Montero Information

[shmabs]

Off-Roader

Just curious, but what makes you prefer the full size montero's for hard core trails? i understand the rear locker, but the sport has the same 9.5 inch ring gear as long as its a 3.5 v6. After looking at both vehicles the suspension setup seems very similar, as does most of the drivetrain.

Mike

 

[off-roader]

Internal size mostly and based on what I've read the drivetrain seems capable of fitting larger tires in a Gen II Montero than a Sport. I know DC (aka Dat) on 4x4 wire had to do a body lift and front/rear suspension lift (he imported a front IFS lift for a Challenger from Thailand) just so he could run 35's. Carlos (aka Cap510) now owns that rig.

 

[4D55 Performance]

For 10K I recently bought a 2000 Montero Endeavor off the craigslist. It only has 26K miles and averages 21mpg in mixed driving. On the open road I have been seeing 24mpg. I really like the 1995-2000 Montero's because they are easier to modify, but the 2001-2006 Montero's are a much better ride and they are extremely offroad capable. Don't let the IFS/IRS scare you away from buying a 3rd gen because they are great rigs. Here is my 2000 Fullsize Montero, it is considered a Gen II.5 because it has the blister fenders which were found on the 1998-2000 Model years. The mechanical's are the same as a Gen II but the body is a bit different which allows for larger tires with less lift. This will easily fit 35's with just a simple torsion bar crank or a small body lift. The fullsize Montero is not much bigger than the Montero sport. They both have a 107" wheel base and the Fullsize Montero is only a few inches longer. I would say they are the same size.

 

[off-roader]

Riding in the sport is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT feel than in a full size Monty. The sport's like driving a 4-runner with it's car like driver seating position versus the Montero's more truck-like seating. Major difference in driver feel IMHO. Rear full size Monty passenger room is also bigger with 2.5" more hip room, 1.7" more height, & 4.1" more leg room.

Also the cargo capacity in the rear does look a lot smaller for the sport and according to the specs the Montero is 6" taller at 74.8" versus 68.3 for the sport.

That said you pay for the extra room with the 2000 xls sport being 3865lbs curb weight whereas the 00 Monty being 4431lbs.:Wow1: