Gen 3 Monty?

[OneTime]

I have been off the site for a while. But with Wiffys Expedition Tranny taking a dump a second time with in 18 mos and 30,000 miles. I am looking for a veh again. Ill be getting rid of her Ford and my 91 LC 80. And getting a Gen 3 Monty. I was glad to see and read the recent Monty Post. I had wanted to get a LC 100 but the price MPG and AWD all stack up.

I owned a 95 SR and loved it. Wish I still had it. With the 2003 models what is the difference btwen Limited and XLS? I think its just trim stuff right? The tranny and engine are the same, I think.

With a truck with 70,000 what should I be concerned with. And How long can I expect the motor and tranny to last before the need rebuilt? Thanks Keith

 

[tdesanto]

I have been off the site for a while. But with Wiffys Expedition Tranny taking a dump a second time with in 18 mos and 30,000 miles. I am looking for a veh again. Ill be getting rid of her Ford and my 91 LC 80. And getting a Gen 3 Monty. I was glad to see and read the recent Monty Post. I had wanted to get a LC 100 but the price MPG and AWD all stack up.

I owned a 95 SR and loved it. Wish I still had it. With the 2003 models what is the difference btwen Limited and XLS? I think its just trim stuff right? The tranny and engine are the same, I think.

With a truck with 70,000 what should I be concerned with. And How long can I expect the motor and tranny to last before the need rebuilt? Thanks Keith

There are drivetrain differences between the Limited and XLS.

Engine is the same; so no worries there.

Differences include:

1) A/T: 5-speed=Limited (tiptronic shifting too); 4-speed=XLS
2) Diff ratio: 4.3=Limited; 5-speed=XLS
3) LSD Rear diff: I believe this is standard on the Limited and only optional on the XLS. You definitely want the LSD if you can get it.
4) Huge sunroof. Standard on Limited; option on XLS Don't overlook this one. This thing's awesome
5) Full-time 4WD (center diff lock) is standard on the Limited (selectable). This isn't an option on the XLS; only part time 4WD.

Motor and transmission: These are well built and should last a long time. I've actually not heard of any issues with the A/T. Engines easily go over 200K miles.

Honestly, you get so much more with the limited for only a little more $, I can't see the benefit of the XLS.

 

[OneTime]

How does the full time 4WD on the limited affect the mpg? Is it similair to the LC AWD or can it be driven in 2wd.

 

[tdesanto]

How does the full time 4WD on the limited affect the mpg? Is it similair to the LC AWD or can it be driven in 2wd.

I haven't really noticed the difference, but it is selectable. So, yes, 2wd is an option.

 

[OneTime]

How do I find out if the XLS has LSD?

 

[OneTime]

I thought in 2003 both went to 5spd?

 

[tdesanto]

How do I find out if the XLS has LSD?

My diff has a silver sticker on it that states LSD. It's on the back side of the diff. It shows through a small square opening in the rear sub-frame.

I'm not 100% positive, but I think most XLS models had an open diff. I recently bought a set of used XLS carriers, because it was cheaper than getting new R&P gears. (I wanted the 4.9's) Almost all of the XLS diffs I ran into were open.

 

[tdesanto]

I thought in 2003 both went to 5spd?

You may be right about that. I own a 2001 and my service manual is for 01/02 and I was quoting it. Forgive the oversight on your interest in 2003 models.

Also, in 2003, I believe that traction control was added. So, you may have to dig a little deeper to find out whether the LSD was still an option.

 

[OneTime]

What do I loose out on if I get a 01 or 02 XLS over a 03? Other than the 5 spd tranny. Do I not get the actrive track 4WD?