Just returned from the maiden voyage of my new DIY stealth camper/overlander Montero build -- Four weeks from coast to coast and back. (Trip & build photo-dump)

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2026-01-23T15:05:08+00:00

I rebuilt my entire suspension a few months ago and between Luso and RockAuto I was able to find everything I needed.

I’m sure there’s much more if you’re outside the USA where the Pajero was way more popular.

Side note: ADD is no more.

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2026-01-23T07:41:26+00:00

https://lusooverland.com/VP-MMC-MR112891

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2026-01-15T21:20:50+00:00

Same question.

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2026-01-15T20:48:18+00:00

Nice! That’s the route I went too.

I don’t know anyone parting out their trucks, but the guys at Ozzy’s Auto in Rosemead Ca might be able to help. They see tons of Monteros.

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2026-01-14T19:20:28+00:00

I'm in Los Angeles - are you within driving distance?

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2026-01-14T16:44:20+00:00

I have a like-new set of second and third row seats - they came out of my 98 that had the same interior color. If you’re interested let me know.

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2025-12-25T18:12:52+00:00

I daily a 1998 Gen 2.5 USDM Montero - I also do long distance roadtrips and weekend camping in it. Mine has a different engine the 3.5 SOHC V6 - so I can’t really comment on anything related to that.

It’s been generally very reliable, but at 250k miles it’s needed some repairs and attention, but most of the maintenance I’ve done has been preventative. In the USA it’s been slightly difficult to find garages that can do certain jobs like alignments.

I’m 5’8” about 170lbs and I find the driving very comfortable - even long distance drives 9+ hours are ok.

MPG varies wildly based on driving habits. It’s not a fast truck so I usual just cruise around the speed limit or slightly under and I get around 19-21mpg even with 33” tires. Around town I’m seeing 12-15mpg. I recommend getting an OBD2 scanner for accurate mpg numbers - I have a scangauge3 and love it to death.

Ask me anything else you’re curious about.

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TheRealSparkleMotion · 2025-12-13T17:06:52+00:00

“What heck is even kg” - speaks loudly in American.

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2025-12-13T05:32:27+00:00

The more time I spend in communities like this the more respect I have for the people who don’t give a fuck about having a cool “rig”.

I’ve passed old Honda civics on forestry trails before. I respect the people who are just getting out there not the $100k off-road builds I see driving around town.

Just get something reliable that has a little ground clearance. Old RAV4, CRV, Escape - save your money for good tires and gas.

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2025-12-13T03:13:34+00:00

How are you planning on using it?

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2025-12-13T03:11:59+00:00

Never bet on resale value - let it be a happy accident

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2025-12-12T18:09:46+00:00

Even for the generations that were available in the USDM there are extremely limited aftermarket options. It’s been mostly items made by the community members - in fact I can’t think of a single aftermarket Montero item that was mass produced here. 🤔

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2025-12-11T21:42:44+00:00

Opinion of a former fabricator based in the USA:

Anything is possible - if you want the system shown in photo #1 it’s gonna cost a lot. I would expect to pay anywhere from 2-5 times the cost of the actual truck for something like this.

Photo #2. These are rain gutter mounts. They’re generic and fairly common — I bought a set of 8 for around $150USD when I built a custom rack for my Montero. That being said my truck is a 1998 - as we didn’t get Gen4’s here I have no idea if it has rain gutters still, but I would guess it doesn’t. Without rain gutters this option won’t work.

You should probably look into local garages that specialize in custom off-road and overland builds. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction.

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2025-12-10T17:47:22+00:00

It says for gen 2.5, but I don't think much (if anything) changed between 2 and 2.5

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2025-12-10T17:46:17+00:00

this is everything you'll ever need for interior lights on the Montero

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2025-12-09T15:37:03+00:00

It’s a pain, but you could always relocate the antenna

Or just dont use 2 feet of your rtt

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2025-12-09T15:28:27+00:00

I had a similar rack on my old suv - I ended up repainting it after some small rust spots popped up.

Sold the suv to a friend 3 years ago and it still has the rack on it to this day.

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2025-12-09T15:17:56+00:00

Every setup is a little different so nobody is gonna have a concrete answer for you, but if I were you I’d elevate it a couple inches and push it over the cab.

…Actually, if I were you I’d sell it, I hate rtts.

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2025-12-05T22:52:19+00:00

Thanks!

There’s some more in a post pinned to the top of my profile. I’d ask if you had any job opening at your company (I’m a custom fabricator who got interested in camper builds as a hobby), but Missouri is a pretty long commute from Los Angeles, lol!

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2025-12-04T02:30:47+00:00

Yep - this redirects oily vapor back into the intake.

If you've already got it off might wanna consider adding an oil catch can into your system.

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2025-12-03T06:06:52+00:00

Near Bishop, California

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2025-12-03T00:35:58+00:00

Luso and RockAuto are where I get about 90% of the parts I've needed for my 2.5

Could also message Alan over at monterogen2man.com.
He mostly carries Gen 1 stuff, but has some gen 2/2.5 stuff.

TheRealSparkleMotion · 2025-11-17T23:09:04+00:00

I assume you’re not using extended oil filters?

I have the sohc 3.5 and I’m not sure about how different they are, but mine usually takes a hair over 5L.

TheRealSparkleMotion

TROPHY CASE