89 Raider Questions...

[Spyderlock]

Just picked up an 89 Raider for a great price, but have a few questions. It has the 3.0 V6 with 140K, 5 speed manual. I've just put on a new pair of 31 10.50's I had lying around, but plan on a set of 32's when these wear out. I checked the other day and it does not have LSD in the rear. I'd like to put one in but not sure which vehicles will bolt directly up. I've read posts about 2nd Gen Montero's bolting up, but then the next guy in the post says something different. I have a local salvage yard nearby that has a few mid 90's Montero's sitting there that I could pick off of. I also have the coil springs in the rear rather than leaf springs. Another odd question is... I would like an offroad bumper in the front but don't want to pay a fortune. There are a few on other vehicles in this same salvage yard. Are there any vehicles that come close to bolting up to the Raider's front bumper, Jeep, S-10, etc. Thanks for the input...

[Spyderlock]

I added a pic of the Raider when I first bought it, then one of it as it sets now. Sorry the newer one is sideways...

[BEARINGMAN]

Have read here and other sites that the rear from 94-96 Montero SR's will bolt in. Glad to see someone else in North Carolina on here. If you are in need of some parts for the Raider there is a 87 or 88 4 cylinder sitting near me that is being parted out. Same color as yours.

[Spyderlock]

Thanks for the info. Where are you at in NC?

[pennyman1]

the diffs from an 94-96 montero will not fit an 89 raider/montero - 89 monteros are 8" gears, 94-96 are 9" gears. the whole axle can be swapped, but the gear ratio is 4.63, and good luck finding 4.63 gears for the front of an 89 montero to match. an lsd from up to and including a 91 montero will work, or find the mitsubishi power brute lsds that are floating around new - pricey but may still be available

[BEARINGMAN]

Have read here and other sites that the rear from 94-96 Montero SR's will bolt in. Glad to see someone else in North Carolina on here. If you are in need of some parts for the Raider there is a 87 or 88 4 cylinder sitting near me that is being parted out. Same color as yours.

sorry-should have elaborated. I had read that the COMPLETE rear end would swap, but only from the SR's.

[pennyman1]

not trying to give you a hard time, just trying to keep you from buying something you couldn't use. The montero sport rears should fit, but they usually have the same 4.63 gear issue

[rxinhed]

not trying to give you a hard time...

If you find an LSD-equipped pumpkin from a Montero V6 (1989 to 1991), Dodge Raider V6 (1989 only), V6 Mighty Max, then you'll get 4.625 (aka 4.63)/coveted 4.875 gears with the SUV or 3.909/4.22 gears from the pickup. ALL the Gen I Montero/Raiders would have the same gear ratios front and rear, so there's no problem. Your Raider is most likely 4.625, and you can confirm this on the tag located in the right side, center area of the firewall.

The Gen II Monteros (US models 1992 to 1993-ish) had either 4.22 or 4.625 gears, but the pumpkins do not interchange with the Gen I. You could swap the rear axle assembly out and get the rear disk brakes. However, If you're going to swap out entire axle assemblies, you'd do well to use the aforementioned 1994-96 SR rear axle with the air locker, larger ring gear, disk brakes and upgraded lower control arms.

This is an often discussed topic on the Mitsubishi board at 4x4wire. I invite you to read up on the subject there, without cross-linking to those threads.

Cheers,
Russell the Raider Guy
montero_ranch@yahoo.com

[BEARINGMAN]

The Gen II Monteros (US models 1992 to 1993-ish) had either 4.22 or 4.625 gears, but the pumpkins do not interchange with the Gen I. You could swap the rear axle assembly out and get the rear disk brakes. However, If you're going to swap out entire axle assemblies, you'd do well to use the aforementioned 1994-96 SR rear axle with the air locker, larger ring gear, disk brakes and upgraded lower control arms.





That is what I meant to say.

[pennyman1]

unfortunately the yards know what that axle is and want 800 to a grand for it if you can find one.

[rxinhed]

unfortunately the yards know what that axle is and want 800 to a grand for it if you can find one.

Cali spoils me. The local Pick-n-Pull type wreckers get about $300 for the whole axle unit, vacuum pump, switches and wiring.

[BEARINGMAN]

Check CL for Raleigh NC area. I saw a 94 SR for like 600.00. Complete, I think, bad motor. 202K miles