Sorry I can't figure out how to post more than one picture per post...

TBAR CRANK! I've been reading about this since I bought my first Montero but never actually did one. I searched around for pictures but could not find any. I spent way too much time trying to find the correct adjustment bolt. I feel like a total newb! After attempting to tighten the large (incorrect) 22mm nuts up front I found some instructions on how to do this on a Chevy S10 and applied it to the Montero.


So, if anyone out there has not yet done a TBAR crank, the correct bolt is a 17mm near the rear of the TBAR. The 17mm head faces the ground. To lift the front 1.25" I cranked each side approximately 40 revolutions. I stared with the front of the truck in the air and finished with it on the ground, so either way will work fine. Here is before taken today:

After


I also bit the bullet and removed the mudflaps and running boards. I'm hoping that my kids don't notice. Put the roof rack back on. 33's go on in a couple weeks and then it's off to the Florida Montero Meet!

I splurged a little and bought a new Mitsu emblem for the back. All three of my Monteros have either had a faded or missing emblem. BLING!

I just noticed I never got around to posting valve stem seal pictures a couple weeks ago. Here they are now:

The VSS job is a pita. It took my 15 hours and this is about the 10 time I've done them AND my emissions are removed so access to the valve covers is pretty easy. So for a first timer I'd recommend not having to drive the Montero to work the next day, and while you are buying parts, buy extra keepers. There is a big chance you will loose a couple. I forgot to buy extra's and I had to drive the Montero to work so the pressure was on!

I did the rope technique and used tool: Schley SCH91400B. This combo worked well. I got 12 feet of rope and actually put about 10 feet into the cylinders.

This picture show the tool attached to the drivers side head. Rope is inserted into the middle cylinder and I was about the remove one of the exhaust valve springs.

Here is a sample of the old vs new valve stem seal. Mine were all really bad. Holes enlarged and hardened. The truck used to burn one quart of oil for every tank of gas.

CLICK ON ATTACHED FOR VSS PIC

Wow, you are hustling over there! Wish I had the time and knowledge to knock out stuff like that. What made you think your valve stems needed replacing, the burning oil or is that from something else?

You planning on upgrading the tires? Stock tires may look funny, but better on gas

Hey angelo, yeah plugging away. Sometimes I'm wonder if its a gift or a curse lol. New 33's go on tomorrow! Pics coming soon.

The bad vss caused the exhaust to smoke really bad. For example, we went on a drive through safari with lions and zebras etc. The safari manager politely asked if we would park the montero and use one of their safari vans because we were endangering the animals lol. Other people would yell at me T stop lights saying that my exhaust stinks.

1998 Montero, OME 1.25" lift rear springs and shocks. T-bar crank. 33x10.5x15.

I'm really happy with the way this turned out. She rides really nice and I have not noticed it being any slower than it already was. I DD it 60 miles/day and I think this is a great tire for that.

Shot of the rear. Who wants to make fun of my little spare tire? I do! I'm keeping my eye open of a decent used 33. I'm too cheap to buy a new one.