A funny thing happened on the way to the Suburban store... Gen 3 Montero Limted

S

Skidmarkart

Observer
So, I was kind of shopping for a third car for hauling the family around, and it has been a couple of years since I sold my Rover Classic. I was feeling kind of naked without a truck of some sort, and had been looking at Surburbans, Yukons, etc. While looking, I ran across an 2004 Montero Limited. I had rented one for several months when I was working on movies in a previous life back in 2001. We were shooting in a 4wheel drive park just outside of Palm Springs. Everyday, we would ride 4 or 5 miles through the park out to the set. It was a blast. Best. Commute. Ever.

To say I had fond memories of the Montero XLS I drove on that job would be an understatement. Just for kicks, I took it for a drive... one thing lead to another... now I own it. Not really planning to build it much (doesn't it always start that way), maybe just a small lift and some tires. Sadly there's not too much to explore off-road in my area (Uwharrie is kind of close, but that's about it).

I do not have a manual. Can anyone here tell me what fluids they are running in their trans, and diff? I'd appreciate it. Looks like Mobil 3309/ATF-4 and 75w-140... Is that correct? What kind of radiator fluid? Anything else I should check into? It seems well tuned and everything seems new in it.

Thanks in advance for any info...
 
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J

jotec

New member
front and rear diff 80w-90 gl5 oil
transfer case 75w-90 gl4
tranny diamond sfiii atf fluid
you can change viscositys to suite the climate.
you can use the universal coolant. there are 2 coolant jacket drain plugs on the block. they are a pain to break loose with limited space.
 
O

off-roader

Expedition Leader
Some bloke named off-roader put that together.
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You give me way too much credit. I was one among 3-4 moderators who tabulated threads and all we really did was add them to the thread whenever any forum members brought credible threads to our attention.

Skidmarkart, congrats on your new Gen III! I'll eventually be getting one myself to use as a daily driver.

The engine oil, differential and transfer case oils are all pretty straight forward however whatever you do, DO NOT skimp on the tranny fluid. Your safest bet is to buy Mitsu OE tranny fluid. Others have tried expensive 'theoretically' superior synthetic fluids (Mobil 1 was one example) and messed up their trannies due to excessive brass in the fluid which was discovered after a fluid analysis done on the next transmission fluid change. When they switched to Mitsu fluid, it did not happen again. Granted that was on a Gen I but IMHO, I'll take it that Mitsu required similar specific tranny fluid chemistry for their Gen II & III transmissions as well. Better to do the safe thing than become a guinea pig with a messed up tranny I say. I should add that I have read that Hyundai's tranny fluid may be compatible but I'd confirm that before using it.
 
scrubber3

scrubber3

Not really here
I did pretty much every trail at Uwharrie in completely stock form with 31 inch BFG all terrains. I didn't do the rock garden though for obvious reasons, but man were those lifted and locked jeep guys surprised.
 
S

Skidmarkart

Observer
Thanks all. Looks like I'll be getting to know the underside of this Montero this weekend and drinking several beers in the garage. Hey, I have to do something while it is draining right?
 
O

off-roader

Expedition Leader
Skidmarkart said:
Hey, I have to do something while it is draining right?
Click to expand...

So long as you don't end up saying...
"One for you...
one for me...
one fer you...
one fer me...
one (hiccup) fer ewe...
one (buuuurp) fer meeee...
one (hiccup) fer yew...
hiccup...what was I doing?"
:ylsmoke:
 
S

Skidmarkart

Observer
In praise of fresh fluids...

Because I am both a cheapskate and love cars, I tend to buy a lot of older models that I can pay for... this Montero was no different. I have an SOP for all them, which is to Seafoam the oil and gas, and vac it in the top end, drain, then check the fluids and filters and replace any that are not new (or I cannot verify they are the right ones). I know, it isn't a real tune-up, but I can usually do it in a morning and occasionally it makes a big difference. Well, even though this Montero was running well, I decided to do it. It cost about $150 (not including beer) to do everything, but if I didn't, it would have bugged me.

So I did the oil, trans, trans case, and diffs this weekend. Coolant system will be next week. I did the drain/fill trans flush (you get about 4.5 quarts with each drain). Well, it was a lot of time under the Montero (where I got to know it much better), and I have a few busted knuckles (why don't I remember to wear gloves)... but the difference is amazing.

To say it was running poorly was incorrect, but now... wow. It's so quiet I can't tell the engine is running. Trans shifts more smoothly and quietly (even though it had new fluid in it, confirm my suspicions it was not the right fluid), and the diffs and case seem quieter running in the dirt. Yesterday, when I was checking out with a cart full of fluids, I was wondering if I was doing the right thing. Hearing and feeling the difference, I did the right thing.

So , if you have been thinking about doing your fluids, and wondering if you really need to... do it. You will thank yourself later.
 
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