So, I recently got this 92 Montero, 3.0L Auto with a spun rod bearing. I took it on as a project because it was a great price and the rest of the truck is very clean and nice, worthy of a rebuild on the engine.
I won't bore you with the engine rebuild details, there are a few excellent threads here already that cover it well. My rebuild went without any drama, just pulled the engine, disassembled it and sent it all out, put it back together and put it back in. It's running pretty well now, apart from a couple things I am working through.

Here is a shot of the truck as I got it (basically).



Pretty used up 235/75/15's, stock, stock, stock.

My plans:
Tires! Most likely some 31's that I already have, from a previous project.

Probably just crank the t-bars to level it out. I'm not a huge fan of lifting a truck with just 31's, but maybe I'll go with some small spacers or the like to lift it a bit.

Protection- probably a front bumper/winch combo, maybe a rear bumper as well, down the line somewhere.

Communication- A CB, maybe another radio of one kind or another.

Rack- I'm thinking a full length rack, but low and tight against the roofline.

I've always wanted some limb lifter/brush wires on a truck. To me it's one of the things that really makes the look of a cool adventure truck. I may never need them for any real use, but I dig the way they look.
Same with a snorkel. Maybe not required for my use, but I've always wanted one, so.....

I'm excited for this project! I'll start with saying thanks to all who post good info here- it's what has made me want to do it!

Thanks for reading, updates as they come.

Brian

Nice. I always liked this color combo.

1) For a lift there are 2 options.
- Body Lift via 4crawler.com
- Suspension lift: Torsion Bar Crank + rear coil spacers for a Toyota Sequoia or longer springs from Valley or ARB or Iron Man suspension.

2) Protection:
Bumpers
- ARB is one option (albeit price).
- TJM & ECB are 2 other 'possible' options if available.
- You can also use Jeep TJ bumpers. You need to modify the front frame rails and create an adapter for the rear rails.

3) Skids/Rocker Panel Protection:
- Custom Built or modify an existing set to fit.
- Don't expect basic nerf bars to protect too much. If anything will likely cause more damage especially once they give way which they typically do.

4) Comms:
- FRS/GMRS is an option that most beginners get.
- CB Radio: is what most wheelers use.
- UHF/2 Meter: is what some use as well but IMHO I'd only use this in conjunction w/ a CB Radio.

5) Rack:
- I opted for a Bauer Rack but it's meant to work w/ existing rack system.
- A Garvin Industries Wilderness Trails rack, Surco rack, Thule, & Yakima all come to mind as alternatives.

6) Limb Lifter/Brush wires: Too poseur for me but to each their own.

7) Snorkel: Allows you to ingest air from higher up which means less dust intrusion.

Also can produce a ram air effect to potentially improve intake airflow.

Looking forward to seeing your build progress. You can read about my 96SR progress in the link below. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

HTH.

Nice truck <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> Mine used to look like yours <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />




Good luck with your mods. Post up pics while you make progress <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I like seeing new builds up like this. Def do it right the first time to avoid extra spending and back-tracking. Dont be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem a little goofy. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Reuben, you can do better than that on the rock, get up there! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" />

I was going to comment on that also, but I thought I'd better leave well enough alone. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Nice find, and its always good to see someone taking the trouble to get it running good "stock" first.

Keep updating, so we can see how far you've come! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Those are rare rims.

Not really, they're just 15x8 bullet holes <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> Just kidding <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

How rare is rare? I like them. Kinda look like minilites.

New tires went on today! Pics later.

Open diff <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />