Adventure Driven Design is focused on delivering a realistic, competitive value. Where we can do better than anyone else you’ll find it in the store!
For products offered by others that we still think are cool you’ll find it linked here – why keep it to ourselves?
Necessary disclaimer: Everything on this page is shared in good faith as a source of ideas and inspiration. These products are offered by 3rd parties and not Adventure Driven Design and any ideas expressed on this page are just intended to get the ball rolling for you. Nobody can guarantee that any of these things will work exactly the way you want or fit exactly the way you want – that’s on you. Cool? Cool!
Travel Inspiration Playlist
Youtubes that make me wanna get dirty! Updated 9/17
No More Tailgate Ram Slam!
This accessory speaks for itself and separates a base model Ram from a luxury truck.
Just get it already you will NOT be sorry!
Simply The Best Head Lamp I’ve Used
You can’t hide now Mr. 10mm!!
Replacement wheel locks for O.E. wheels
Fit your alloy Gen 2 and 2.5 spare.. so it stays yours! A locksmith can key these to match your existing keys. Check that your wheel type is compatible before ordering 🙂
Brand New Sun Visors
Long out of production for Monteros… but still in production for GAC Cheetah!
They’re not as nice as OEM and only come in one color but if yours are dead these are still an upgrade!
Quiet, efficient, lightweight and tidy…
Did I seriously just use those words to talk about hand tools? I don’t know why it took me so long to get into using these but it’s changed the game for me on carrying the essentials.
Tire Plug Kit That Fits In A Tool Roll
Sscrewdriver-style handle fits inside tool rolls where T-handles won’t.
If you think you might struggle with the screwdriver style handles this T-handle plug kit is well built and affordable.
The Best Dongle.
Although it isn’t the cheapest this OBDLink MX+ is the best dongle on the market with very fast response and wide compatibility with active applications like Jscan & AlphaOBD, with both Apple and Android devices, with GMLAN.. just about everything.
Don’t Get Yer Gate Got
Simple but effective tailgate saver.
Replacement subwoofer for Gen3 Monteros
This one was recommended by other users, I don’t have first hand experience with it but this is apparently “The Right One” for an almost drop in fix – just have to trade the connector for spade terminals.
Dude how about a magnetic, lighted, flexible grabulator?!
Book Smarts.
Looking for a repair manual? These are an excellent investment in keeping your Montero in top shape. It’s in the FSM! Remember you can always download many of these manuals for free from www.mitsubishilinks.com (and don’t forget to click the paypal donate link there if you think it’s saved you a buck or two!)
If you want a real Mitsubishi Factory Service Manual you can periodically find them on Amazon! They’re out of print, so when you find one it’s really on the shelf at a used book store somewhere and they’re selling through Amazon – but they’re worth owning and you can always re-sell them in the future if you sell your Mitsubishi!
Tree Saver & Money Saver
In case you were interested in saving both at the same time, this strap from Rhino is rated for almost any passenger vehicle extraction & if you need a matching tow strap they have high quality straps too. These are the good stuff! If kinetic recovery is on the menu for you, this Ranger kinetic rope is priced right and built of the right stuff. Always take good care of your straps and ropes, these are wear items and when they get beat up from careless handling and stowage it greatly reduces their strength and safety! Never knot them, keep them out of the sun during storage and rinse out mud and dirt after you get home from the trail. Scroll down for my recommendation on strap straps (to strap your strap!) or else a zippered or drawstring purse can protect and isolate your straps from getting beat up.
Montero Candy!
(Your friends’ cars might sneak a bite or two)
One of those cool guy tools…
I went four decades without one of these. 🙁
Drop In Reverse Light Upgrade
LEDs! Revolutionized handheld flashlights in a good way – kinda not so good for driving lights yet (with a couple exceptions)
But they’re getting better and one place they’ve caught up enough that I can recommend them is here! Quality LED bulbs that fit in your stock, Gen2 & 2.5 Montero bumper mount reverse lamp housings; no codes or flashes or other weirdness. I compared a few different bulbs in my Montero and decided these guys qualify as a real world visibility upgrade not just a color change.
Oxilam 1156’s on the right, new 1156 incandescent on the left. Deliberately monochrome photo to cut out color bias.
Big Brakes, Bro!!!
If you have a Gen 2 or Gen 2.5 Montero there’s a (mostly) painless path to BIG ASS BRAKES!
You’ll reuse your calipers & pads, but will need to get the following parts from a Montero Sport & ensure it had 16″ wheels before you get too excited, some base models with 15″ wheels had little brakes that won’t upgrade you at all.
- The 314mm Discs!
- Caliper Brackets! Front Right , Front Left
- Dust Shields!
On top of that you also need to upgrade your brake hoses.. this part’s a bit tricky! If you have a 97-2000 USDM Montero it’s easy just order these dudes from SafeBrake for the utmost legitness. If your Montero is 92-96.. uhh… well you definitely need longer front hoses so you don’t end up tearing one!! But I don’t know exactly where to get those and I don’t know if you can just use Sport front hoses… anyone know?
Oil Change Game Changer.
Keep your skidplates and your hands a whole lot cleaner with a Fumoto valve – F106N is the right size for 3.0L, 3.5L and 3.8L Mitsubishi engines and it has a nipple on the end so you can run a hose straight down to your drain pan. Change your oil without removing skidplates – now that’s luxury!!
Get up to date.. down there.
Need to kind of refresh all your steering and suspension bits, kind of right away, kind of cheap? OEM or better isn’t in the cards? I’ve used this kit and am happy with it overall. The ball joints aren’t quite as good as OEM or our own hardcore chromoly ball joints and the UCA’s require a tiny bit of massage on their brake hose guide bracket but everyone’s budget is different and if you just need to get the front end functional this is a solid enough place to start for a heck of a value price.
Note this kit fits Gen 2.5 and Montero Sport.. check your fit for other years and models
Don’t forget to update your idler kingpin while you’re in there if you want tight, precise steering. We offer a hardcore upgrade for your OEM housing that’s really the final word on tight, reliable steering – or Moog makes a pretty good aftermarket guy if hardcore doesn’t fit your wallet at this time.
Not just a junkyard part –
You can buy brand new A-pillar “Oh Shit!” handles – cheap!
I can only find them in grey though.. thankfully the very light grey is close to white and doesn’t look out of place in the brown interior trucks.
Get LIFTY
Not that kind of lift – do you need to do your valve guide seals on a SOHC 24V Montero?
Gonna need Lifters
Gonna need Valve Cover Gaskets
Gonna need Valve Guide Seals
Might need a pair of Rear Cam Seals
Make your life easier with these preposterously expensive little clips or the pro tip is to find a guy with a bro-dozer and borrow some of his condoms .
The official Mitsubishi valve spring tool is MD998772 .. I wish there was a cheaper GOOD tool. Some people use this universal tool but the rod it comes with is too long to fit between the firewall and the “monolith” on the pass. side.. there’s also a rumor you could use this tool – but I don’t have any idea how well it works or even how it works.
Pretty likely you’ll end up needing a new Upper Intake Manifold Gasket
Don’t forget to give your Montero an engine oil change when you’re done! Definitely going to be little bits of gack that fall in while you have the valve covers off. Be TOO LEGIT with a real Mitsubishi Oil Filter!
It’s never been easier to stickercharge your garage cred.
Keep that STANK outside!
You know what I mean.. driving home after a camping trip looking for an innocent dumpster to lose your stinky camp waste so you don’t have to smell it all the way home. Trasharoo’s cornered the market on spare tire mounted trash bags… not a bad price too!
Don’t forget to protect your tire investment with a top quality tire cover – the sun will dry rot your naked spare in no time.
Affordable Rocker Panel Protection
These Trail Gear rock sliders on Amazon are proven protection for a great price. AZ Crew Approved! Experienced welder required for installation.
High Quality Siberian Bushings to tighten up your ride.
There were a few sizes of sway bar, always measure yours first before ordering bushings!
Front Sway Bar
29mm (Front of some early Gen 2’s manufactured Oct. 1991-Jul. 1993)
29mm (Front of some mid-late Gen 2’s manufactured Oct 1993-May 1994)
30mm (Front of some Gen 2, 2.5 manufactured Jul. 1993-Dec. 1999)
31mm (Front of late Gen 2, Gen 2.5 with sport suspension manufactured Jun. 1997-May 1999)
Rear Sway Bar
24mm (Rear of Gen 2, Gen 2.5 manufactured after Aug. 1993)
25mm (Rear of Gen 2, Gen 2.5 manufactured before Aug. 1993 or with sport suspension Jun. 1997-May 1999)
Rear Suspension
Rear Radius Arm End Bushing (Gen 2, Gen 2.5)
Rear Radius Arm, Lateral Bushing (Gen 1 – check fit!!)
Rear Radius Arm, Lateral Bushing (Gen 2, Gen 2.5)
Panhard Rod (Gen 2, Gen 2.5)
Rear Sway Bar End Link bushings (All Gen 2, Gen 2.5) – inspect your links before ordering, you may want to order two of these excellent quality replacement sway bar end links as well.
Front Suspension
Upper Control Arm (Gen 2, Gen 2.5)
Lower Control Arm (Gen 2, Gen 2.5)
Lower Control Arm – In Chassis (Gen 2, Gen 2.5)
Free Mitsubishi Repair Guides!
It would be a crime not to mention that www.mitsubishilinks.com has been here all along literally giving away the most useful resource for maintaining and repairing your Mitsubishi – the FSM and the ASA application! Go on and download yours, don’t assume the link will be there forever.
If you’re feeling generous or thankful toss some change their way with the paypal button they’ve got up top.
You never use that corded Mitsu light anyway.
Admit it! This little guy stores right below it, stays charged and ready – and keeps gack outta yer socket. Not just for Mitsubishi vehicles either.. get a couple!
Plenty bright for such a little thing too! It glows red when it’s charging & makes about as much light as a 2AA mini mag light when turned on.
Cheap Tricks for Action Flicks
Did you stay up late at night trying to figure out the sweet video panning effect in our ADD lift spring install video? OK probably not, but if you want a cheap camera panning platform you can just use a cheap kitchen timer. And also use it in your kitchen for cooking up hot dish!
Want to go pro with panning in either direction? Programmable pan speeds? Got you covered!
Stay strapped.
When the recovery strap comes out you’re depending on it to work.
Recovery straps are consumable goods!
Knots, sunlight, dirt worked into the fibers, frayed edges all reduce the strength of your straps by more than half. Maximize the life span of your investments by cleaning them with water when you get home (if they got dirty), keep them out of the sun and don’t let them get all tangled up in themselves or beat up by your tools. I like to use these hang-alls for my strap, makes it easy to store at home when I’m not 4-wheeling and keeps it neat and organized in my loot containers while on the road. There are cheaper wraps without the metal hanger but I think these Husky Hang-Alls are top notch quality so they’re the ones I’m sharing.
Quiet!
When installing new carpet, new speakers, really any time you’re removing trim panels or flooring is a good time to add some vibration damping & insulation. It cuts back on annoying rattles, it keeps your heat and air working their best by retaining the heat or cold and it makes your stereo sound its clearest by keeping panel vibrations from competing with your music or phone calls. Yes it makes a difference!
The two products I recommend for their value for the dollar, effectiveness and quality of materials & adhesive are Noico for mass/butyl damper (I use the 80mil aluminum faced damping material) and Siless for foam insulation (good for sealing around new speaker installation, panel edges). If you clean the location you intend to stick it with rubbing alcohol first so it’s dust and grease free these will stay where you put them, not slide down if placed on vertical surface. Use as little or as much as you feel like – a square foot on the inside of each door outer skin behind door speakers will noticeably improve bass impact and clarity. A more significant amount applied throughout the rear side panels around rear speakers can have the same effect as doubling amplifier power.
Battery Necromancer & Maintainer
Tested! This guy is 3 for 4 on bringing back weakened car batteries! Sadly it was not able to bring back a very dead Optima.. can’t win ’em all. This charger has the smarts to not stress your battery with overcharging & the hook-hanging form factor makes it easy to hang from the hood latch or wherever’s convenient instead of looking for a stable place to shelf it. Not a bad value in my book!
Got a Montero? You probably need these.
Fender liner retainer clips, if your wheel well splash flap things are still in one piece these replacement clips will keep them that way. Helps keep mud out of your engine bay so your a/c clutch, your alternator, your idler pulleys and everything else under there lasts longer.
Fix the sag!
The right clips for your Gen 2 hood insulator.
Grease for.. everything else.
This stuff is the secret weapon of service bay techs everywhere when a customer has “squeaks” and “rattles” in the interior. Plastic pieces rubbing on each other, weatherstripping that sticks or chirps, lock mechanism that’s tricky, sounds like you stepped on a baby chicken when you press the gas pedal. Shin-Etsu is the business for just about every little thing like that because it stays where you put it, it stays slippery, it doesn’t react chemically with (almost) anything – and it doesn’t have an odor.
Long shelf life after opened, which is good because this tube will last you a very long time.
How’s your carpet?
ACC is the only manufacturer of replacement carpet, they make a pretty good product! Great looking carpet once it’s installed, I put the “Mass Backed” stuff in my Montero along with some Noico to keep things luxurious.
Get rid of that funky old carpet, get a funky new color! I’ve been told that the carpet sold for Gen 2/2.5 fits LWB Gen 1 as well – seems pretty likely, they’re definitely about the same size but shop at your own risk.
Real AISIN Manual Hubs
The good stuff – FHM-002 ! These fit 1983-2000 Mitsubishi Montero (full size) if you want to go full Japanese on your hub upgrade!
Ultralight ChuckBox
This has been one of my favorite camp accessories for years now.
Detailed parts refresh!
These isolator collars live on the pivot ends of your torsion bars and cushion the chassis from some of the rumble noise that manages to make its way up the bar. They don’t really see any friction (except when you’re adjusting a torsion bar) but they’re under constant, vibrating load any time you’re moving and eventually they just get smashed to death. I bet yours are TOAST!
Maybe you don’t absolutely need them but if you’re details-oriented and want the smoothest riding Montero possible this is an inexpensive way to do it right. I don’t have a specific source for these – your local Mitsubishi dealer can get them for about $3/pair (your Montero takes four, so that’s about six bucks) – or a handy Google link above will take you to.. Google search results. Part number MR234417
Rather plug in your BAOFENG!?
This adapter snaps in like a battery and is cosmetically made to look like a battery – even has fake charging contacts on the back (they’re stickers?!?) – inside there’s a voltage regulator which brings your 12-14v down to the 7.4V your Baofeng wants and needs. This isn’t a battery, you unplug it and it shuts off – yeah, I know. But it’s cheap and it gets the job done!
You know what looks GREAT?
You know what doesn’t? I’m guessing your crusty 20 year old steering wheel. If you’ve driven 250k miles that means you’ve been gripping that wheel for five thousand hours. Yuck! Lace-up steering wheel covers are cost effective, look fantastic, they LAST.. they feel excellent in your hands and the only hard part is you need to be a little patient while you install it.
Worth it!
If you want the very best, Wheelskins are unbeatable. If you want something great for a fifth the price, these leather lace-ups are excellent. I have installed both.. the Wheelskins ones really are better so I don’t regret stepping up, but the budget ones aren’t a let-down. The difference is in how cleanly they fit and how the “bead” of the cover is drawn tight. The one pictured at right is a cheapie! Gen 2 Montero wheels take a 15″ cover.
Baofeng means Bang For Your Buck
These inexpensive 2 way radios cover a lot of bands including public ones, but it’s pretty easy to get HAM licensed too.
We’ve all done CB, we’ve done FRS/GMRS.. these guys beat all those by miles for less than dinner.
Gen 2.5 CV Axles
OK, the Official Doctrine is that OEM’s are the best and if you’re really persistent you should track down some 100mm CV’s from a SR… and that’s cool if you have the time but if you need to just drop in a pair of CV’s with no downtime the best I’ve found – and what I run in my Montero – are Cardone remanufactured CV’s.. 60-3354 on the Right and 60-3353 on the Left. Unless you’re giving it two scoops every day they’re likely all you’ll ever need (they’re remanufactured OEM, after all) and they’ll buy you some time while you track down those elusive 100mm CV’s forged from the tears of Chuck Norris.
Sexy Headlights – Fast!
Did you know that your Gen 2 and Gen 2.5 headlights have aiming gauges built into them? Those two round crusty yellow disasters you see on the top of each headlight when you pop the hood is actually clear plastic that’s just been sun damaged and turned yellow – chances are you can bring them back to almost transparent with a few minutes, a washcloth and some PowerPlastic.
Gen 3 plastic headlight lenses, Montero Sport headlight lenses, your other daily driver that probably has plastic headlights.. even that little auxiliary light that came in the back of your Montero has probably gone yellow by now and there are two products that I believe work better than anything else on the market: Power Plastic for quick and easy jobs done with a rag and ten minutes of your time, or this NuLens kit for when you really want to restore a few headlights. Don’t just take my word for it, peep the reviews!
If you need a brake pad recommendation.
Powerstop is the BUSINESS! Here are the parts to look for if you own a Montero:
Gen 1 V6, Gen 2 & 2.5 Front Pads
Gen 2 & 2.5 Rotors Why blank (not drilled/slotted) rotors? Again, they just plain work without introducing any possible problems.
For the meticulous..
A filter for your coolant! Well.. it’s a fuel filter but its screen is sintered metal and it unscrews for cleaning. I put one of these inline on the hose that heats my Gen 2.5 throttle body and it’s amazing how much gack it collects from this old engine. I’m sure over time that amount will diminish – that’s the point!
A word of caution: This product is not intended by its manufacturer for this purpose so you’re on your own if you choose to do this. I picked this one for my own truck because its aluminum body and o-ring gasket are strong enough for the pressure of a coolant system – not every fuel filter is built like this. Remember to always use your noodle when going off script!
Time to find out what that check engine light means..
It’s almost too easy these days! You get an OBD2 dongle , download Torque on your Android and you’re a pro!
Got Bikes? Need a high clearance rack that also clears your Montero’s spare tire?
OK the absolute coolest racks I’ve been able to find come from Australia.. just look at this stuff!!! But I have to also admit it’s a bit beyond my comfort level right now price wise.
I did some homework and decided on this Chinook 2 bike carrier from Swagman – it’s more where I’m at financially, it easily accommodates our less traditional frames, it clears the Montero spare tire and it’s as tight and secure as anything in this price range.
After 2 months with it I’m happy to say this carrier works – and works well.
A Fast, Durable, High-Utility Dome Tent
This is my “daily driver” and it’s also the best, easiest and most durable tent I’ve owned. Two very strong poles pitch it, or a third for the rain fly. As much air through as can be wanted, and two big doors to leave open when weather and wildlife permit. I have years into mine and expect years more.
A lower cost alternative to the $100 Mitsubishi wheel bearing locknut socket.
Yep, the official tool is MB990954-01 and you’ll find it online for about a hundred dollars. It’s The Right Tool For The Job™ if the price doesn’t put you off. But a cheaper alternative exists if you’re willing to do a little work!
Performance Tool W1270 is a socket made for doing the same job on Ford and GM 4wd vehicles of yesteryear but it can be easily modified to work on 4wd Mitsubishi Monteros and Montero Sports that require the MB990954-01 tool. Grind or file off four of the six teeth, leaving two opposite teeth in place and you’re in business! Available for a fraction of the cost of the official tool.
Fastener Grommets for your Montero
If you’ve removed the door sills on your Gen 2 or 2.5 Montero and accidentally broke or stripped the brittle captive nylon screw grommets in the sheet metal, you’ve got loose trim. Yeah. You’re gonna be known as the Loose Trim Guy or that loose trim girl. Gross.
Got you covered though, for less than a Soy Chai Latte at Bikini Beans you’ll be tight and tidy once more!
Affordable Sand Ladders
Sometimes these are just a fashion accessory, sometimes they’re a life saver. Why not both?
These are the most affordable I’ve found, and I bought two sets. They look and feel about the same as those Maxx ones, and I’m confident that in soft soil they would serve the same purpose. I’m just as confident that they’re not suitable to actual bridging but neither is any other molded ladder (you want steel or fiber waffleboards $$$ for that!) .
Available in Orange-As-Heck, you get a pair of them for this price. They show up in a cardboard box with no accessories.
Gen 2 and 2.5 Heater Cores
Yours is leaky, right? That sweet antifreeze smell every time you turn the heater on.. yeah.
And you don’t want to use any of that pour-in sealer because that just gunks up your radiator and water pump and ruins your engine AND doesn’t actually fix the heater core.
You can still buy MN188337, there are still a few sitting on shelves but you’re not going to like the price: http://amzn.to/2IK0QMN – however sometimes they come up on ebay for a hundred bucks or so I think from one of those GAC/LIEBAO trucks in China.
Gen 2 and 2.5 Rear Door Power Lock Actuator
This is a lot easier to fix than you might be thinking… you kinda just take the panel off and there it is. This piece is made by Dorman, it’s not OEM but it’s what I put in my rig.
(This is for the 5th door, not the rear seat passenger doors)
That shift kit you’ve seen mentioned for Gen 2 and 2.5 Monteros
If you have the Aisin 4 speed AW30 transmission and want to tidy up those shifts a little, this is the part you’re looking for. I have one of these… on my desk. Gonna have to install it one of these days and do a proper write-up!
Want to get naked?
Yeah take it off! If you want to remove the sticker cladding on your 1998-2000 Montero and reveal the paint underneath, the safest way to do it is with a Whizzy Wheel! It’s basically a big rubber eraser that you run against decals and it manages to peel them off without damaging the paint underneath. I used about 95% of one whizzy wheel to get all the cladding off my 2000 Montero.
Drop your pans!
Yeah! It’s no secret what makes a transmission last; clean and cool fluid. That’s it! If you’re going to drop your transmission pan to do a fluid change or maybe install a shift kit, you’ll be wanting a new pan gasket and a fresh filter. These fit the bill for less than a bill!
Adventure-Ready Tire Inflator and Misadventure-Ready Floor Covering
From the forums! Jaccox says “Here’s a pretty budget friendly air compressor I’ve been using for about a year and a half. I find it more than sufficient for 31-33″ tires. The carry case hasn’t deteriorated either so that’s a plus as well. Has plenty of hose and wire length to reach all 4 tires with supplied items. If you were running 35’s I’d suggest the 400p since I think it’s a 100% duty cycle.”
& “These floor mats require very minimal trimming and fit the gen2 chassis like a glove. Needs like 1” trimmed on the rearmost part and needs a cutout for the gas pedal floor stop. Had these for the entire time I’ve owned the montero and pressure washed them a few times and they are still intact” – Thanks for the recommendation jaccox !
A really clean positive battery terminal for Gen 2 & 2.5
These look and work perfectly on Gen 2 & Gen 2.5’s, even fit nicely under the red OEM rubber sleeve doodad. I have this in my Gen 2.5 and like everything on this page would absolutely recommend it to friends. Thanks Toyota!