1995 montero sr reliability

[SoCalMonty]

94-97 is the generation I like, personally. I think a '99 would be "Gen 2.5." Off Roader will know better.

The 99 will have (I think) the SOHC version of the engine and will be a little bit easier to work on. Though, you'll have to factor in the cost of wheels and tires if you plan to get rid of the 20's, y0!

 

[dzSR]

Do it.

 

[off-roader]

Available Montero's
83-88 2door I4 2.6l w/ 4.6x:1 r&p, LSD option (no stock locker but avail from ARB)
89-90 2door v6 3.0l w/ 4.6x:1 R&P's, LSD option (no stock locker but avail from ARB)
89-91 4door v6 3.0l w/ 4.6x:1 R&P's, LSD option (no stock locker but avail from ARB)
92-93 SR which includes the 3.0L v6 (DOHC/SOHC?), 4.6x:1 r&p. unsure about the locker availability
94-96 SR which includes the 3.5L DOHC v6 engine, 4.6:1 r&p, rear air locker.
97 but they did drop the DOHC engine in favor of the simpler but less powerful (200 vs 215hp) SOHC engine)
98-00 have the the same drivetrain package as the 97 but only get 4.2x:1 r&p gears. They also added flared metal fenders
(versus plastic fender flares), & heated seats.
01 and up have IFS/IRS, 3.5/3.8L engines. I know far less about them since they don't meet all of my current off road interests.

My order of preference... 94-97, 98-00 89-90 v6 2-doors, 90-91 4 doors.

Alternatively there are also Montero Sports, & Pickups but I know far less about them.

 

[SoCalMonty]

Which had the 4.9 R/P that bolts in to the Gen2's...was that in the Sports?

 

[off-roader]

Yup. Certain 3.5l Sports have the right r&p. need to be sure you get the right model year 3.5L or it won't fit. The guys on 4x4wire tech and Az forum would know the details on that.

 

[ca18_sean]

I have a 92 SR and it is a SOHC 3.0L

Came from the factory with no locker, previous owner added an ARB.

 

[missleone]

Good mix on both...ok im just picking your knowledge now since i dont know but will chevy, ford and or toyota dodge rims in "15 or 16" inch fit or swap if i trade for 20's? Im sure some kid HAS to have those!

 

[SoCalMonty]

I have a 92 SR and it is a SOHC 3.0L

Came from the factory with no locker, previous owner added an ARB.

1994+ is when they had the DOHC and locker in the SR, as well as the 1" body lift.

 

[missleone]

Im leaning towards the 95 seems like the year everyone likes as far as reading the threads ( not knocking the 99) just seems like owner of 99 knows really nothing about his ride and out here in south florida seems that everyone flips cars out here since its hard to find an actual private seller...even though they both run very close in price

 

[off-roader]

What you choose should be driven by your needs. Unless you like to rock crawl or plan to put 35"+ tires on, the late 90's will be a better rig. Newer, more amenities, etc.

 

[SoCalMonty]

I'd say go with the one that appears more well maintained...check the oil and trans fluid!

 

[missleone]

True offroader and socalmonty, will be DD and to go camping and light wheeling maybe some 31's is as big as im going on rubber...thanks for the input

 

[SoCalMonty]

No worries! Keep in mind, 31's were a stock sized tire for that truck (it shows it in my '95 owners manual as the optional size)! A +1 would be 32's.

 

[missleone]

NICE!

 

[IncorpoRatedX]

33s fit with zero modifications and look best on a completely stock rig, you wont be low on power.