Pearl - The turbo Mighty Max

[rxinhed]

Welcome to my first thread here. While I'm not new to Mitsubishi, this is my sole pick-up. I've had 14 Monteros and Raiders, mostly as a parts business. Nonetheless, I am a Mitsubishi guy.

I've had Pearl about 3 years now. I purchased her as a turn-key Starion-powered conversion after blowing the head gasket on my tired Raider engine. Originally, I had no plan or love for this truck, just used as a commuter. Recently, I almost traded this truck away for an old Dodge W400, but couldn't go through with the trade for some reason. Maybe it was fuel mileage, maybe the turbo roosters in my back pasture that excite the family going sideways under boost. Anyway, yesterday afternoon I made a conscious decision that I'd keep the truck. I pulled the 3.9 LSD rear diff out and will be replacing that with a 4.625 LSD diff from one of my Montero parts cars. I'm keeping my eye open for a service body, as the truck will have multiple roles to fill.

Some pics:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff112/rxinhed/88%20MM%20Turbo/DSC02879.jpg
7946
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff112/rxinhed/88%20MM%20Turbo/Feb16_0002.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/254/dscf5055h.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/825/dscf5044ow.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/841/dscf5042u.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/585/feb160001.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff112/rxinhed/88%20MM%20Turbo/DSCF3004_zps8c2040ff.jpg
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff112/rxinhed/88%20MM%20Turbo/100_0139.jpg
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff112/rxinhed/88%20MM%20Turbo/DSC005821_zps2861770a.jpg

What I'm trying to end up with, add 33" tires, too:
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff112/rxinhed/88%20MM%20Turbo/PearlUtility1_zps8b302704.jpg

Cheers.

[EL.95MAX]

nicccc

[DroppedMitsu]

Good looking truck, always nice to see another turbo truck around here.

[Redneckmoparman]

killer truck cant wait to see it take shape!

[4doorciv]

Nice truck. So 4wd? Can't tell but seems like it.

[rxinhed]

Yes, 4wd. Giveaways are the front hubs and lower rear spring mounts. The 2wd frame has different front mounts for the springs, and the body rides a bit lower. Not enough clutch to overcome the 3.9 gears and do a 4 wheel burn out. However, in 4-lo, there's enough for 3 wheels to break traction. Is fun!

[pennyman1]

nothing a front lsd won't fix - courtesy of a starquest rear center section.

[rxinhed]

nothing a front lsd won't fix - courtesy of a starquest rear center section.

I have a 3.54 LSD rear axle from an 87 Starion, a 1990 Montero V6 front axle with 4.625 gears...the makings of LSD for the front of Pearl.

I've dismantled the rear Montero LSD to replace the 3.9 set I removed last weekend. I'm only a little surprised to have found some rust on some gear teeth and the differential within. This axle sat around my house for 5 or 6 years and has been in the weather. What is the board opinion of longevity of these parts? I'm guessing that another will be needed sooner than later.

Yucky rust:
808680878088

:shakehead:

[pennyman1]

unless it has been sitting in water the whole time, the gears should be OK. soak them in a rust dissolving solution rather than media blasting to prevent surface hardening of the gears

[Redneckmoparman]

i wouldnt be worried as long as nothing is frozen still from rust do what pennyman said with the gears and blast the diff IMO and new bearings of course

[tomcat2587]

doing this swap right now and i cant seem to figure out the wiring on it :? looks good man! des it tow that tandem trailer well?

[rxinhed]

Does it tow that tandem trailer well?

No, not really. I figured since the ground was flat, I'd give the trailer a try. Boost and low gear was needed to get the trailer going. Stopping was equally a challenge for Pearl. I've since given that trailer away and removed it from the pasture with my Ramcharger. No problems with the V8 and larger vehicle.

Pearl much more at home doing the sideways broadies in the field, and getting milk.

:))

[Redneckmoparman]

is that 3.54 gearset the same size as the stock truck ones? if so you wanna sent that ring and pinion to me???? ill pay shipping

[rxinhed]

Gosh, has been awhile, I guess?

[rxinhed]

Sorry so long between updates. Since 2014, I've gotten the Ramcharger sold, acquired a 1980 Dodge W400 service truck, and have been acquiring parts for Pearl.

The last year and a half have been spent gathering a mini-truck service body, a leaf springs Montero Sport disk brake rear axle, Sport 315mm front rotors and dual piston calipers, 35" tires, and more little things. I have now to spend time with Pearl.

20123 2012420124 2012420124

[rxinhed]

Sorry so long between updates. Since 2014, I've gotten the Ramcharger sold, acquired a 1980 Dodge W400 service truck, and have been acquiring parts for Pearl.

The last year and a half have been spent gathering a mini-truck service body, a leaf springs Montero Sport disk brake rear axle, Sport 315mm front rotors and dual piston calipers.

20125

20126

20127

[dirttek]

I was unable to sign in under the ^^ screen name, probably deleted my past email address. Doh!
Pearl is not sitting on my trailer, safe from the sun in our barn. Not much has changed for her since my last post, alas.

https://imgur.com/a/y8Epr20682

[Chargerx3]

Get r done!