If you guys are going to hook up, I would love to stop by and take a peek. My wrenching and Montero experience is pretty limited right now, but looking to expand that. I keep hearing about all these trails in the foothills not far from here, and I cant wait to check some of them out.

Welcome to the Forum, I live over in Superior and work at Boulder Valley School District....we are practically neighbors. My '98 is stock right now, but I have a full suspension upgrade on order and it should be in this week. Once again, welcome! If you see me driving around, it is white with gray bottom and Michigan plates (I just moved from Michigan and still have my house there <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> ).

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Sure, I can head up there. I'm tied up today, tomorrow, and this coming Sunday, but the following week I should be clear. If Chad can make it over, maybe we can make a wrenching party of it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Keep me appraised of when your parts come in and we'll see about making this happen.

Chad, if you haven't met him already, you should look up Edward Shepard (ES_97Sport on this board). While my '88 is pretty heavily modified, his '97 is a closer match to your '98 and is even more modified than my truck. It should give you plenty of inspiration. As well, keep me appraised of when your parts come in and perhaps I can give you a hand with that as well.

There are plenty of trails from which to choose. Check out http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php to get an idea. One of the popular trails near the Denver-Metro area (it's near Conifer) is a trail called Slaughterhouse. It's a fun trail for both new and old wheelers alike. A fully stock truck can make it through without much trouble. The first time I did that trail was at night in a snowstorm and my Montero was fully stock with 30" tires which didn't have much tread on them. It was an interesting night. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> Now, it's cake-crumbs for me, but I still have fun on that trail. I'd love to do a night run on it again. Was going to do a night run on it a couple weeks ago with a guy on Colorado4x4.org, but his schedule keeps interfering. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Let's keep in touch.

Joe

I think its time for a Denver/Springs Meet n Greet sometime soon. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

When your ready to go turbo. You will need to come shopping at my house for a few parts. Can probably also cover you on hood,fenders,grill. May even have an old set of rock sliders.

Ah, now Dan (highmtndesert) is the one you need to talk to. He's done a couple of these turbo-conversions. How many Raiders/Monteros you got these days, Dan?

I think you're right. In fact, you and I never did meet, although we kicked around the idea a while back. This meet would be a good get-together.

Cochese, you got a barbeque? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> Ya like how I'm volunteering your house for a meet 'n greet? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

PM me and I'll hook you up with the handle. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Be careful Joe, if a 14 year old girl offers you iced tea RUN! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I forgot to include my lecture about cooling <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />. The 2.6 head will crack at the slightest overheat. With this in mind please have your radiator rodded and replace the water pump and fan clutch with OEM parts. Also replace both radiator hoses and the heater hoses near the firewall. On the back side of the carb there is also a hose for heating the carb, don't miss that one !

You will also want to rig up the AC fan to a manual switch. This allows you to run the AC fan without the AC on. A real lifesaver on a hot slow trail. I also suggest a Stant heavy duty 180 degree thermostat. It's runs a little cool and you loose some MPG but way better than replacing the head.

Last but not least if you see the temp guage rising, don't be afraid to Cowboy Up, reach down and turn the heat on full blast. You don't have to real manly, it's ok to roll down the windows <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

Oh, NKG spark plugs, OEM wire and KYB shocks. Welcome to the Wire <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Sounds like there's a meet/greet in the works here. Umm... so when?