I am posting this to ask a few questions and give a little history on the vehicle. First the history. This Dogde Raider I am talking about is a Raider I purchased new in 1987 in Ontario California. Best vehicle I have ever owned. However I sold the vehicle to my younger brother in 1995. He used used it daily for about 11 years until the motor died. He then sold it to my twin brother for I believe 100 bucks in 2006. My twin brother has since purchased a parts truck for parts, rebuilt the motor, trans and clutch and new brakes. He has already sold the parts truck.
Now my twin brother wants to sell the Raider and I am buying it back.
Now here is the list of things it needs to make it truly road worthy.
1. Needs a new carb badly. I understand there is a weber conversion kit I can purchase. If this is the case can someone tell me how difficult it is to install, does it come with everything needed and will it allow me to remove the California emissions?
2. Exhaust manifold leaks pretty bad. Does anyone know if there is an aftermarket header available for a 2.6L for the Raider. If known, where can I get one?
3. Dash lights do not work nor does the dome light. Hopefully it is a simple electrical issue.
4. Needs new headliner. My brother has the material to replace it.
5. Could use new carpet. I know I can purchase that.
6. Needs new front windshield.
7. Needs new inclinometer.
8. Needs new tires. Original chrome wheels are still on the vehicle. I would like upgrades to a larger tire and wheel. I would like to install black wheels. The vehicle is silver and black. I want to go with a tire that does not require me to do a lift kit. Does anyone have a suggestion. I would like a good all terrain tire.
Other than rust areas the vehicle looks pretty good inside and out for a 25 yr old vehicle.

I know this a long post.
It is not everyday a person gets the opportunity to get back the vehicle he purchased new 25 years ago.
Thanks
Chiefgb (Navy Chief Retired) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Welcome to 4x4wire!

You can fit 33" tires on the Raider/Montero Gen I with no lift.

Russell

Garry,

1. I installed a Weber on my old 2.6 Montero years ago. It was not difficult. I did have problems with it dieseling when I turned it off and had to release the clutch while turning it off to prevent it. I never messed with it enough to fix that problem and lived with it. Also, I bought an adjustable fuel pressure regulator for it which helped it run better.

2. Pacesetter used to make some. Summitracing.com or a local speed shop can probably supply them for you. You may want to check a junkyard or post a wanted ad on these boards for a replacement OEM manifold.

3. Could be as simple as a fuse.

4-6 you know what to do.

7. If the inclinometer has lost it's oil, there is a fix for it. Otherwise, a junkyard or another board member is your best bet.

8. You can go to 32-33s without cutting metal or installing a lift kit. Check the FAQ's on the top of this board.

Congrats, and welcome back. I just bought a project Monty because I missed my previous ones.

Welcome to 4x4Wire!

I just got my raider recently as well, and I put some black steelies (15x8 w/ 3.75" backspacing) and 31x10.5 inch BFG T/A KOs on my Raider with no lift/cutting recently.

I just drove it from San Jose to San Diego in heavy rain with an average speed of 75+ mph and it was OK.

It actually drives better now than with the original sized tires.

Some members of this message board have tried bigger tires, but they also commonly mention that if you have a 4 cylinder, you may want to upgrade your brakes if you are going above 31x10.5 inches. If you are going to use it as a daily driver, you might want to stay at 31, but like Rxinhead said, you can run 33 inchers with minimal cutting of the bumper ends. If you look at mine, you can see that there is a lot of room for bigger tires, even with 31x10.5 under the fenders.

Welcome! This are great little vehicles. Mine has 336k miles on it, runs badly, was in aweful disrepair when I got it, and still starts every time and hasn't let me down even once. Its a rolling project, for sure, but I still love it. I'm having a lot of fun getting it together. This is the best resource on the web that I've found so far. These guys know their stuff!

Welcome

Now read this for some or all of your answers

Big thanks to all who responded. I am excited to have this vehicle back and look forward to playing with it. When I sold it my son was 6 yrs old. Today he is 22 and excited I have the vehicle back.
Garry

That's a sweet color on that vehicle of yours NJ

Headers for the 2.6 are readily available here in Australia. I imagine the freight would be outrageous. I don't know if they're worth it to start with. I just had them installed on my 3.0 here in Australia, and the improvement is marginal at best.

SeattleRaider has some in the for sale board here, check out his ad.