had been selling well but it slowed down recently and he had 3 sitting on the lot for a while so he just wants to move them. He says that he is only making $500-$800 on them and is losing money on one. He wants the money out so he can buy what's selling now.

I guess that means that he only paid around $22,500 for them. Interesting considering the dealers around here are charging 28k to 32k for the same cars.

If anyone is interested he has 2 more limiteds for $22,990. One green and one gold. About the same mileage. They are very clean. The one I got was a little more but I like the black.

Here's his ad:

http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/vdetail.jtmpl?car_id=106955571&dealer_id=10165035

I am not affiliated with him in any way. I thought someone else in So. Cal. might be interested.

sailing216

blkMonte, sounds like you got a great deal. I found a 2002 Limited, Blue/Blk the color we wanted, 23k miles for $23,300 in Chicago. Last day of the month and cash in hand was the reason we got the price. I think I still have a headache from dealing with them, but love the truck. High mileage lease and the reason we got it was it was never smoked in.

Keep the posts coming on the modifications like different wheel/tire combos and good info on hitch bike racks.

ibrollinover4u

Had the same thing happen over the weekend. I was driving up a very long and steep mountian and the "check engine " came on ...and stayed on. This is the second time this light came on. first time was when the gas cap was not on tight and the oxygen sensor tripped the light. This time I have no clue. Does anyone have the shop manual that tells how to reset light? Please advise, Thanks!

stanio

Here's a brief overview of the new montero. What do you guys think? I like the old style grille more. What do you expect the price tag to be?

http://www.cars.com/carsapp Click on "All New for 2003" under "Bying guides" in the left column and select "Mistubishi"

dski

Did you watch the Video clip? The Grill looks different in the video than the one pictured to me. The video version looked good.. the pictured one looks a little too busy which according to the narrator.. they are trying to get away from... Busy designs that is.

I was shocked to learn from your link that only around 26,000+ Montys were sold last year. That's up from the first year but still.. that has to only be US sales. I read today that Ford will be dropping the Excursion in 03 or 04 due to poor sales in the 20K per year range. Their break even number was 40K... twice what they've been selling. Why didn't I drop my Ford stock when it still had some value?

Drew

sailing216

Don't like the grill, I really like those wheels. Wonder if they will make it into production, look like 18" wheels with sporty road tires, yes it defeats the purpose, but 2 sets of wheels would be ideal.
I don't think the price will go up much if at all. They may get some more sales with the molding being toned down. I think they made it look more bland, I'll keep my 02', wouldn't mind the bigger engine.

Anyone done PolyAir with their suspension, and where can I get a performance CatBack Exhaust?

Hey Mitsu, loose the grill. Loose it on the Outlander too.

wilkich

Expecting the first child and am looking at infant seats for 2001 Limited. Any thoughts on what has been easiest to install? Thoughts on the LATCH standard and whether the 01 Limited complies? Also, any hassles with periodic location in third seat. We like the Graco SnugRide but wanted see what everyone else thought. Thanks.

sailing216

We have Graco and some eddie bauer car seats(more like booster ones), all have fit fine (only one used at a time), easy to install and Latch. Haven't put it ever in the 3rd row, not sure if the Latch system is back there, probably is though. If you are expecting, then we used to love our 3-in-one carrier/car-seat. Simple to snap in or carry around. It was for an infant, not toddlers that utilize Latch. Latch works great, remember to put a towel under car seats or you'll kill your leather.

dski

One of my biggest Grips with the Montero... The location of the Anchors on the cargo floor is horrible. They could have put more thought into a design that doesn't interfere with actually using the cargo area.

As far as the 3rd row for a baby seat... not a great idea. If you've ever seen the reports on what happens to occupants back there, you'd likely never place a baby there. I don't beleive there are any anchors for a baby seat back there anyway.

Drew

brillmtb

Drew,

Tell us more about the LATCH system and how it works with the Montero, I have an 01 and a 2.5 yo girl who loves "the bumpy roads". Just read about this LATCH system last night and wondered what I need to get to make it work.

sailing216

Car seat or booster seat with a strap from the back of it with a clip that you clip the seat to the floor. Look behind the 2nd row of seats and notice the Latch clip ready to hold your car seat firmly in place.

brillmtb

Will this work with any carseat and where do you get the hardware generally?

wilkich

There is a great explanation of LATCH system in general on the Amazon.com/Babys R Us web site in the car seat section. Some hardware is also available on the site. Sailing216 may be slightly offbase as to LATCH. My understanding is that the anchors are a stopgap measure in many late model vehicles which aim to secure a baby seat more firmly. LATCH is supposedly a more comprehensive system that aims to make car seat fitting "universal." On the Montero I think it's what those anchors are for if you reach deeply the crevice between the seat and seat back. (Of course, I could look at the owners manual and not be lazy about this). My initial question regarding the system related to some vague complaints that some car seats don't fit well in some cars even with the LATCH system because the kinks have not been worked out.

dski

The Latch I'm talking about are the three Anchors bolted to the floor in the cargo area. They are there to be a connecting point for the new child seats but are the worst design I've run into.

For those of us using the cargo area a lot, they are a major inconvenience. They could have easily been recessed into the floor to avoid being an obstruction but that would have taken some thought I guess.

Drew

mwcox

Anyone heard when the 03's will be on dealer lots?
Anyone taken advantage of the 000 plan? If so, are you liking it, or do you regret it? Also, last question, any ideas on why there are so many 01 and 02 models on used car lots? The two Mitsu dealers in my area have 13 used 01/02 Montero's between them. Does Mitsu do that many 1 year leases, or are people getting rid of them due to some reason, or can they just not make payments....

mkaye

Rental fleets and program vehicles from Mistu America.

dski

I was surprised how many Montero's go to rental company's. That's a good thing for Mitsubishi.

I don't recall ever seeing the last generation Montero at rental agency's. I'm guessing the biggest reason was that the previous version was so much more expensive.

Drew

sailing216

I ran probably 60 Monteros through Carfax before driving to see them, and probably 56 were rentals. I found one with mileage rolled back that the dealer didn't even know about the truck. It had a $4000 price drop the next week. Another that was a "too good to be true" was found that it had a "light roll-over". I ended up looking at 3. The Escaine Leather option on the 02' XLS was a big thumbs down. It did not wear well on any Monty we saw. Stains and dirt were impossible to get out according to my detailer. Good thing I waited, love our 02' Limited, and it cleaned up great (high mileage lease). I drove a rental and it still seemed tight and rattle free, but the interior was beat up.

000 was sooo tempting, but being able to pickup a used 02' that depreciated almost 15k from sticker, offset the finacing savings.

ghawg

Has anyone lifted their 01-02 Monty and put larger tires on it? I have ordered an OME suspension/lift and I want to run with 285/75-16's. Has anyone done this? 285's may seem too wide, but I plan on removing the front bumper and replacing with an ARB. Any suggestions?

marsha7

timer at some others...with a HP rating of 200 HP, and the 2003 supposed to have 215, is the Montero, as a full size SUV, sluggish on acceleration, or do you folks feel it is adequate???...I am referring to 0-60 for getting onto a freeway, or from, say, 30-65 for local passing, or 60-80 for passing a slowpoke on the freeway...also, what type of mpg's do you get, and, how are you impressed with the quality of the vehicle, would you buy it again or look elsewhere when replacement time comes???

Bob

brillmtb

As you probably noted I mentioned that I have the Old Man Emu suspension and had some difficulty initially when they sent the wrong front strut/spring retainer plates. They probably have corrected this.

I am very happy with the amount of lift with about 1.5 inches up front and 2.5 in the rear. The ride is still soft, in fact, higher dampened shocks would have been fine with me.

The tire issue: I am concerned about what to do with the spare. You would have two different sizes if you still want to mount under the existing cover

ghawg

I have read your previous posts, very informative. I decided to get the OME suspension after reading posts here and talking with people from ARB and Overlander on the phone.

I ordered the stiffer front coils and the regular rears. I will be carrying more weight in the front after installing an ARB bumper,(the ARB will help out with the angle of approach, something the stock monty is lacking.) and eventually a winch.

I looked at tires yesterday, I should not have a problem using 285's once I lift the truck and replace the front bumper. I don't think it would be possible to go that wide with the stock bumper, it looks like it might rub when turning, but I don't know, I have not even lifted it yet.

I got rid of the spare tire cover shortly after getting the vehicle, I did not like the way it looked. Still, I don't even know if the spare mount will take a tire that wide with 7" rims, it does not look like there is much room to spare behind the tire with the stock 265's. Also, going up to 75's it looks like the bottom of the spare tire might rub on the bumper. I plan on checking out the spare situation as the tires are being installed.

regala

It looks like the a 285's tires will fit just fine, at least according to the pictures on the link below.

http://www.cam.hi-ho.ne.jp/sakira/pajero/aki's%20pajero/index.htm

duster

Has anyone had any of these type problems with their headlights on their 01 Monty? It make the plastic look discolored and hazy.
Thanks

ghawg

It sure does, although my lift won't be quite as high. It will be interesting to see how it turns out. Do you know of any more links to modified genIII Montys?

ghawg

It sounds like you don't have a proper seal on one of your headlights. Something could be cracked or it could be a manufacturing defect. Is it both or just one of your headlights?

brillmtb

For those concerned, the lift with the Old Man Emu is not as high as shown in those cool pictures from regala on the modified Montero. The front still will sit a little lower than the rear as opposed to the pictured vehicle which is level.

The tires shown are the Geolander M/T and I am thinking of the A/T. Not sure I need the extra mud ability and would probably give up too much road quality. The A/T's rate very well.

Look close at the front fender, it looks like he had to cut it out a little. The 285 probably hit when turned. I figured that there is a reasonable inch of room to work with so anything greater than a 1 inch diameter over stock (265/75-16 will give one inch greater diameter) MAY be too close, especially if you plan on heavy mud or chains.

dski

Even a very tiny crack that you can't see will result either in Fogging or water seeping through.

The force of water into the lens while your driving will allow plenty of moisture to get through. If the seal of the lens appears solid, I'd say you have some small crack and a replacement needed.

Drew

regala

The lift kit used on the photo was from Battlez. According to the Battlez specs, the lift was about 2". The OME lift kit is 1.5", so it should really be close. It didn't looked like he had cut the front fender, that's how it would look once you remove the front plastic cladding. Also did you notice that the fender flares were replaced too. I think those are JAOS fender flares.

brillmtb

ah, I see. I just didnt want anyone to think that the 285 tires would go right in there because I dont think they will but I could be wrong.

The lift on the picture, up front, seems much higher that the OME suspension. I have the next higher spring rate from stock, not the one for adding a front winch, bumper, etc. The front is about 1.5 inches and rear 2.5 inches now that it has settled a bit. This makes the front about an inch lower. This is something that you can see when standing back. Also, I think it is something you can feel driving or I am hallucinating again. I had the wrong spring plates at first and my front sat higher, like the picture. I think is drives better with the front down a little but the difference is minor.

Also, I would check out the length of the brake lines to be sure there is enough there for articulation. I am no 4wd expert but I think longer lines might be needed. No big deal, in fact, a good excuse to put on braided lines.

I would love a front bull bar and extra set of lights. That JAOS stuff looks real nice. Well, there is always x-mas. Perhaps I could get it for my wife

brillmtb

ah, I see. I just didnt want anyone to think that the 285 tires would go right in there because I dont think they will but I could be wrong.

The lift on the picture, up front, seems much higher that the OME suspension. I have the next higher spring rate from stock, not the one for adding a front winch, bumper, etc. The front is about 1.5 inches and rear 2.5 inches now that it has settled a bit. This makes the front about an inch lower. This is something that you can see when standing back. Also, I think it is something you can feel driving or I am hallucinating again. I had the wrong spring plates at first and my front sat higher, like the picture. I think is drives better with the front down a little but the difference is minor.

Also, I would check out the length of the brake lines to be sure there is enough there for articulation. I am no 4wd expert but I think longer lines might be needed. No big deal, in fact, a good excuse to put on braided lines.

I would love a front bull bar and extra set of lights. That JAOS stuff looks real nice. Well, there is always x-mas. Perhaps I could get it for my wife

brillmtb

ah, I see. I just didnt want anyone to think that the 285 tires would go right in there because I dont think they will but I could be wrong.

The lift on the picture, up front, seems much higher that the OME suspension. I have the next higher spring rate from stock, not the one for adding a front winch, bumper, etc. The front is about 1.5 inches and rear 2.5 inches now that it has settled a bit. This makes the front about an inch lower. This is something that you can see when standing back. Also, I think it is something you can feel driving or I am hallucinating again. I had the wrong spring plates at first and my front sat higher, like the picture. I think is drives better with the front down a little but the difference is minor.

Also, I would check out the length of the brake lines to be sure there is enough there for articulation. I am no 4wd expert but I think longer lines might be needed. No big deal, in fact, a good excuse to put on braided lines.

I would love a front bull bar and extra set of lights. That JAOS stuff looks real nice. Well, there is always x-mas. Perhaps I could get it for my wife

brillmtb

Check this out. On that picture of the Montero there are Japanese links listed. I just started clicking on them and found out that JAOS apparently makes a fender for the Montero. That is not just the clad taken off it is an aftermarket kit it seems. Check out the link

http://www.jaos.co.jp/web_jaos/of.html

duster

Thanks, it's just one headlight. I took it to the dealer (DARCARS in Maryland) they tried to buff it out. I told them it was on the inside, they said the next time you come in for service they will try again. What a quality dealership!!

ghawg

The Jaos fender flares are available through Overlander. Jaos USA won't get their shipment until late October and Overlander will get theirs shortly after. Jaos will not sell retail, You must go through a retail shop. I have been looking for these for quite some time and found that nobody even stocks them and you wont find them listed for sale on any U.S. website just yet. Get this, they retail for $850.00 OUCH! I am most interested in the part that replaces the front mud flap, if you can call it that. Unfortunately it is available only as a set. It is hard to justify at that price! Here is the Jaos usa website link for the fender flares. http://www.jaosusa.com/products/fender/

ghawg

Have you noticed any problems with the brake lines after you installed the suspension? Do they look like they need to be lengthened? Have you had the chance to try it out off-road to check and see? I'm not going to be psyched if I have to replace the brake lines.

mhenderson1

Mitsubishi build a SUV with more legroom in the front (particularly the drivers side)? Why is it that these mid-sized SUV always have little room for taller folks. Will their be an interior design change in the near future.

dmetzger

I see Edmunds now has the 2003 model listed with pictures. Styling not like at the auto show. Check it out.

stever

Here's the link.



Steve

Host

SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

duster

Check out specs on Edmunds, ground clearance 8.6,
traction control and stability control standard.

brillmtb

Sounds like this might be a mixed bag

More HP/torque...good
Less Ground clearence....bad
Stability and traction control...it depends on how they designed it, if it ends up like the Sequoia system that will be real bad. If they make it so it can be completely turned off in 4wd situations other than snow/ice it might be a good thing. Has anyone been able to get their Montero stuck yet. I sure havent.

brillmtb

I am thinking of going to a better winter tire such as the Yok Geo AT +. What did you finally find out about the options? I am considering stock size vs the 265/75-16 which would be 1 inch greater diameter but I am not sure it would fit under the rear cover. This would mean two different tires. If the flat ended up on the rear you could not use the smaller spare tire with the limited slip (at least I dont think so).

Alternatively I could dump the rear plastic and go with a nice leather/vinyl cover with the larger tires.

phonos

How 'bout one that says "Pajero" rather than Mitsubishi diamond. Anybody seen such a thing on any Australian or any other websites?

My son got a Holden "Jackaroo" cover for his Trooper. Makes people take notice, if you care about such things.

ghawg

Does Anybody know where to put jack stands under their new model montero? I think the rail just in front of the rear tire and just behind the front tire is the place but I am unsure. If you get under the rig You will notice small cut-outs along this rail, it seems to me this is where the truck is lifted when serviced at the dealer.

I also need information on jacking the vehicle, could I jack under the rear diff carrier then place the stands on both sides? Or should I jack under the trailer hitch brackets? What about the front?

Brillmtb, once I have finished the lift I will get my new tires. I did decide on the tire I will buy. Les Schwabb is still having a sale on Wild Country tires. I will go with the TXR model either 285or265/75. These tires a rated very good for wet road traction/snow and excellent off-road with a very aggressive tread pattern. Here is the link. http://www.lesschwab.com/w3lsnet/businesslines/tires/suvpickup/WildCountryTXR.asp

I doubt you could fit a larger diameter tire under the spare cover, it is a pretty tight fit as is, just chuck it like I did