Hi all,
After recently taking my wife's '97 Montero SR, which we've owned since '99, out for the very fist time this year I'm completely hooked. Went out to Hungry Valley in May and just last weekend to Silverado Canyon and Main Divide Road.
I feel like I've learned a ton already about off-roading in general from the two trips and trolling these boards, but I'm sure I've only scratched the surface.
So here I am to get some opinions or feedback on what I'd like to do with this clean slate.
My goal is to have a daily driver for my wife that we can take out on weekends or on camping trips (I actually slept in a tent for the first time in my life this year too).
My first purchase will be new tires since traction was a problem on my recent trip and I need to replace the rears regardless of whether I plan on doing any more off-roading. I'm looking at the Firestone Destination MTs (preferably on the stock rims). Can I fit the 33s on without any rubbing, or do I need to do a lift first? I understand I can do a torsion bar lift on the front for 2", but I"m not sure where to get the rear done. All the online 4x4 stores I've found so far either don't list equipment for Mitsu's specifically or they don't list my model year.
It looks like the Rancho RS9000Xs are popular for many. I like the fact that I can adjust them for different surfaces. I don't know if I'd go so far as getting the in-cab controls, but Xmas is right around the corner. Opinions?
I figure I'll replace the stock side steps with rock rails once they get ripped off. I've looked at the Roger Brown rails (4crawler.com), but there must be others. Suggestions?
The ARB bull bar seems to be the popular choice for front bumber, but so far I can't seem to find one for my year with the fender flares that are standard on the SR. Are there other brands available? I haven't seen any listed yet.
Well, I think that's a good start. I'm not looking to tackle Rubicon yet, but who knows where this will lead?
Thanks in advance for any and all advice/opinions/suggestions/etc.
Banacheq
