Mitsubishi’s Montero is a budget-friendly vehicle capable of in any terrain

Mitsubishi’s Pajero [aka Montero (U.S.) or Shogun (E.U.)] is a household name among the world’s off-road enthusiasts and overland communities. Well known for being a rugged and capable 4-wheel drive, the platform has seen extensive use in everything from rally racing to military support. Modified versions maintain the record for being the most winning model in Dakar Rally history with twelve wins (’85, ’92, ’93, ’97, ’98), seven of which were consecutive (’01 – ’07).

Our 1999 Montero is a Gen 2.5 and is based on the fully boxed ladder frame of the Gen 2. Power is sent from the 3.5L SOHC V6 (6G74) through an Aisin four-speed automatic and delivered by Mitsubishi’s proprietary Super-Select 4WD transfer case. The transfer case offers on-the-fly shifting between 2H and 4H up to 62 mph and is equipped with a selectable center-locking differential. Up front, it’s equipped with 100 mm CV axles and an 8” high-pinion front differential. The rear is a semi-floating three-link straight axle with a 9.5” differential and factory air locker.

 

Mine was acquired with a one-way flight from Austin, Texas to Palm Valley, California, to meet the seller, who met me at the airport with the truck. We exchanged cash for keys, maintenance records, and a title, and just like that I was pointed east on I-10 back to Texas. Once home, I started the process of preparing the vehicle for our overland adventures inside my six-month deadline. Being new to Mitsubishi ownership and a DIY guy, I found it surprisingly easy to work on.

After addressing maintenance, I contacted Joshua Mead at Adventure Driven Design (ADD). He listened to my plans, then shipped me his Bilstein 5100s, Old Man Emu Expedition Duty springs, Torsion Bars, ADD Skid Plates, and ADD Panhard Bar. To complement the new suspension, I stopped by Discount Tire and ordered a set of 33”x10.5”R15 General Grabber X3s to mount to the factory alloys. Recovery was addressed by contacting 4WheelParts, who sourced the ARB Deluxe Winch Bumper to house my Smittybilt XRC9500 Gen II winch. Kyle Hines and I designed and fabricated the roof rack, then mounted my existing CVT Mt. Shasta Extended Pioneer tent, ARB awning, and Pelican cases. Communication is through a simple Baofeng UV-5R, but Ham and GMRS are coming soon. Navigation is managed by a combination of Google and GAIA Pro. Electrical power is provided by a Duracell Group 37 AGM battery under the hood, which I’ve wired to an 80-amp Blue Sea Systems fuse block in the cargo area. Rack Outfitters provided the Dometic CFX95 Dual-Zone fridge/freezer and DFG Offroad Accessories custom built the fridge slide and cutting board.

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To see more of this adventure and others like it, follow Stefan Whittaker on social media at @overland_pajero

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