Sixstringsteve's 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Non-Build Thread

[bryson]

...
Since the action packer is 1" lower than the 1/2 folded seat, I could still build a platform and be able to slide action packers underneath it. I'd probably build the platform so it only covered the area behind the 2nd row seats. In other words, my sleeping pad could rest on the 1/2 folded seat at my feet and the rest of my body would be on the sleeping platform....

This is exactly how my platform is in my Cruiser. It works well, and is easy since the only setup is to fold the seat forward. The one thing I don't like about it is that when I'm on the platform, I don't have as much headroom as I'd like. But, I'm taller than some and my Cruiser roof is probably a little lower than your Monty roof - so it may be perfect in your case.

If it helps, you are more than welcome to check my platform out at the CO BBQ tomorrow before you head up the canyon.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Awesome, I will definitely check it out tomorrow, thanks.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Here are a few more pics of the interior.

you can see it's not very flat.

I love this storage compartment.

it's 60" from the tailgate to the bottom of the seat. That's too short even for me.

 

[Troop92]

Would getting a big slab of 4 or 5" memory foam fix all the unevenness?

 

[cackalak]

That looks like a huge interior. Maybe as big or bigger than my 100-series? Always like those Monteros. My neighbor has had one for 14 years and still going strong.

 

[STAG]

It's a lot flatter than what my H3 will give me.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Would getting a big slab of 4 or 5" memory foam fix all the unevenness?

If I could get strategic chunks of foam in the uneven parts, like jgottfredson mentioned, it might just work out. That'd be the easiest route really.

 

[sixstringsteve]

That looks like a huge interior. Maybe as big or bigger than my 100-series? Always like those Monteros. My neighbor has had one for 14 years and still going strong.

Yeah, it's a pretty cool rig. I think the interior is smaller than my old 100 series but the Montero has a taller roof inside (partly because I didn't get one with the sunroof). My old 100 had way more power and a bit more comfy than my Montero on the road, but the Montero drives like a car much smaller than it is. Turning radius rocks, parking is easy, and it's got some great features. The Montero's engine is more of a pain to work on than the land cruiser, but for the price I paid, I have no complaints. No doubt the Land Cruiser is the "better" rig between the two, but I've been really impressed with this little Montero.

 

[johngottfredson]

What I like about using the vehicle's built in bed is it allows you to utilize the cabin space all the way up to the dash, while you could still get to your fridge in the back for a midnight snack. That is the height of camping luxury, right there.

 

[Kiel]

100 series for the win. 3 times as much, but 3 times better!

 

[Gravy]

She's got huge.... tracks of land!

 

[jeep-N-montero]

100 series for the win. 3 times as much, but 3 times better!

Some would beg to differ, I know more than a few Montero owners who made the switch from the 100 series and wish they had done it sooner. Not going to turn this into a debate, but I would put my stock suspension 98 Montero against a stock 98 LC anytime, just saying. Each have their place for sure, but the LC is far from being that much better.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Last night I took it for a drive up the canyon for a bit. I ended up getting the dreaded blinking center diff lock light. That means there's something wrong with the tcase (most likely sensors). When the center diff light is blinking, it disables the 4wd for safety. I'd like to track this down soon since having 4wd is the main reason I bought the vehicle. More info here:

http://www.justanswer.com/car/34zsm-2002-mitsubishi-montero-orange-light.html

My wife also pointed out that she could smell gear oil when we stopped for a bit. I noticed it too. I'm not quite sure what it is yet, I need to do some more recon.

This morning, on the way to work, it was fine. It shifted between all 4 drive modes without issue. I'll be keeping my eye on this.

 

[sixstringsteve]

It also dawned on me that perhaps the reason my temp sensor is dead is because it might be disconnected. I need to look into that and see if all the original wiring is there, or if the mechanic that installed the aux gauge bypassed it at all.

 

[STAG]

Had to.

 

[sixstringsteve]

 

[STAG]

Just brainstorming a bit, what if you built your sleeping platform to be level with the seats in this picture? Sorry for the caveman-esque chicken scratches, I'm on my phone. Hopefully you'll get my idea.

sounds like it's time for an Atlas!

 

[sixstringsteve]

yeah, that's what I was thinking, similar to Bryson's 80 series. I need to try sleeping on those seats folded down to see how they feel.


I've got some great tie in points on the corners there where the old seat used to mount. I love this trunk thing.

 

[johngottfredson]

It also dawned on me that perhaps the reason my temp sensor is dead is because it might be disconnected. I need to look into that and see if all the original wiring is there, or if the mechanic that installed the aux gauge bypassed it at all.

You could call the guy that did it - Gaston Biscaro, Nico's Auto, just off center street in Orem
801.426.4344

My recollection is he installed the aux temp sensor completely separate from the stock system, per my request. However, I didn't verify, so you might want to.

 

[sixstringsteve]

K thanks, I'll check that.