Newbie MONTERO Help...LS vs. SR - Will a NOVICE Really know the difference?? Gen I??

[KIRK!]

I haven't had a 4wd in 15 years and after researching have settled on a Gen I or II Montero. What I read tells me to look for a '94-'96 SR, but they seem VERY hard to come by. The LSs aren't much easier, but there are some out there. As a novice will I be disappointed with the LS? I'm looking for a light to medium trail rig to take the wife, kid and dog out to camp and see the sights. Want to end up with a minor lift (maybe just torsion bars) and something like 33s.

Would a '93 SR be better than a '94-'96 LS?

Also, I have a line on an '87 in very nice condition with a brand new 4cyl. I have never driven either, but I know the wife will not have fun getting to the trails in something that rides like a buckboard. With their short wheelbases how are they on the highway? Do the 4s have enough power?

Thanks for indulging the new guy!

 

[jaxs1984]

My dad has a 96 SR with about 220K + miles on it, he's the original owner He's very happy with it and glad he bought the SR which has the BIGGER engine which is really needed in a truck like that. It has 215 HP vs 177 HP. Also, the LS comes in stick NOT the SR. Out of the box its pretty capable vehicle for light trails. On the highway its pretty smooth. He hasn't done any modifications to it and he traveled to Toroweap Overlook, ( Grand Canyon ) White Rim Trail (Canyonlands MOAB) , Big Bend (Old Ore Road ) and some parts of the Alpine Loop in Colarado.

Hope this helps.

 

[4D55 Performance]

The first gen Montero's had different designations than the 2nd gen vehicles. The first gens were designated LS and RS. The LS was the top of the line. It offered an automatic transmission, rear limited slip, head light washers, drivers suspension seat, inclinometer, alloy wheels etc. An optional 2 tone paint was also only available on the LS models. It is also more common to find sunroofs, power windows, and tow packages on the LS models. The RS model did not offer a rear LSD but an RS could be had with either a 5 speed manual transmission or the bullet proof 4 speed automatic. I typically don't like automatic trannies, but the V6 Montero's have the nicest automatic I have ever driven. They are bullet proof and they shift like a dream.

 

[KIRK!]

Any more input would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[off-roader]

I haven't had a 4wd in 15 years and after researching have settled on a Gen I or II Montero. What I read tells me to look for a '94-'96 SR, but they seem VERY hard to come by. The LSs aren't much easier, but there are some out there. As a novice will I be disappointed with the LS?

Depends on the kind of trails you want to do.

LS has...
3.0l v6
LSD
The mitsu AT is a good very reliable one and much easier off road versus a MT especially w/out lower gearing.

92-93 SR had a 3.0L SOHC v6 w/ the 8.5" air locked rear diff
94-96 SR had a 3.5L DOHC v6 w/ the 9.5" air locked rear diff
97 they dropped the SR designation but I believe it still had the 3.5L DOHC engine & locker.
98-00 mitsu dropped the SR designation. Came w/ a slightly less powerful 3.5l SOHC v6 or even less powerful 3.0l v6 but still offered the locking diff if you ordered the optional winter package which also included headlight washers and heated front seats.

Would a '93 SR be better than a '94-'96 LS?

Yes because of the locker.

Also, I have a line on an '87 in very nice condition with a brand new 4cyl. I have never driven either, but I know the wife will not have fun getting to the trails in something that rides like a buckboard. With their short wheelbases how are they on the highway? Do the 4s have enough power?

they're fine on the highway but bear in mind they're not even remotely as powerful as the v6. Also this is a body on frame design and not an SUV. You want a car Ike ride, get an SUV. That said, my SR is exceptionally comfortable especially when compared to the likes of the same era 4runner or jeep, etc. I suggest you test drive whatever ur looking at WITH your wife.

As for the 4 cylinder, IMHO based on over a decade of talking with 4 cylinder owners....
1 def not as powerful
2 slightly weaker/smaller drivetrain
3 can swap in a turbo 2.6 from a starion/conquest bit it's not a swap for a basic mechanic unless you've done similar engine swaps. If you're not sure then that tells me you may not be competent enough. Sorry to be blunt but you need to be sure you are capable of undertaking the swap.
4 Rougher because it's a torsion bar front & leaf sprung rear suspension

HTH

 

[rxinhed]

The Gen I LS was also available with a 5-speed and sunroof. Gen II had a 5-sp available until 1995 (?) but only with the 3.0L.

The '09 trip I led in the hills was accompanied by a multitude of Gen I and IIs. My little 4-cyl Raider struggled on hills that Ray's Gen II had no problems with.

 

[KIRK!]

Great info guys. I am going to look at four Monteros tomorrow: 1993 SR, 1994 SR, 1995 SR, 2000 non-Sport.

 

[Inyo_man]

Great info guys. I am going to look at four Monteros tomorrow: 1993 SR, 1994 SR, 1995 SR, 2000 non-Sport.

If you are entertaining the thought of a Gen III (2000) I can chime in with a two thumbs up. We've been very happy with our '02. With the IRS/IFS, the wife loves the ride. As stated earlier, the 3.5 SOHC is lacking in power. However, the low end torque is quite good. The transmission is bullet proof if maintained properly.

 

[speedtre]

As stated earlier, the 3.5 SOHC is lacking in power. However, the low end torque is quite good.

I think the hp/torque differences is pretty much a wash between the DOHC and SOHC

DOHC

Horsepower 200 @ 5000 RPM
Torque (lb-ft) 235 @ 3500 RPM

SOHC

Horsepower 215 @ 5400 RPM
Torque (lb-ft) 230 @ 3000 RPM

And the benefit of the SOHC not being an interference engine is nice if you are buying an older used one and you don't know when the timing belt was replaced but you don't want to pony up $700-1200 immediately to get it replaced. If you throw a timing belt on a non-interference engine it won't destroy your top-end like the DOHC interference engine would. Just a couple things to consider when you are on a budget looking at older vehicles.

 

[off-roader]

Speedtre,

Those specs are backwards. The DOHC has 215HP & 230ftlbs torque.:ylsmoke:

 

[4D55 Performance]

The two engines produce the same amount of torque and that's the number that really matters. The DOHC feels like it has more power because it has lower axle ratio. The DOHC also makes max torque at 500 rpms lower than the SOHC.

DOHC 214HP @ 5000 rpms and 228ft lbs torque @ 3000 rpms (4.63 r&p)
SOHC 200HP @ 5000 rpms and 228ft lbs torque @ 3500 rpms (4.27 r&p)

 

[speedtre]

Speedtre,

Those specs are backwards. The DOHC has 215HP & 230ftlbs torque.:ylsmoke:

DOH....lol...you are correct, I put the DOHC and SOHC in the wrong spots.

 

[scrubber3]

Since we are being technical, you should say RPM, not RPMs since it is revolutions per minute and not revolutions per minutes.