New Monty Owner with a few questions

[RockyMtnMonty]

I recently acquired a 97 SR from the original owner with just 113k miles on her.

I've spent hours researching all aspects of the Monteros, but a few (common) questions remain:

1. Tires. It has some 31" Michelins on stock wheels now, and I at the very least want to go for a more aggressive tire like BFG AT's or Goodyear Duratracs. I had originally planned on some 32's or 33 skinnies, but after our 1st outing this weekend I am concerned about throwing off the gear ratio even more. I was surprised to have to use the brakes so much on offroad decents in 4lo-1, and with my rooftop tent I wasn't exactly hauling a-- over the mountain passes (11k feet or so). How much will larger tires affect performance?

2. Valve seals. I get no smoke at start up, but she blows pretty good after a long off road decent at idle or low rpm (1/2 hour or so of slow driving). With relatively low miles is there anything I can do, like change oil weight, to improve this? I checked the PCV valve and it rattles and allows air to pass, I assume that means it is working. Does anyone know a a good shop on the CO front range that works on Mitsu's and knows how to do the seals without pulling the top end? All the shops I called were $1000 plus, and seemed to think they had to pull the top end off. I'd do it myself, but I don't need another project right now.

It's a great rig and I enjoyed our 3 day trip this weekend. I am pretty hooked on the roof top tent.

Thanks in advance-

Dave in Colorado

 

[GFO]

My 97 LS is at 140k and I burn a quart or so every 1,000 miles, this is on synthetic 10w30. I recently switched (last week's oil change) to Rotella T6, which is a synthetic 5w-40, I'll let you know if it makes a difference in 500-1000 miles. I did once use synthetic 20w50 and the oil consumption dropped some, but it was minimal if I recall correctly.

Welcome to the Montero club, you probably won't be disappointed.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Dave, where did you guys go? I used to love places like Mosquito and Hagerman passes when I lived there. As for tires, unless you absolutely need the extra 1 inch of under diff clearance 33's would provide, you might want to stick with 31's of the BFG A/T flavor.

 

[SoCalMonty]

Welcome to the fold...nice looking Montero (same color combo as mine)!

1) I'd opt for the 32's at least, as tire size is the ONLY thing that gives your differetials more ground clearance. Also, 31" tires were a factory stock option, as listed in my owners manual. So really, 32's are a +1 size. Having done 32's on my last Montero, I went straight to 33's on this one. You really don't feel it too much at lower elevations. At 11,000 feet, ANY normally aspirated truck will feel anemic. You lose roughly 3% horsepower for every 1000 feet of elevation above sea level. Furthermore, 31's still tend to look smallish on a stock height Montero IMHO. 32's look more at home.

2) Call around to a few good indie shops. It's not gonna be cheap, but you'll have an idea of the variance in prices and then decide if you want a shop to do it, or if you want to DIY...or, maybe find a local message board member to help you out?

 

[off-roader]

For better power consider swapping to 4.6x r&p gears from a 94-96 SR.

As for the valve guide seals they all believe a full valve job because that's typically the norm. I think only those who really know these engines will know hot to pull the seals without removing the heads. Try to find shops who work on Mitsu 3000 GT's. the engine and maintenance required are similar enough that they should be able to help you.

HTH!

 

[RockyMtnMonty]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I'm thinking re-gearing might be the long-term solution. In the meantime I'll probably go for some 31's or 32's.

@ZJ- I'll have to check those places out. We live near Estes Park, so we went through Rocky Mtn national park to Grand Lake where we camped just off Stillwater Pass on Gravel Mtn. The next day we went up through Walden to Gould and camped on Baker Pass.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I'm thinking re-gearing might be the long-term solution. In the meantime I'll probably go for some 31's or 32's.

@ZJ- I'll have to check those places out. We live near Estes Park, so we went through Rocky Mtn national park to Grand Lake where we camped just off Stillwater Pass on Gravel Mtn. The next day we went up through Walden to Gould and camped on Baker Pass.

Find a copy of this book http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Colorado-Backroads-4-Wheel-Trails/dp/0966497600 and start mapping out your adventures.

 

[off-roader]

Second the guide from Charles Wells (aka Wells Guide). I use them for my trips in CA, NV, & UT.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Second the guide from Charles Wells (aka Wells Guide). I use them for my trips in CA, NV, & UT.

I actually had the opportunity to run a few trails with him and even advised him on a few of the lesser known trails in Colorado.

 

[off-roader]

Nice! I hope the trip with him was pleasant? I've used his guide books for as long as I've been wheeling. If you're still in contact with him, please tell him thanks from another very satisfied customer.