Hello,
I came across a good deal on a 92 Mitsu pickup last summer and had to pick it up. I've looked through this forum a few times since then, as it looks like the best site out there for Mitsubishi 4x4s. I Herculined the bed after reading rave reviews about the stuff here, and it was definitely worth the time and effort. I have a few questions about general maintenence before I start to think about finding trails around here...

How closely is the Max related to Monties? Everyone posting here seems to have a Montero. Are both V6 3.0s the same engine? Are some of the other components the same?

I like to do as much of my own wrenching as I can, but it is growing cold up here and the only garage I have access to is a 2 1/2 car garage (2 cars deep, a half car wide)-: with two other cars that are parked in it at night (I'm on the street). I need work on the brakes and steering hydraulics, so I'm forced to take it to a mechanic.

I took it to a nearby Midas today that did the brake job on my last car. They did a good job the first time (as far as I could tell), but it cleaned out my savings. The estimate I came back with was well over half of what I paid for the truck in the first place, and that didn't even include the decaying exhaust system. I figure I can take care of replacing the serpentine belt and air filter on my own, but the brake job will be $650/800 if they can't save the rotors. The steering gear seal/flush will be $270. The part prices they quoted are 3-4 x the low end of what I could find online and close to or a little more than the better/OEM parts. The only work I had them do so far was an oil change because of the mess made the first time I changed it, with the awkward filter location and all. When I asked how they avioded dumping oil all over the control arm and skid plate, the guy said he just let it drain and "hosed it off" afterward. I have to wait until tomorrow to see how well that worked.

At these prices, would I be better off taking it to a regular Mitsu dealer? The original salesman told me the truck was identical to the Dodge D50 except for the name and emblems, but that sounds like an exageration. Should I expect to pay higher import part costs or not? Is it worth the time to shop other chain and/or independent garages? I can keep refilling the power steering fluid reservoir indefinitely, but the siezed brake calipers are eating into the rotors every time I drive it, and it sounds like he11.

Sorry for the long post and so many questions, I just hope someone here knows more about this truck than local mechanics seem to (I think I asked a dozen different people what the lock/unlock toggle switch on the dash was for and got 12 different explanations before I figured it out from reading this forum :-).

Dont feel bad bout the cost to get your brakes donr. They quoted me at 1100 for mine on my ram 50. and they are the same truck except for the badging and a few other styling things.

The brakes are easier than you think. The usual problems are getting the allen head bolts out and then getting the wheel bearing nut off/on. You can get a rebuilt caliper from NAPA. Just be ready for the core charge. It's more expensive than the purchase price. A good machine shop can turn the rotors. They will also be able to tell you if the rotors are still within spec. Be sure to repack the wheel bearings while you are in there.

Suggested parts:
MB526395 Wheel hub oil seal (one per side)
MB500812 Disc brake pad kit (one per truck)
Double check the part numbers with a Dodge/Mitsubishi dealer.



Is your steering gear leaking out the top? If so, just order and install a MB553220 Adjusting bolt repair package. This repair package was available in 1989. Unless the steering gear changed, it should work for your 1992.

Yes, Dodge imported the Mitsu truck and only changed the badges. Dodge dealers can get you the parts or you can order the parts online.

Get a copy of the service manual. The service manual shows disassembly/assembly steps, torque values, etc. Paper copies show up on eBay from time to time. As with any repair, take your time, use the correct tools, do it right.



A "factory locker"? You may want to double check this. I thought the only options were open and LSD.

Oh yea - Welcome to this corner of the internet. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I have to maintain 15 vehicles at my work. I do very fast basic things to them since I do not have any time to work on them. The rest I looked in the phone book and called other companys to see who they used. I found through trail and error 3 mechanics. 1 mobile guy who does all the major work, one tire shop, one tranny shop. All 3 shops are half our usual cost of repairs. Call around for smalll independant shops or better yet a mobile guy who is ASE certified. Ask lots of questions. Look at his setup. Dont go with a guy in a station wagon that has tools in his trunk. These people come to you and are ex-dealer mechanics in most cases. Good luck.

So is the "upper midwest" anywhere near northern Illinois? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> From what I've been able to gather there is alot of common parts between the pickups and Monties.

Welcome to the 'Wire <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />.

No, it's near the bottom of the pump. I put in some 'guaranteed' leak sealer fluid recommended by the guys at Autozone and the mechanic said that stuff ended up accellerating the leak.

I said I like to do my own wrenching, not that I'm very experienced at it. It's a hassle just to get the garage for part of a day, and out of the question for overnight. I have access to plenty of around-the-house type tools, but the only auto specific things I have are a spark plug socket, wheel ramps, and a tool for popping off window levers. I looked at the description of a brake job and repacking wheel bearings in my Haynes manual and it's not something I could attempt until I have my own garage and secondary transportation.


That's been the question. The dash molding has two spots on either side of the wheel, the left one being a togle for the hazards. The right switch looks identical except it says "locked" and has an amber light on it. The hazard switch is described in the owner's manual, the right one wasn't mentioned at all. I bought it from a used dealer selling on consignment for a friend, who was the son of the original owner. According to him, all it was ever used for was hauling a trailer up north- the body looked pristine except for a few nicks. It didn't sound like they would have added anything aftermarket.

Maybe I'm not clear on the concept. I've been trying to save up for basic repairs and haven't risked playing around with the 4X4 abilities yet. Are you saying the default would be open and the switch locks on the LSD? I know I've squealed the tires powering through turns and in the rain, I thought this would only happen with a LSD.


Thanx. ( is that a spray can? =:-0 )

I've lived in a few places around Wisconsin and Minnesota, but 'home base' has been the Milwuakee area, so yep. I was looking for a used hubcap online and the closest thing I came up with was in Kentucky. Know any boneyards with some Mitsus a little closer? The next big mod I'd like to make that wouldn't risk imobilizing the truck would be swapping out the bench seat. Would something out of a Monty work at all?

Cheers!

Not really I see a few trucks pop up every now and then, but that's it. Is there any way you could post a pic of what you're looking for?


I don't think so. I don't think there's enough headroom in the pickup for the bouncy seats. You can get bucket seats(what I have) from another pickup and they'll be a direct bolt-in. You can also add the rear half of the center console and get 3 cup-holders to boot <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />. What color is your interior? I've seen quite a few blue interiors(also what I have).


You know, you're not all that far from me. If you wanted to, we could maybe set up a Sunday when I could drive up and give you a hand if you get all the parts lined up <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />.

I remember another pickup guy claiming a while back that he bought his truck with a locker. Maybe it was a really rare/cool option <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. I don't think that guy has been around here for a while. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Found One For My Montero On Ebay
Look Up Hubcaps / Mitsubishi cars and or parts / i can be in any catagory .