Hi guys, I've been gone for awhile and focused on my Galant VR4. I blew it up a couple weeks ago and decided to park it for awhile so I can focus on the Montero. It needs a little attention.

Last night I put new brakes on it and this weekend I have a large box of maintenance parts to install:

Timing belt and accessories
water pump
plugs
wires
valve stem seals
valve cover gaskets
exhaust work

I don't know how much I'll get done this weekend, but it needs VSS and valve cover gaskets BAD! I lose about 2 quarts of oil every tank of gas.

After the maintenance is finished I will conveniently need new tires <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I'm 99% decided on 33x10.5's on the stock rims unless you guys can provide a better option.

So, with the 33's I need your advice on lift options. I know the 2" body lift is the cheap easy solution, but I also would like to improve the suspension in the rear for towing my camper. When we go camping, the full tank of gas, bikes, dog in the back, and camper cause the rear to sag. What is the best solution for this? Old Man EMU springs and shocks? Springs only? Regular or extreme option? This states a 1.25" lift.

If I go OMEMU in the rear, can I crank the front up to match? If yes, will I even need a body lift for 33's? Thank you so much for your input. I will post pics of the progress.

-Matt

1998 Montero right? If so, then no lift needed for 33's.

For your towing issues, your original springs are probably just worn out. You can... (in order of expense)
- add spring spacers (2")
- use replacement New or lightly used OE springs as one option
- upgrade to aftermarket springs by OME, etc.

Along with these options, you can also use air ride air bags to compliment your springs when towing. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Thank you for the advice. Yes, this is the 1998 Montero. I tried to change my avatar pic but it didn't stick.

To clarify, I can buy new rear shocks from autozone, OM EMU springs (rear). Then crank the t-bars in front to match? Do you think this would be a decent solution?

forget autozone,,get KYB shocks.
OME 910. I had some on my short wheel base. They were too much lift and stiffness for me,,I should have gotten OME 911.
910s are good quality and should give you about an inch. OME 910 are progreessive rate alot stffer but still give good ride and handling, I recommend them for your application. I got mine from Rocky Road.
They also make an "expedition spring (OME 938 I recall). They are constant rate and very stiff, made for truck being fully loaded at all times.

My 1990 (black LS that I am pretty sure you saw) Has cranked T-bars and Air lift airbags in the rear. The air bags are not connected to each other. The airbags have worked great. I did have to replace them after about 7 years of wear. That truck had 33.10.5 BFGs on stock rims then, and has 32x11.5's on it now. 33x10.5 best tire as far as I am concerned.

How heavy is the camper? Most likely, you'll be towing & pulling it without 4.90's. stick with 32's if you can't upgrade to lower gears at the moment

If you're going with the OME springs, get the OME shocks also as they are tuned to work with the springs. I've been extremely happy with my OME shocks and springs since I installed them 8 years and 100k miles ago.

I have OME shocks and springs. As KrzyDav pointed out they are a bit stiff. They are heavy duty and perform well. Good hunting! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Thanks guys, I was able to complete the timing belt, water pump, plugs, wires, valve cover gaskets, TB coolant delete, and EGR delete over the weekend. She is running so much better now with the new plugs. Wow, the old ones were shot.

I'm shooting to do the VSS next weekend.

The camper is just a pop-up camper so it's not extremely heavy. I think I'll go with OME springs and shocks for the rear and a t-bar crank. Then install the new tires and go from there.

I have a few pictures I'd like to upload but I don't see an option to do that????

See the link in my signature that shows how to add pictures to posts on 4x4wire.