Mitsubishi Challenger - anyone out there?

There are heaps of challenger owners on EO, almost bought one ourselves, chose the Explorer cause has more power.

Baz.

Am a very proud Challenger owner. Purchased '01 at the start of the year and recently took it for a run through the Flinders Ranges, across the Oodnadatta and every bumpy, crumpy road I could find between Sydney and Ulura. Other than an ECB bullbar and some rhino rack action on top; my baby is stock-standard.
Ground clearance became an issue at times and I'll definately be investing in some after-market suspension shortly. Whilst the Challenger doesn't have the overall balls of a Crusier, Rangie, Patrol et al. it is a very capable car for those who don't want to look like everyone else. There are too many Prados, Landies and Pajs out there and it is so nice not to be a clone.
So long as your're happy to throw a few jerrys on the roof you shouldn't have any probs on any long-haul touring nor many 4wd tracks.
Enjoy your new baby.
N

From my Rig details
Base model Auto with cruise control & aircon
.....................ok, so maybe I added a roo bar,
long range fuel tank, stronger springs to lift it just 1 " to comply with insurance restructions), Uniden CB, rear shelf to store & hide recovery gear, fridge slide for the Waeco, Garmin GPSV & rear diff locks & a 6mm thick Marine Grade Aluminium Bash plate but really, it's virtually stock.

The articulation is not great & thats why the Diff Locks work so well. The Long Range tank was more good luck. the old one had a baffle come loose & to replace it with Mitsubishi one was more than the cost of a long range one. The bash plate I replaced because the standard ones started to look like clingwrap against the engine parts above. I ripped out the storage from the back because whilst doing the Gibb River Rd I got 5 flats & everytime had to empty the back to lifty the flap to lower the spare tyre. My new setup doesn't require that.

I am really pleased with what mine can do when out on trips with Patrols & the like plus its a much more comfortable car to drive around town which it gets used for every day. Give me half an hour & I can show some of the mods on this link.
http://pub2.bravenet.com/photocenter/album.php?usernum=97048664&album=17688

We have one in our crew , 1998 , front rear lockers , 3" lift 33" tyres , goes ok , but needs better gearing to suit the 33's

A Triton Snorkel will fit.
I put a AirFlow one on last year.
No real dramas in fitting it (i did it myself too)

Apart from that they are a good solid little fourby. Only bad thing is that aftermarket parts for the newer models can have a limited choice but being a 98 you should have no dramas I believe ARB still do a steal whinch bar which is about the only which bar for models up to 00 so you are in luck there.
There are some good parts coming out of the US for them including REDUCTION GEARS (wooHoo) which should be available soon.
Hope you enjoy it

Go Chals I say.
Ours is a 98 model. We drag a CT and it has done everything we have reasonably asked it to do.
I like the comfort on a long trip due to becoming a little long in the tooth.
Ours is basic with the LSD option and no add-ons to speak of.
Haven't bottomed out yet but you never know.
I'd like to see a diesel model, a bit better vision especially when backing, bigger mudflaps & 16inch wheels but you can't have everything.
Bit annoyed that I had to fit a new steering idler at 145k ks but any part in a rig can be a bit lemony I suppose.
The running boards are great for earthmoving, I notice the new ones are better designed.

We are about to fit new all terrain rubber and would like to ask everyone what tyres you run and how you like them. Perhaps we should ask about preference for A/T or
H/T.
Any help will be gratefully received.
Thanks in anticipation,
Camper

PS Perhaps we should petition for a Challenger sub-forum!
Only joking.

Greetings all, and thanks for the encouragement.

Anyone got a Cargo Blind for sale? I will swap my rear clips. Also looking for a nudge bar c/w driving light mounts.

Actually, I will consider any Challenger parts - if you have anything specifically for a Challenger please let me know as I like to try different mods without damaging the original vehicle.

Love the 1/4 inch aluminium sump guard - you should sell them.

Look forward to hearing from you.
Dave
Carlingford, NSW

I know a bloke who has one and is very very happy with it. Just did a simpson crossing couple of months back and it is stock apart from BFG A/T's. Absolutely no worries he said. But he was very glad it is an auto!

Cheers
Muddy 'doe

Hi Dave,
I have a 2002 XS Challenger. I love it. I have driven every where from the beach to the bush and will hopefully be going to Cape york next year.
Mods, I have a 2002 Triton Snorkle (Airtek) from TJM, Cargo Barrier, Raised rear coils and wound up Front Torsion bars about 50mm front and rear. Looking at geting taller rubber. The new Challengers came out with 16inch wheels so may even go that way just wanting to keep it legal for insurance.

Anyway great vehicle enjoy it, it will get you further than you think.

Email me if you want to know anything else, at richardrose at itconnect.net.au

Richard