I bought this 1990 LS about 3~4 years ago from a farmer out in Oklahoma. It used to be a California car, but the owner bought a ton of acreage in OK and used this for about 10 years to heard cattle, mend fences, etc. I paid $800 with around 228,000 miles. It had a few issues that needed immediate attention, but nothing too crazy.

Here's a quick list of what I have had to do so far on it:

passenger turn signal lens broken
driver/passenger seats from a pick and pull
fuel pump
master cylinder
oil cooler lines using clamps and high pressure hose
one collapsed valve lash adjuster
rear brake shoes/wheel cylinders
faulty hazard switch
faulty driver side window switch cluster
cracked positive terminal clamp
various sets of used tires
toyota steel rims to replace the heavily oxidized aluminum stockers

After all this time I have neglected quite a few things, and in all honesty expected this to just be a temporary vehicle. I figured I would get a year or so out of it, and then when it blew up I would just find something else. This thing refuses to die after 12,000 miles. I liked it before, but now I love it. I don't want to get rid of it, and want to do my best to prolong it's life. Nothing drastic, but my first big purchase was a good set of tires. The bald 30" BFG All Terrains had to go. I got some Goodyear Wrangler 31" put on last weekend.

Here's some pics of it's current state:





Rust and faded paint areas. Are there any good window seal sources?







Notched hood hook/latch. I think I can weld up the notch and file it back to stock profile. Hopefully that helps a bit. It's kinda scary driving down the highway and seeing it flutter an 1/8" or so up and down.



Radiator pin hole has been here since I bough the truck. Seeps a tiny amount, and I've literally ignored it. Time to get this fixed.



I noticed a bit of a leak at the thermostat neck the other day.





A full underhood shot.



[img]http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww326/hatchethairy2/montero/DSC00852.jpg[/img]

Only real body damage on the whole vehicle other than slight dings.

[img]http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww326/hatchethairy2/montero/DSC00859.jpg[/img]

Torn rear bumper rubber corners.

[img]http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww326/hatchethairy2/montero/DSC00838.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww326/hatchethairy2/montero/DSC00837.jpg[/img]

When I got the truck, the headliner was in shambles, so I tore it all out and kept the bows to hopefully install a new one later. Still haven't got around to it. Also the carpet was soggy and smelly from a window being left open a couple weeks. I probably should have tried to salvage it, but instead tossed it and have just run some heavy duty rubber floor mats. I also cut up a large mat to fit the cargo area. I love the D-hooks and fuel pump access panel! I changed the pump in the rain and didn't get a drop of water on me.

[img]http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww326/hatchethairy2/montero/DSC00836.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww326/hatchethairy2/montero/DSC00823.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww326/hatchethairy2/montero/DSC00828.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww326/hatchethairy2/montero/DSC00829.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww326/hatchethairy2/montero/DSC00827.jpg[/img]

I found a non-torn matching pair of front seats when I got the truck and swapped them out. Unfortunately now the driver's side replacement is all tore up. The local yards don't have anything in first gen anymore, so I may see about fitting some second gen if available.

Here's a list of things I need to address over the next few months:

turn signal relay (signal speed super slow)
front windshield washer pump
blower motor resistor
air filter
clean battery terminals and apply protectant
secure hood latch (hood flutters on the highway notching the loop)
power steering lines (similar fix to oil cooler lines?)
thermostat gasket
radiator pinhole leak
rear axle bearing seals
belts
tensioner pulleys
idler arm
crank bolt fix
gas mileage
fuel filler hose leaks horribly
fuel cap
timing belt
driver seat belt frayed
driver seat tears (again)
valve lash adjusters (replace all)
trans fluid
trans case fluid?
paint faded/rusty
areas around windows

Plenty of potential. Good trucks never die. They just retire.

Glad to see this one is still kicking.

I really like the look of those rims. Do you recall what year/ model toy they came off of ? My 91 still has the stock rims and they are oxidized as well. I just posted about my idler pulley chirping and I see yours in your engine pic... they look non stock. At least to me. I have same motor.

I think these came off an early 4runner, but I'm sure they are also available on some pickups as well. Unfortunately they are only 6" wide rims, so you lose and inch from the stock wheels. At the time I just needed some tires, and these just happened to be attached to them. I think I paid $80 for all 4 and they were good to bolt up. I think this is the stock Toyota part number to reference 426013539005 and also 69202.

Here's some new:

wheels link one

wheels link two

Are you a pirate captain?

Nope. At least not today.

I think they are stock, but don't know for sure. They came with the truck, and usually only chirp when it's raining or there is a lot of moisture in the air for a few days.

Hey CptAwesome, I see you're in Bentonville. I'm in Siloam. I had a 90 for several years. Loved it. Now I have this 89 SWB with V6 & 5-speed. Love it!

Have you been to the new salvage yard in Rogers? Is it even open yet? I'm hoping they have some stuff for us.

I have spent a couple of weekends playing with mine out at Disney, OK. Some FANTASTIC trails out there. My brothers with their "Lincoln Locker" Jeeps were very impressed with what the "Dadtero" could do!

Maybe I'll see you out on 540 somewhere.

Chris

Do you happen to know the name or where the new place is supposed to be? I just called the only two I know a couple days ago, and they only had the newer model parts.

I've heard of Disney, but have never been to any trails before. I actually bought this Montero from a guy out in Jay not too far from there. It would be cool to make a trip of it when I get all the big maintenance stuff addressed. Feel like teaching a newbie?

I have a few buddy's that live out in Siloam, so I am out there fairly often. Well, used to. Got a 3 month old added to the bunch, so spare time isn't available too much these days.

wow,when I saw the first pic I thought this was my old Montero and someone had taken it back down to original and sold it off.