Finally on a real computer so here are some initial thoughts:
Comparing the 3rd gen Montero to a Land Cruiser (80 or 100 series) is not really a fair comparison. It's basically like comparing apples to oranges, they are totally different classes of vehicles. The Land Cruiser is much more geared for off road travel than the 3rd gen Montero, stock for stock there is no way the Montero can hang with the Land Cruiser on the trails I am used to driving. I think it would be a much more fair comparison to put the Montero up against the LR3 and maybe the GX470; the catch here is that finding either of those two vehicles for the same price point is close to impossible. Now if you are looking for a daily driver, family friendly, mall touring SUV then the Montero is a good choice. I think it would be good for touring the country, mild offroad expedition type travels, and a darn good value for an SUV. I am pleased with it's driving manners to date and am very happy with the power compared to 80 series. It is much more comfortable to drive than the 80, has more space in the back seat for the kid, and is quiet too. I would go so far as to compare it's driving comfort and features to our BMW 325xi wagon and I think it might even be faster which is a shock.
My biggest disappointment with the truck is that it is not very truck like. It has horrific ground clearance, a ton of vulnerable plastic, and a weak factory suspension that can't even handle a couple bikes on a hitch mounted bike rack. To make it more like a truck will cost dearly and soak up a good portion of the cost savings over other vehicle options. The IRS is going to be problematic as well. With as much rear squat this vehicle exhibits with a load the alignment will be off and it will destroy rear tires in short order. Sure I could fit airbags to keep it consistent but find a pair for me here in the states. This leads me to my last gripe and that is the aftermarket support for this truck, ARB is the only game in town. Worst of all is I can't find any skid plates here in the states which I think this truck needs more than anything. I even talked to the NA sales manager at TJM yesterday in hopes to open up some options for parts but he couldn't help me.
To sum things up I do like the Montero and it will work well for my current needs but it doesn't really fill the void my 80 series has left. I think a Gen 2.5 Montero would have been more comparable and a better option but it just wasn't in the cards this time. However, I will make the best of it, modify accordingly, and hopefully use the heck out of it.
Really? I completely disagree with most of this.
#1 - Stock suspension sucks. Get some HD springs. I've had no trouble hauling 300-500lbs in the back on longer expedition trips.
#2 - Skids - Yes, they are expensive to import. However, you could easily pay a fabricator to build skids.
#3 - Capability. With lift, skids and 33+ tires it will have no trouble following any 80 series on 33s. Most of them follow me...
#4 - Clearance. Under the truck is exceptional. I have well over 15" from the rear diff to the ground. I should be closer to 17" after 35s and replacement springs.
Yes, you need to remove the stupid side steps and armor it. But it will amaze you when you take it off road. I've driven mine about 11k miles (mostly off road) in the past 7 months. Transamerica trail, Wyoming/Montana, McGrew Trail, Naches, Evans Creek, Tillamook State Forest, Central Oregon.... Just to name a few places it has been. Finally ripping out the factory diffs. Rebuilt some with 4.90 gears, arb lockers and all new seals and bearings (there's a bunch in the front diff). Also new boots for the front CV axles (not bad but why not).
Put some lift, 255/85 tires and armor. Then report back after running some trails. BTW: We may be running trails through Colorado next year if you want to join.
These truck do take some research to find parts. Lovells makes springs (I'm running them currently). As well as going custom (like what's going on the truck next). Also, you can get coilovers from King or RadFlo. Radflo is an excellent value! Yes, OME is the most common but do some searching. There are a bunch of suspension options.
Skids can be imported from
www.offroad4wd.com.au - Cost after conversion and shipping was about $1,200 for the entire set of 4 skids. I would recommend buying the front 2 skids and fabricate the rear ones as they are large and mostly flat (crazy simple). Front are much more complex with bends. You could probably get the front skids for less than half the cost. In comparison to 80 series... you could easily drop $1,000 for a full belly skid which is essentially what you get for the montero. Plus, there is nothing hanging low like drivelines... Simple to flat skid the entire belly.