1990 Montero or 1998 Montero??

[livetoride]

I have been a long time FJ60 and 80 owner, but I just recently sold my rig and I am looking for something different. I actually have always liked, and heard good things about, the montero's. However, I don't know too much about them and what is available in terms of mods for these trucks. I am looking at a 98 Montero with 80,000 miles and it looks brand new. I am also looking at a nice '90 Montero that is in good condition as well. The '90 has about 160K and recently just had a head gasket replacement. The '90 I could pick up for about $1,700 and the '98 would be $4k due to the condition and low miles. Thoughts?? What are good aftermarket mods? I would immediately add a OME suspension, ARB bumper and snorkel. What are good racks for these rigs? Any thoughts or comments are much appreciated.

 

[The Viper]

I have been a long time FJ60 and 80 owner, but I just recently sold my rig and I am looking for something different. I actually have always liked, and heard good things about, the montero's. However, I don't know too much about them and what is available in terms of mods for these trucks. I am looking at a 98 Montero with 80,000 miles and it looks brand new. I am also looking at a nice '90 Montero that is in good condition as well. The '90 has about 160K and recently just had a head gasket replacement. The '90 I could pick up for about $1,700 and the '98 would be $4k due to the condition and low miles. Thoughts?? What are good aftermarket mods? I would immediately add a OME suspension, ARB bumper and snorkel. What are good racks for these rigs? Any thoughts or comments are much appreciated.

bro go for the genny 2.5 all the way! Everything on them is built more solid, possible rear locker, nice comforts (leather), solid SOHC engine...the list really could go on and on

and i absolutely love the body style of the gen 2.5 (wish i had one), hopefully u r talkin bout a gen 2.5 and not a montero sport?

 

[Clem]

If the 98 is the full size Montero with the winter package (rear locker, headlight washer, leather, heated seats) I would go that way. I bought a 99 with 90K miles for $5K. If I could have found one with less miles for less $ is would have been a win win. The 98 probably has the 3.5L SOHC makes 200hp and 228 lbft torque and 9.5" rear ring gear.

Not much out there available as far as aftermarket, but you can fit 33" tires without a lift. Others have retrofitted arb bull bars and snorkels for other vehicles. Sequoia spring spacers fit the rear for a 2" lift if you want it and the torsion bars can be cranked in the front to lift a little too. The yakima mega warrior rack will fit.

HTH

Clem

 

[GrassCat]

Get the 98, but I may be a bit bias.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Depends on your budget.

If you're comfortable with the 4k, get the 98. They're great rides! When you are thinking about the montero, just compare them to the 100 series... but realize its a tad bit smaller (more manageable) and actually more stoutly built. I wish it had the 4.8 found in the cruiser though. I've got an ARB roof rack coupled with DiamondRax mounts on my '95 and it fits perfectly.

 

[livetoride]

Depends on your budget.

If you're comfortable with the 4k, get the 98. They're great rides! When you are thinking about the montero, just compare them to the 100 series... but realize its a tad bit smaller (more manageable) and actually more stoutly built. I wish it had the 4.8 found in the cruiser though. I've got an ARB roof rack coupled with DiamondRax mounts on my '95 and it fits perfectly.

Good to hear. I think I'm going to test drive the 98 and if I like it I'll grab it. It's in perfect shape and bone stock so I'll be modding quickly.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

And if you have the cash, forget retrofitting a bumper for a different rig, just buy the ARB. TRDParts4U.com or any of the ARB distributors near you should be able to order the bumper, suspension and snorkel for you.

 

[livetoride]

Good to hear. I think I'm going to test drive the 98 and if I like it I'll grab it. It's in perfect shape and bone stock so I'll be modding quickly.

So the arb roof rack would be my best option too? In terms of racks? So I'll probably get an OME lift, arb bumper, snorkel and rack right off the bat.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

So the arb roof rack would be my best option too? In terms of racks? So I'll probably get an OME lift, arb bumper, snorkel and rack right off the bat.

When you get to the point, give Jacque a call at TRDParts4u and he can hook you up with everything.

Pretty sure I have the ARB 44x87 rack too...

 

[off-roader]

I have both an 89 2 door v6 & a 96SR. I've also owned 2 other gen I's (89 and 90 4 door v6 models).

IMHO either the Gen 1 or Gen 2/2.5 Montero's are very capable off road with a slight edge going to the Gen 2/2.5's due to beefier running gear and more powerful engine.

However depending on your off road intensions, the gen I may be more than capable.

If mild wheeling is your goal then it should really depend on what vehicle style you're looking for. The Gen 1 really has that square-ish old school look (LR Defender, late 80's Trooper, etc.) while the gen II has a more modern soft corners design.

Either rig will be a decent 4x4 IMHO.:ylsmoke:

 

[livetoride]

Or I have been seeing some nice Monteros that are pretty nice inside. I know the Monteros are bigger than the sports, but what are you takes for offloading and modifications for either? I saw a 2003 Sport with OME lift so I was thinking about adding a snorkel and bumper as well. I am also looking at 00-01 Monteros. Thoughts?

 

[Dwing]

I love the look of the Gen1. Looking in the future my decision will be made on what I can have if I put 5k into either vehicle . If I bought a $1500 91 LWB and spent 3500 in upgrades what would I end up with. It would be hard to pass up a 98 @ 4k with that low of miles.

 

[Monterorider]

Or I have been seeing some nice Monteros that are pretty nice inside. I know the Monteros are bigger than the sports, but what are you takes for offloading and modifications for either? I saw a 2003 Sport with OME lift so I was thinking about adding a snorkel and bumper as well. I am also looking at 00-01 Monteros. Thoughts?

Aside of interior space they are just about the same off-road. 00 and 01 Montero are very different: former is Gen 2.5 without rear locker, later is all new Gen 3 totally different beast with IRS, unibody, bigger interior (about same as LC).

 

[off-roader]

They're about the same from a functional POV although some say the sport's just a bit lighter in the build strength. I don't own a sport so it's difficult to comment. I have seen some nicely done build ups for hard core off roading (read 'rock crawling use').

Here's a site of one of those rigs... http://www.4x4extremesports.com/index.php. The site owner (Ed) has been building this sport for quite some time and is a regular on 4x4wire (SAS'd).
DannyTuned is another sport owner who's done some major mods to his sport (http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showf...rds=dannytuned&topic=&Search=true#Post1199173).
Another sport owner (Dat) recently sold his sport to my friend Carlos (cap510 on the portal and 4x4wire) who in turn sold it to one of the AZ Crew members (see 4x4wire AZ forum for PA_Jero's new Sport thread). That rig is also a monster with what is likely the only IFS drop lift in N. America (at least the only one I can recall seeing here).

HTH... (provide sport inspiration anyways :ylsmoke

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

I love the look of the Gen1. Looking in the future my decision will be made on what I can have if I put 5k into either vehicle . If I bought a $1500 91 LWB and spent 3500 in upgrades what would I end up with. It would be hard to pass up a 98 @ 4k with that low of miles.

I paid $1500 for my 95. Off-Roader paid ~$1200 for his 96.

I bought mine with known issues, and have now fixed those issues, incurring another $1200-ish. Putting the truck up to $2700. Currently with bolts ons, I've got brand new 33 12.50 duratracs on the stock wheels, $400. ARB roof rack, $150. Smittybilt seat covers (worn drivers seat) $60. Add all that up and I'm still doing better than buying just about any other rig on the market, save one that's already been (reliably) gone through and is already modified. That's one reason I chose a second gen Monty over other rigs. It's a great value when you are patient enough to look for the deals.