Hello, I am new to this sight and am going to purchase a 2002 mitsubishi montero nm soon. My questions are is there any other front locker available besides the arb? I found the aussie locker but the vehicle application is vague. Secondly, I am looking into the xls with touring package (rear lsd). This is to get better mpg in 2wd, but the mpg rating is the same on the xls and limited, wouldn't the xls naturally get better mpg? Last of all is the limited gear ratio lower in 4wd than the xls? Last but not least, I am planning on a 2 or 3" lift, do I need to get longer shocks/struts for this lift? I'll probably go 2" for cost reasons. Any help and advise is highly appreciated, I've owned a couple jeep grand cherokee's and am looking forward to this purchase.
Need gearing and locker info 3rg gen. montero
- Thread starter Bonham906
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tdesanto
Expedition Leader
Get the ARB lockers, especially for the front. Sure, they cost more, but in the long run you'll be very happy with them.
For 2001-2002 the XLS is geared lower than the Limited. I'm speaking about the R&P gears, but they have different transmissions; so, I think it's a wash if everything is left stock.
For these two years, the Limited has the 5-speed A/T and 4.3 gears in the diffs. The XLS has a 4-speed A/T and 4.9s.
I recommend the Limited. You get the sunroof (some XLS come with this), you get the better transmission, you get the better sound system too. Plus, if you ever plan on adding larger-than-stock tires, you have an upgrade path to 4.9 gears. You can even have this done at the same time as adding lockers.
For lifts, see if you can get the Lovells kit with Bilsteins from Australia. Otherwise, get the OME HD springs with the new Nitrocharger Sport shocks. I don't think you'll get 3" of lift though...count on getting around 2".
For 2001-2002 the XLS is geared lower than the Limited. I'm speaking about the R&P gears, but they have different transmissions; so, I think it's a wash if everything is left stock.
For these two years, the Limited has the 5-speed A/T and 4.3 gears in the diffs. The XLS has a 4-speed A/T and 4.9s.
I recommend the Limited. You get the sunroof (some XLS come with this), you get the better transmission, you get the better sound system too. Plus, if you ever plan on adding larger-than-stock tires, you have an upgrade path to 4.9 gears. You can even have this done at the same time as adding lockers.
For lifts, see if you can get the Lovells kit with Bilsteins from Australia. Otherwise, get the OME HD springs with the new Nitrocharger Sport shocks. I don't think you'll get 3" of lift though...count on getting around 2".
I have the limited and the extras make it nicer. The MPG issue is a wash because of the R&P/Trans differences. Either way it sucks, 12.5-13 around town and 16 or so on the highway.
If you install a front Lokka/Aussie Locker, you will have issues on ice/snow and slick mud when trying to use 4WD. On little to zero traction surfaces, the locker will not unlock to allow the front tires to turn at different speeds when trying to turn...basically you will lose the ability to turn. Remember locking up the front brakes before ABS and trying to steer?
4.3 to 4.9 R&P, I don't think I could ever justify the expense of doing it even if I was putting ARB Lockers in both ends at the same time. Now upgrading the transfer case gears, hell yes!
tdesanto
Expedition Leader
The cost wasn't that much. I purchased used diffs and we pulled the gears from those. Cost was only $600 more for the parts and maybe another hundred for the labor.
Now, I'm with you on the TC gears, but that only helps when off-road. For me, the switch gave me more power after switching to larger tires and slightly more power than I had stock after. This was critical for towing.
So going from 4.3 to 4.9 made a good bit of difference?
I never figured it would really change much...that being said I went from stock 265/70's for 265/75's. Seat of the pants the 75's really didn't do anything...but I'm sure larger would.
I've looked for 4.9's local, but could never find any cheap. I also have NO clue how to switch them out and shim them right. I want a rear locker and ARB front bumper. I missed the TJM bumper on here for $250 by like 5 minutes...it's got me back in the bumper fever!
Kaiser out of Brazil makes a Lockright/Detroit style locker for the rear, just can't find a way to get an answer from them on shipping.
I never figured it would really change much...that being said I went from stock 265/70's for 265/75's. Seat of the pants the 75's really didn't do anything...but I'm sure larger would.
I've looked for 4.9's local, but could never find any cheap. I also have NO clue how to switch them out and shim them right. I want a rear locker and ARB front bumper. I missed the TJM bumper on here for $250 by like 5 minutes...it's got me back in the bumper fever!
Kaiser out of Brazil makes a Lockright/Detroit style locker for the rear, just can't find a way to get an answer from them on shipping.
tdesanto
Expedition Leader
I didn't think it would make that much difference, but it did. I correct my Scangauge for the speed by 5%; i.e., my speedometer shows 5% faster than I'm actually traveling with the 4.9s and 33" tires (285/75/16).
Skip the detroit style locker and get the ARB. If you're doing the gears, wait until you can afford to put a locker in both diffs.
As for bumper, wait until you can add the winch too as it will make the overall install easier instead of adding it later.
For the bumper, check out www.sierraexpeditions.com Wil can help you out.
Skip the detroit style locker and get the ARB. If you're doing the gears, wait until you can afford to put a locker in both diffs.
As for bumper, wait until you can add the winch too as it will make the overall install easier instead of adding it later.
For the bumper, check out www.sierraexpeditions.com Wil can help you out.
Got an 01' limited and have more questions! Thanks for the previous replies!
Hello again, thank you all for the replies from before. I ended up with an 01' limited and love it! I have some questions about the LSD, I went wheelin' with my brother the other day in sandy conditions. He drives a 95 jeep grand cherokee limited (use to be mine) it has lsd in the rear, open front diff. As far as we could tell my rear lsd wasn't working at all! His rears would spin like I've seen so many lsd's do. I had one tire up front spinning and one rear spinning (fast or slow didn't matter). I also hear a light clunk sound when torque hits the axles or releases, I assumed it's normal, it doesn't sound horrible or anything but now that the lsd doesn't seem to be working I'm kinda concerned. I've tested the lsd in grass and mud and the rear end seems to break loose I figured it was working. The first time I took it off road was moist hard dirt and it did awesome! Is the sand just not enough traction for my lsd to be effective?? I've had multiple vehicles with lsd's and this seems just plain crappy! I talked up the monte' to my brother and it didn't perform at all in the sandy conditions! Please help! THANK YOU!
Hello again, thank you all for the replies from before. I ended up with an 01' limited and love it! I have some questions about the LSD, I went wheelin' with my brother the other day in sandy conditions. He drives a 95 jeep grand cherokee limited (use to be mine) it has lsd in the rear, open front diff. As far as we could tell my rear lsd wasn't working at all! His rears would spin like I've seen so many lsd's do. I had one tire up front spinning and one rear spinning (fast or slow didn't matter). I also hear a light clunk sound when torque hits the axles or releases, I assumed it's normal, it doesn't sound horrible or anything but now that the lsd doesn't seem to be working I'm kinda concerned. I've tested the lsd in grass and mud and the rear end seems to break loose I figured it was working. The first time I took it off road was moist hard dirt and it did awesome! Is the sand just not enough traction for my lsd to be effective?? I've had multiple vehicles with lsd's and this seems just plain crappy! I talked up the monte' to my brother and it didn't perform at all in the sandy conditions! Please help! THANK YOU!
It is new to me so I stayed after work and changed the rear diff fluid, talk about black and dirty!! I'd be willing to bet it's only been changed a few times tops, I need to do the front now! Thanks for the tip, I didn't realize the fluid affected the lsd's performance. The whole "hybrid lsd" is a new concept to me, still trying to figure it all out. If this type lsd works the way I think it does then that park brake trick makes sense. I'll post after I take it out again, Thank you.
Monterorider
Adventurer
Are you sure you have LSD? Sticker on rear diff should state so. Fluid doesn't really affect performance of torsen type lsd.
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off-roader
Expedition Leader
In addition to checking the LSD function out, also change the transmission fluid at the proper intervals with the CORRECT transmission fluid.
That may mean using the more expensive Mitsubishi fluid. If you don't use the correct fluid there's a very good chance YOU WILL DESTROY your transmission so don't even consider it if you're not 110% sure it's the correct stuff.
Case in point... a friend and fellow Montero owner (gen I) used Mobil 1 which claimed to be fine for Mitsu transmissions but after a failed transmission and resultant fluid & damage analysis he learned that his transmission was effectively eating itself apart because the correct additives were not in his transmission fluid.
That may mean using the more expensive Mitsubishi fluid. If you don't use the correct fluid there's a very good chance YOU WILL DESTROY your transmission so don't even consider it if you're not 110% sure it's the correct stuff.
Case in point... a friend and fellow Montero owner (gen I) used Mobil 1 which claimed to be fine for Mitsu transmissions but after a failed transmission and resultant fluid & damage analysis he learned that his transmission was effectively eating itself apart because the correct additives were not in his transmission fluid.
Monterorider
Adventurer
Jack up one side. Put transmission in neutral see if you can (how much effort it takes to) turn lifter wheel (rear). Or jack up rear end then again turn the wheel and see if opposite turns in the same direction.