Montero considerations, parts availabilty...

[shmabs]

A bit of a background knowledge first.

I'm not new to wheeling by any means and was turned on to this sight some time ago by my brother. Looking at it now i would say im more of an expedition style wheeler than anything else. For me its as simple as getting off pavemet and seeing things that can't be seen from th highway, oh and getting to cool camping spots if fun too! I'm come from a largely jeep based 4wd background, Xj cherokee's specifically and have come to know and love them quite well, given all the short comings that they present.

My current situation is single income family with a 3 month old who i am just itching to get out into the back country. Having just sold my geo tracker, and my wifes audi i now have about 5000 cash to spend on a vehicle. looking for decently capable machine, with room for my family and gear, and not so terrible milage. We have decided on the gen 2.5, i have driven a few and like the usable room, safety, power and body style very much. I have been looking into the montys for a few months now and really like them. I have read up on strengths and weaknesses of the gen 2.5 a good bit. I understand that the US based aftermarket is a little short, for my needs it would most likely suffice. Being a fabricator by trade prior to the Coast Guard, i often choose to build rather than buy, but i like having the option to buy if possible.
My question is regarding parts availability, im not so much concerned with aftermarket mods, but regular everyday maintenance items such as water pumps, timing related components, brakes, CV's etc. Those of you that have owned monty's do you find it harder or about the same as other japanese vehicles to source parts locally with relative speed? I know this will vary greatly with location but im just trying to get an idea. With my Xj's i enjoyed relative ease of maintenance and cheap-ish parts, and with the audi and my current location it wasn't quite the same. Idea's, thoughts considerations?


this is a prime candidate, though a touch out of the budget, i will pay more for a rig i feel is worth it

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/2216298538.html


Thanks


mike

 

[off-roader]

Most parts are easily available especially for the gen 2.5 you're considering.

Mileage is very good for a vehicle of it's size and your model will have the 4.2 gears so with stock tires you can expect 20-25 on the highway.

Be sure you get the winter package which will net you a rear diff air locker, & heated front seats among other things. You can tell there's a locker by the switch located at the bottom left of the center console. I'm not 100% sure but if it has the locker it should also have the 3.5l sohc engine.

HTH.

 

[4D55 Performance]

Parts availability is good and it will be good for many years to come for several reasons. While Mitsubishi is no longer obligated to providing parts for the 2gen Montero's they still make them in a 2wd form in the Phillipenes so parts will be around for years to come.

I have owned a 1985 Mitsubishi Pickup for the last 8 years and I can still find what I want for the most part through Japanese dealers even though my pickup is over 26 years old. It's kinda surprising. The local dealers are no longer carring the parts but thats due to supply and demand.

 

[datrupr]

I have no problems getting parts for my GEN III, though sometimes I have to order them (usually at my door the next day). I love the look and style of the GEN 2.5 as well. Keep in mind, the one you posted is a Montero Sport, not a GEN 2.5 full size Montero (pictured below):

 

[off-roader]

Keep in mind, the one you posted is a Montero Sport, not a GEN 2.5 full size Montero...

Doh! Didn't get to check out your link so I didn't realize you were looking at a Sport. Regardless, all I said is still true about parts availability.

 

[shmabs]

sport

thanks a bunch gentlemen! I should have mentioned we are looking at the sports specifically, my wife and i really like body style.

i have been looking for models with the factory rear locker, but i dont believe the sports ever came with them correct?


back to researching i go!

Mike

 

[off-roader]

They're available with them. I know some of the 3.5L models have them for sure since one of my friends has one in his 2001.

IIRC the button is in the same general location as the gen II Montero's. It should have an "RD Lock" label on it. There will also be an Orange sticker in the vehicle indicating how to use it but the previous owner(s) may have done a stupid thing and removed it.

Alternatively, you can always put a locker from a full size into one (assuming it's the right diff size).

 

[kurtfm]

Sorting through similar issues myself

Do they really get that good of mileage?? I was guessing they were more like 15-16mpg.

I was also wondering about durability with the motors. A lot of the ones coming on the market now are getting up there in miles. Any unique issues to look out for?

Is there any advantage (on fuel economy) to seeking out a 5 speed? From what I can tell they seem to perform about the same. (though if I get the 5 speed it will probably keep my wife out of it )

I am really curious about the rear locker diff feature... how exactly do you identify it? What years did it come out in? Was it only on 3.5L motor?

For a basic off road setup... not rock crawling, but just getting off on forest service roads and washed out trails, etc. What are some good beginner mods that should be considered?

 

[off-roader]

Do they really get that good of mileage?? I was guessing they were more like 15-16mpg.

On the highway, I'm getting 14-16mpg w/ 35's!:Wow1: In the streets, it drops to 12-13. Just depends on how much you accelerate. keep off the skinny pedal as much as possible and you'll eek out great mileage.

I was also wondering about durability with the motors. A lot of the ones coming on the market now are getting up there in miles. Any unique issues to look out for?

See 4x4wire.com's FAQ on their Mitsu tech section for answers on this... biggest common problem w/ the mitsu v6 (all of them it seems) is valve guide seals leaking oil causing smoke at startup and after periods of idling.

3.5 dohc can be difficult to change plugs but many modern v6 engines can easily be problematic in this area so not really a differentiator.

Other than that, it's a pretty rock solid platform.

Is there any advantage (on fuel economy) to seeking out a 5 speed? From what I can tell they seem to perform about the same. (though if I get the 5 speed it will probably keep my wife out of it )

In my experience, the automatics are bullet proof and far easier to drive when wheeling off road which for me is a big reason to go with them instead of a manual tranny. I've had several now that are over 200k w/ no maintenance other than basic fluid changes. Currently I have two montero's. My 96SR has 242k and my 89 has 165K on the auto tranny. Plus no worries about burning out a clutch.

I am really curious about the rear locker diff feature... how exactly do you identify it? What years did it come out in? Was it only on 3.5L motor?

Switch in lower left of center console. Orange Sticker in cab (if not removed by previous owner).
The locker was available in gen II montero's from 92 on and certain sport models. It's only available in a 3.5 after 94. 92/93 were all 3.0l models.

For a basic off road setup... not rock crawling, but just getting off on forest service roads and washed out trails, etc. What are some good beginner mods that should be considered?

With the gen II Montero's, 31" AT tires and you're good to go.

Keep in mind that unlike most American vehicles which are made with roads in mind, the Montero is built for 3rd world abuse and is much tougher in stock form in general. The gen I montero's won the Paris Dakar rally in nearly stock form (safety gear was added as well as a long range gas tank).:Wow1:

Over all they've won that 12 or 13 times which is more than any other manufacturer. it's only the most recent races where Mitsubishi has stopped focusing on them that they haven't done so well. That said, since the mid 90's the Dakar has really gone the way of Stock Car Racing... i.e. not much in the top placing vehicles is really stock anymore.

The SR comes standard with a 9.5" rear ring gear. The only thing bigger in passenger vehicles is a Dana 60!

Full boxed frame provides a very solid platform to build on.
Weak areas include gen I trailing arms which are much beefier in gen II's and a good upgrade if you have a gen I.

Other than that, it's a pretty bullet proof and reliable platform.

 

[ejason]

On the mileage, I get around 15.8-19 with a lift and 265/75/16 on there. I had a roof rack on but took it off and i added about 1.5-2 mpg more.
I am selling mine, but every time i get in and drive it i start to reconsider. I am looking for a newer GEN 3. or a new 4runner. IF i ever sell my GEN 2.5.
If you get one you will love it.

 

[kurtfm]

awesome info

Thanks for all the info ... super helpful.

Sounds like it will do better than our suburban for mileage... which has sucked since I started running Cooper STTs on it. Mileage is not a huge factor. It's going to be my go-exploring with my sons rig so not really for commuting but I could see decent mileage being a nice factor for a long camping trip.

I am actually glad to hear about the auto trans because it seems like it would be lot more painful search to find a 5 speed. I guess I am getting older too and am starting to appreciate the ease of driving with them.

The clear explanation of locker is going to help, thanks.

I like the second gen and it seems like if I am going to do that I might as well consider getting a 2.5 right? It also sounds like it is worth getting the 3.5L if you can.. is that true? Is the diff in HP noticeable? Should I focus on a sport model?

One other thing... i would LOVE to have the option of the third row of seats, those are so cool. Are these only available on some models... can they be added if they are not there?

One of my favorite vehicles I have ever owned was a 91 mitsubishi galant vr4... too bad I sold it. Looking forward to getting back into a 90s vintage mitsubishi... weird, but that's how I am feeling now.

 

[kurtfm]

oh and...

sorry I am totally hijacking this thread but seems like the same topic

So one of the other reasons I am considering this vehicle is that I currently have a 2k suburban which actually has a decent turn radius for how long it is,, but it's size can be a pain on back roads and suck. Can I assume that this thing will manuever better than that? Something more like a 90s 4runner (used to have one of those too)?