We picked up our new 05 Montero this weekend and wow, I really like it! kind of weird experience to drive and compare it to my 89 Gen I. 33k on the clock so I hope it will last us a good while without many problems. It is midnight black w black leather interior all in nearly perfect condition.

My wife suggested I remove the running boards. They are almost too small to serve a purpose really and the clearance would be nice. Anyone done this? I can't tell if it is integrated into the body cladding or if it is just an optional add-on kind of thing. Any gen III owners out there with some pics of what you've done with your trucks? If you get a chance to post some, I'd love to see them. I have already removed the cheesy spare tire cover and put on a set of slightly larger A/T tires. I might have to splurge for the OME suspension one of these days soon as it seems to be a little soft in the rear and cornering. (it is loaded up with all 5 old tires in the back in these photos)

Thanks gents,

Your gonna make me use it aren't ya!

ha ha I know, Pics coming soon. I snapped a couple in the snow going over deadman's pass in Oregon today. It handled great in the snow. Traction control seems to work well and I really like the 5 spd transmission and 3.8 engine isn't crazy powerful but plenty for me.

OEM = Original Equipment Manufacture

OME = Old Man Emu

Seems no one has defined that in a while, so I thought I'd toss that out there.

John B.

Thanks John, simply a mistake. I know the difference trust me. Not many Gen 3 folks on this forum I guess?

Very nice! This is the inspiration/direction I am leaning towards to replace my totaled Monty:


Pictured is a 2002 Pajero with 265/75-16 MT, Lovells 2 inch lift (springs & shocks),and ARB winch bar.

Nice rigs!

John B.

nice, yea the lift and ARB bumper make all the difference.

No pics of mine, but it's white over silver with the 2" OME lift and 265/75/16 BFG AT's. No running boards on mine either. I'm going for the ARB bar in the coming months, but I'm REALLY going to miss the factory driving lights!

I'm guessing that's sarcasm about the driving lights? I can barely tell when I switch mine on, ha ha. I'd like to go for the ARB bumper and put a set of Hella 4000 driving lights on.

Anyone have photos of the 1 1/2" OME lift and what you paid for it?