Frustrated for aftermarket parts

[derf]

I have an 02 Montero Sport that I would like to modify a bit but it seems like trying to find Bumpers for this thing is a real pain in the ***! I've had F250's and Bronco's where there seem to be aftermarket parts falling out of the sky for, but just trying to get a nice aftermarket bumper for this thing seems to be impossible. I've checked with several outfit for a front and rear bumper but no-one has anything available.

Any suggestions?
Thx Derf.

[ES_97Sport]

May 4, 2015 7:31:00 GMT -5 derf said:

I have an 02 Montero Sport that I would like to modify a bit but it seems like trying to find Bumpers for this thing is a real pain in the ***! I've had F250's and Bronco's where there seem to be aftermarket parts falling out of the sky for, but just trying to get a nice aftermarket bumper for this thing seems to be impossible. I've checked with several outfit for a front and rear bumper but no-one has anything available.

Any suggestions?
Thx Derf.

Hi, Derf.

Yes, that's kinda how it is with both the Montero and Montero Sport. Chicken and the egg thing partially. For what it's worth I sympathize. I've had my first '97 since Jan of '98. Custom ProRock 44 in the rear, '75 Bronco SAS in the front, dual t-cases, 3.0L->3.5L engine conversion, custom radiator and Ford electric fans, customized All-Pro skids ... everything on my Sport is fabricated or customized parts meant for some other vehicle. Even the rims are custom built. The only thing that was actually off the shelf is the ARB bull bar bumper (which ARB still sells but only for the '97-'99).

As far as the bumpers (front/rear) go, you don't have any off-the-shelf options. Rumor has it that the '97-'99 ARB can be made to fit the '00-'05. I can't remember the details, but it was discussed in this forum.

There never were rear bumper options. About the time people were talking about doing that the 4x4 market crashed.

I hate to be the voice of doom but if you really want to customize your Sport, I'd do a lot of looking for a good 4x4 fab shop in your area and get acquainted with them. Look into having the front and rear built. It'll be expensive, but given the cost of a new ARB @ $800-900 the front shouldn't be too crazy. Since you don't have the factory tire gate, a rear with a built in tire carrier wouldn't be that difficult so it shouldn't cost too much. "Too much" is relative - expect between $1000 - $1500.

There are a couple lift kits available and one of the guys just finished a body lift and documented what you'd need. Again, though, its parts for something else that you'd be using.

If you're planning on using your Sport off road and that's what you need to customize it for, I can probably point you in the right direction. Don't do mall crawlers so I probably won't be much help there if that's the case.

Edward