Okay I am not sure if this conversation has been addressed but I have to ask because while my choice was kind of set on a gen 2 or maybe 2.5 (not sure what years make which gen) at least 97-00 Montero, however I have seen many Gen 1 4 doors that have me questioning this. I would prefer OBD 2 but I dunno now gah too many good looking rigs... anyway back to my question is there a better Gen or is it just a preference? Please help me look at this since I have no experience with these wonderful rigs.
Gen 1 Vs Gen 2
- Thread starter Mudrunner
- Start date
4D55 Performance
Explorer
If you can afford in get the gen II.5, your back will thank you.
Cruisn
Adventurer
The ride will be damn near the same thorugh the model years. they all ahve te same basic setup.. your back will actually thank you more in a gen 1 if you have bouncy seats. I have a gen 2, not a fan of the seats.. they are more plush for "larger" people where as the gen 1 is a nice tight fit with suspension. win win
BIGdaddy
Expedition Leader
I think the common answer will be, "it depends". It really does depend on your uses. Though each generation seems to lend itself towards a pretty good mix of on-road and off-road use.
For a good, tough, truck frame rig that's capable of conquering the rubicon, but that has PRETTY good road manners = Gen II
For a comfy, quiet rig that gobbles the road miles, and then will be able to scramble up the rutted, washed out rock garden to get up to a solitude-infused fishing spot. = Gen II or Gen III
For a long-hauler that only see's dirt roads occasionally, and in those instances those roads are graded, but of questionable traction, definitely the Gen III
Don't forget the bulge-fendered Gen II.5's, either. Some think that they're the best of both worlds. Comfier, plusher than the gen II's, but with a more sure-footed 4x4 system complete with rear locker if you get the winter package. These ones still have a truck frame, I think whereas the Gen III's are unibody....
GrassCat
Adventurer
Most Gen 1 owners upgrade their truck with Gen 2 parts. Does that tell you anything?
If you want a truck with a frame get the latest model with it, Gen 2.5.
If that's not important to you get a Gen 3, it's has more features than the Gen 2.5 and the later Gen 3 have a bigger engine.
I've own a Gen 1 4 banger and a Gen 1 V6 and now a Gen 2.5 and liked them all, but the Gen 2.5 is more refined and feels more aggressive. It one of the best vehicles I've own and I've owned allot. Rides like a dream and even better with the bouncy seats I've added, but if I could afford it, I would now own a Gen 3 Limit or maybe even a Gen 3 with the 3.8L.
Why not drive a few trucks like what was mention? I think we have helped you all we can. So it's time to___ well you know the rest.
If you want a truck with a frame get the latest model with it, Gen 2.5.
If that's not important to you get a Gen 3, it's has more features than the Gen 2.5 and the later Gen 3 have a bigger engine.
I've own a Gen 1 4 banger and a Gen 1 V6 and now a Gen 2.5 and liked them all, but the Gen 2.5 is more refined and feels more aggressive. It one of the best vehicles I've own and I've owned allot. Rides like a dream and even better with the bouncy seats I've added, but if I could afford it, I would now own a Gen 3 Limit or maybe even a Gen 3 with the 3.8L.
Why not drive a few trucks like what was mention? I think we have helped you all we can. So it's time to___ well you know the rest.
Last edited:
rxinhed
Dirt Guy
Time for you to meet up with the AZ Crew from 4x4wire and ride along with their menagerie of Monteros. I like the Gen I SWB for the maneuverability, though mine is a 4 cyl. I've driven exactly 1 Gen II and didn't fancy it so much, didn't like to slalom. Though I have 5 Gen I 4-doors, none operate yet and I have no opinion. The turbo 2.6l in my Mighty Max is way fast compared to the NA engine, and returned similar mileage.
fangars
Adventurer
Did not realize you live in AZ.
Give me a ring and I will let you check out my 1st Gen in it's present mostly stock state.
fangars@xoskel.com
email me and I will give you my number.
Give me a ring and I will let you check out my 1st Gen in it's present mostly stock state.
fangars@xoskel.com
email me and I will give you my number.
off-roader
Expedition Leader
I like the gen I's more angular looks over any of the other generations but you have to understand its a 21 y.o. rig and some parts are starting to become difficult to find. I would not buy the 2.6 4 cylinder unless you plan to swap the motor out for a more powerful one or you really, REALLY know the Mikuni carb.
Of the gen 2s, I prefer the gen 2 over the 2.5 simply because the gen 2.5 has a 4.2x:1 gear ratio, slightly smaller front axles (weaker?), and although the steel fenders are wider and offer more room, i like the replaceability of the gen 2 SR fenders plastic fenders for smaller/less severe trial rash, and of course the slightly more powerful 3.5L DOHC motor in the SR.
The gen 3's are nice too but I still don't believe nor see how it will handle rock crawling trails that we sometimes do albeit, my SR is still a crawling virgin unlike my old 90 4 door v6.
HTH.
Of the gen 2s, I prefer the gen 2 over the 2.5 simply because the gen 2.5 has a 4.2x:1 gear ratio, slightly smaller front axles (weaker?), and although the steel fenders are wider and offer more room, i like the replaceability of the gen 2 SR fenders plastic fenders for smaller/less severe trial rash, and of course the slightly more powerful 3.5L DOHC motor in the SR.
The gen 3's are nice too but I still don't believe nor see how it will handle rock crawling trails that we sometimes do albeit, my SR is still a crawling virgin unlike my old 90 4 door v6.
HTH.