Installation
Overall
THE PROBLEM
While the Montero performed exceptionally on most types of varied terrain, the high center of gravity tended to pitch the vehicle very effectively especially over uneven terrain. This was especially the case during off-camber situation, which obviously did not sit feel very comfortable.
After seeing a number of non-montero's maintain an exceptional level of steadiness over the same obstacles, I asked them how they were able to accomplish that. That's when I learned about disconnecting or outright removing swaybars to increase both the rate and amount of a vehicle's articulation.
THE SOLUTION
After a futile attempt to find someone making quick releases for the Montero, I heard about a guy by the name of Drew Persson of Persson Off-Road Systesm who made a Stainless Steel Quick Release System for Toyota's. He heard about our plight and was planning on making some Anti Sway Bar Quick Releases for the Montero's.
After a quick call to Drew, I went ahead and ordered one of the first pairs.
They arrived in the mail in a few days and I was pretty excited to get them attached but had no knowledge of what was involved or how difficult it would be.
Since Drew was in Central California (3 hours from me) I gave him a quick call and he was nice enough to help me put them on for free as long as I didn't mind driving down to meet him.
THE INSTALL
The kit came with two stainless steel quick release mechanisms (one for each side). Each mechanism consisted of a male and female pin which when combined replaced the single bolt on each side holding the ends of the Anti-Sway Bars to the Montero's frame (see picture above).
A MINOR SNAFU
Being that my Montero is a 1990 model and well used, we found that the sway bar no longer lined up exactly with the original top whole.
While I could still get the unit installed, it proved to be difficult to reconnect the unit once disconnected.
SNAFU NIXED
To resolve this issue, we ground down both of the bushings at an angle (figure 1) to allow us to "tilt" the units over to match. (figure 2)
Once this was completed, we proceeded to a local ramp (read "dirt mound") to test the stuffing abilities of the Monty.
Like so many four wheelers, Drew was quite surprised that my 32"x11.5"'s fit into my wheel wells so nicely. (Figure 3 & 4)
UPDATE (MAY 2000)
During many instances (for over 8 months), I would drive "on road" with the anti-sway bars disconnected and curiously enough found no ill effects while driving. Sure, the vehicle swayed a little bit more, but not enough to make a difference.
Then while on the Moab Rim Trail at the Mitsubishi Four Wheel Drive Club's 2000 Utah Rally, my sway bars actually caught a rock with one end. The resulting damage was the destruction of my anti-sway bars. They were bent beyond the point of no return.
CAUTION
One Caution for you daring types... I understand that there are many instances (such as when carrying or towing a heavy load) where the sway bar will make a difference. While I did remove mine, I neither tow anything nor haul heavy loads.
DISCLAIMER
This article is purely the noting of historical fact. Neither this Author, nor this website recommends dangerous nor foolhardy modifications without proper and complete understanding of their consequences.
Please consult local, knowledgeable experts before attempting major or minor modifications to your vehicle.