Automotive ADD is setting in, but only just. It’s easy to have your head on a Craigslist swivel if you shop amongst the cheaper vehicles out there. Still, I have zero plans of selling my 1991 Mitsubishi Montero anytime soon. In fact, I’m still in love with the thing. Does it still need some work? Of course it does! It wouldn’t be a Hooniverse Project Vehicle if it were ever truly finished. But there have been some upgrades since you’ve last seen it.

Fox shocks sit at all four corners now. The installation process involved new tower mounts up front and some slight fudging out back. While the truck was in for its sure-footed surgery, it also received a skid plate. I’ve been searching for factory original Montero skid plates, but they are nonexistent or insanely expensive for the Gen 1 trucks. So OC Cars Inc in Lake Forest (which is where the Benz currently resides) performed all the work.

A set of fog lights now reside up front as well. These are from Hard Korr lights, which are based in Australia. A shop in Long Beach called GTFO Overland did the install work and handles some US distribution of the lights. They are set into the grille and look great when they’re lit up.

I’m compiling a list of things I need to fix. Right now it’s comprised of:

• Throttle issues
• Rear doors can’t open from the inside
• Steering is still a bit too loose on-center
• Transfer case drips some oil
• 4WD light has been illuminated for months, even though the truck isn’t in 4WD
• Oil pressure gauge doesn’t work
• Lifter tick is driving me nuts, apparently, it’s a Mitsubishi “thing”
•  There are probably more that I’m forgetting right now

Regarding the throttle issue, my idle is sitting a bit higher than I’d like. And the idle adjustment screw is stuck where it is. Also, my throttle occasionally sticks after I’ve been driving for a little bit. It will hang between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm when I clutch in. I’ve looked at simply replacing the throttle body, but a new stock unit (if you can find one) is around – wait for it – SEVEN HUNDRED AND FORTY AMERICAN DOLLARS. Used ones are listed on eBay for 400 and up. I think I could find a shop to clean and fix the unit that is on there for much less. I’d love to do this myself, but my garage is currently occupied by stuff and I don’t want to be down a vehicle right now.

All of that above notwithstanding, I’m loving this truck. It’s slow as shit, but I still enjoy driving it. And I’m going to put those shocks to the test real soon by doing my best Raptor impression. I want to shoot an update video on the Montero as well, so stay tuned for that. For now, here are some more pictures of the thing, and if you have any questions please shout them out below.

[Images copyright 2020 Hooniverse/Jeff Glucker]