looking for some Montero SR feedback related to Moab trails specifically

[jeep-N-montero]

So recently I have found myself on the fence about replacing one or both of our Jeeps with a late 90's Montero SR, mostly because my interests have changed the last 2 years toward more fishing and hunting rather than hardcore rock crawling but still want to join friends when they head to Moab. The extra space is a plus as well. I have a lot of experience with the trails in Moab so I thought I would use them as a reference point. This question is ONLY for those running an SR packaged Montero with their bone stock suspension setup other than maybe new shocks and adjusting the torsion bars to level it out and some 33x10.50 tires, no body lifts or other suspension lifts, body armor is expected though.

What are the hardest trails in Moab you have gotten through successfully without winching or breaking an axle? Again, this is ONLY for those who have taken their SR Montero to Moab. No Montero sports or xls, and no trails other than Moab, thanks!

 

[off-roader]

I've done Moab Rim Trail, Poison Spider, Golden Spike, etc. with a Gen I 4 door on 33's w/ a locker. Justice in the mean time has done it on his SR w/ 33's w/ rock skids. Actually, I don't know of a moab trail that's not doable in an SR w/ 33's...:Wow1:


Here are the trails I'm familiar with from the Charles Wells Guide to Utah. The Red Diamond trails are the harder ones and I think a Mitsu has been to everyone of them. I know for sure the AZ crew on 4x4wire or Lloyd Schwartz would have probably done them by now.:smiley_drive:

 

[nwoods]

Pics or it didn't happen. Seriously, I want to see pictures of Golden Spike at the crack, and that one particular ledge of Moab Rim that tips you down and lifts the rear end REALLY high.

 

[off-roader]

Crack must be done using a locker. Not enough articulation to make it otherwise. Yup MRT was really fun. Loved looking over the side as we went up each ledge. IIRC there are pics on our old club site (http://www.geocities.ws/mitsubishifourwheeldriveclub/)

Will try to dig up better pics but realize this is all pre digital so it's not so easy to find.

More pics here... http://www.moab-offroad.com/FourWheeling/OHVTrails/MoabMonteroRun2K/page2.html Can see each of our rigs (including a gen II) doing the crack and here's a gen II doing the crack. Unfortunately I don't recall who's rig this was... Pedro maybe? He's a long time friend of Justice (on this forum).

More pics from that page...

Lloyd...

Me...

Lloyd again...

Pedro(?)...

Me (just an LSD in back... didn't make it across unassisted)

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I'm looking more for trails like Metal Masher and Kane Creek which are two of my favorites, pretty much anyone can do trails like Poison Spider and other slick rock stuff.

 

[nwoods]

I'm looking more for trails like Metal Masher and Kane Creek which are two of my favorites, pretty much anyone can do trails like Poison Spider and other slick rock stuff.

All I remember of Kane Creek is that there is a ton of steep banks when you criss-cross the river. I don't think the Monty would have any problems with that. I can't remember the rest of the trail, it's been 8 or 9 years since I ran it.

 

[nwoods]

IIRC there are pics on our old club site (http://www.geocities.ws/mitsubishifourwheeldriveclub/)

Cool, i found this pic:

and enjoyed reading some the experimental tech developments reported in this old newsletter: http://www.geocities.ws/mitsubishifourwheeldriveclub/Newsletter_Q4_2000_P2.html

 

[jeep-N-montero]

All I remember of Kane Creek is that there is a ton of steep banks when you criss-cross the river. I don't think the Monty would have any problems with that. I can't remember the rest of the trail, it's been 8 or 9 years since I ran it.

So you did it in a Gen 2/2.5 SR?

 

[nwoods]

So you did it in a Gen 2/2.5 SR?

No! Rental Jeep

 

[jeep-N-montero]

No! Rental Jeep

Not to sound rude, but did you read my initial posting about ONLY those posting who had done it in an SR Montero? I have done the trail a dozen or more times and was using it as a comparison for the SR.

 

[off-roader]

Here you go... http://www.geocities.ws/offroader_ii/Trips_Easter_2000.html nice to see someone saved my old website when geocities.com died...

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

I have similar concerns. Although, I'm not doing Moab this summer (August).

I found this pic:


I did 7 mile rim a couple years ago in an FJ Cruiser (while I had my Montero, but was riding with a friend) And there were several off camber sections where I would have felt VERY uneasy. Especially one of the last obstacles that sweeps you way up the face of some slick rock pitching you over and looking down into a ravine. It was scary enough in a not-top-heavy FJC. I'm sure its doable in a Monty though. It was a nice scenic trail too. We liked it.

 

[off-roader]

Just ask Justice (he's on here and the 'wire) since he did most of the difficult Moab trails in an SR.

Remember... You're not in a Jeep so finding a lot of folks who have done trail X in a YYYY Montero will not always be possible so sometimes you just need to reconsider doing it if you're uncomfortable. Myself, I've done 4-5 of the hardest Moab trails in a mildly modified Gen 1 (i remember now i only had 32's for that trip) so I'm not too concerned since there's so much traction on those rocks unlike the decomposing granite of the Sierra trails like the 'Con and Dusy Ersham which are a 5 while the toughest Moab trail would be a 4 on that same scale.

HTH..

 

[nwoods]

Not to sound rude, but did you read my initial posting about ONLY those posting who had done it in an SR Montero? I have done the trail a dozen or more times and was using it as a comparison for the SR.

ZJ, i am a very experienced off road driver. I have a Montero, and I've run that trail. So while I have not driven my Montero in Moab yet, I answered by saying that what I recall of Kane Creek I don't think you'd have any issues. I further volunteered the opinion that Moab Rim trail might not be so fun... or perhaps TOO fun. Scott's post seems to agree with me.

 

[off-roader]

Oh and don't forget to check out the link on the club write up to the Moab Off Road site that also did a write up on our trip.