help me brainstorm what to get for my next vehicle

[sixstringsteve]

Just add a bed, I know its a lot of work but you did do this to Lee's old 4runner. The 4runner has 109 inch wheel base, luxury interior, and a V8.

I wonder how that would look stock. Got a link to the build thread? It kinda looks like a mini avalanche. That might work, though it'd be impossible to sell when the time came. When we converted Lee's, the rear window didn't roll down amymore, and the rear passengers didn't have a ton of headroom since the c pillar slopes forward and the rear seats slope back.

 

[sixstringsteve]

A lot of guys like the 94-96 SR model monteros, 2nd gen. Stock, you can fit 33's, they come with a rear locker, spare is located on the door so no need for swing-out rear bumper, and those years came with a slightly larger 3.5 motor. These are the old box-style vehicles. I owned a '90 and a '93, great vehicles. However, that is just a bit too old for me. 2000 and up is the 3rd gen, newer body style, lots of changes. 2003 and up gets the bigger 3.8l motor, which I recommend. My wife won't let me sell ours, she likes it a lot better than the cruiser, lot more peppy and 'light' feeling to drive. You should test drive a few. I'd be happy to let you drive mine in the hills here in alpine if you want to test their skillz in the hillz

John

Thanks for the info John. Honestly, I think just about any stock 4x4 that isn't a mile long will be plenty capable for me. If it has a locker, even better, but not necessary for me. I'd rather have OBD2, so the newer ones appeal to me.

 

[Marsh99]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/gallery/89028-kylebaccs-2003-supercharged-chopped-4runner.html

 

[johngottfredson]

One more thing, then I'll shut up. Montero's won't out-compete too many vehicles in the rock crawling competition, but they are hard to match in high-speed dirt-road racing - their suspension and 4wd system is engineered for exactly this type of terrain and off road use. Which is one of the reasons they dominated the Dakar rally for so many years.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/116772-Gen3-Montero-vs-Gen3-4Runner

John

 

[sixstringsteve]

keep it coming john, that's all good info. I don't rock crawl anymore, and if I do, it won't be tougher than Elephant Hill, which I can do in almost any stock rig. I do more high speed bumpy roads anyway.

 

[sixstringsteve]

The gen 3 monteros seem to have a lot of electronics in the 4wd system. Sensors and electronics scare me as the mileage goes up. Any big reliability issues with these?

And what about the montero sport? Are those in the same league?

 

[johngottfredson]

Montero sport are not the same vehicles, not based on the same platform. The Mitsubishi Pajero (montero) is sold all around the world, still, like the Nissan Patrol and Toyota Landcruiser. It is a proven vehicle. I'm sure the montero sport is also good in its own way, but it is not regarded as being equal. Plus, the full size montero is a lot bigger, taller, more cargo capacity, fold-away third row, all seats fold flat to make a bed (very cool design there, mitsubishi), greater towing capacity (I believe), and looks cooler. I have not heard of reliability issues in the electronics. My 03 4wd works amazing. While I share your preference for mechanical systems vs electronic, I have been impressed, and over time my concerns have dissipated. Plus, did I mention these things are basically free?

John

 

[sixstringsteve]

I got to drive jgotfredson's montero today. What a great rig. I love the IFS/IRS, interior layout, visibility, sitting position, ride, and the traction control was awesome. That's at the top of my list for now. For the price and features, I think I can live without a truck bed.

I'll be looking for a 2003-2006 montero (non-sport). I'd probably rather not have a limited, but I wouldn't pass the right one up. I've got two guys really interested in my truck. We'll see if it sells this week or not.

 

[pELYgroso]

Don't rule out the 02 montero. We love ours. Great power, good mileage, very well thought out interior, does great off road for a stock suv....the list goes on.

 

[sixstringsteve]

The 02s are almost exactly the same as the 03s, they just have a smaller motor. You like the power of yours?

 

[jeep-N-montero]

One more thing, then I'll shut up. Montero's won't out-compete too many vehicles in the rock crawling competition, but they are hard to match in high-speed dirt-road racing - their suspension and 4wd system is engineered for exactly this type of terrain and off road use. Which is one of the reasons they dominated the Dakar rally for so many years.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/116772-Gen3-Montero-vs-Gen3-4Runner

John

At least now I know where Steve's random post in that thread came from.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Montero sport are not the same vehicles, not based on the same platform. The Mitsubishi Pajero (montero) is sold all around the world, still, like the Nissan Patrol and Toyota Landcruiser. It is a proven vehicle. I'm sure the montero sport is also good in its own way, but it is not regarded as being equal. Plus, the full size montero is a lot bigger, taller, more cargo capacity, fold-away third row, all seats fold flat to make a bed (very cool design there, mitsubishi), greater towing capacity (I believe), and looks cooler. I have not heard of reliability issues in the electronics. My 03 4wd works amazing. While I share your preference for mechanical systems vs electronic, I have been impressed, and over time my concerns have dissipated. Plus, did I mention these things are basically free?

John

A bed indeed.

 

[sixstringsteve]

what year montero do you have jeep-N-montero?

 

[jeep-N-montero]

what year montero do you have jeep-N-montero?

It's a 98, and to answer more questions http://www.rme4x4.com/showthread.php?102137-my-1998-Montero-build&highlight=

 

[sixstringsteve]

Ok, i'm on the lookout. Post up if you find a nice 03-06 with less than 135k.

 

[sixstringsteve]

one other question... did all '03-'06's come with the 3.8, or was it only an option?

 

[sixstringsteve]

I'd love this one if it were $1k cheaper and not from a dealer.

http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/1306871?ad_cid=9

 

[Gravy]

I'll bet you could get them down a grand, Mitsubishi is the Dodge of Japanese vehicles.

I've got a complete airlocked 4.63 rear axle for one of those ^

 

[Spork]

Go big Steve...

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=30607763&cat=461&lpid=11&search=4&ad_cid=1

 

[Kiel]

I'll bet you could get them down a grand, Mitsubishi is the Dodge of Japanese vehicles.

ouch, but I agree