Spikepretorius
Explorer
Without wanting to start another LR war, I'm really surprised to learn that you'd consider trading a Montero for a Disco. Doesn't make sense to me.
TDeSanto's Montero Mod Thread
- Thread starter tdesanto
- Start date
tdesanto
Expedition Leader
Spikepretorius said:
Yes, let's not let this digress into an LR discussion. I'm simply entertaining new ideas at this point. I'm even looking at the Jeep JK Rubicon Unlimited--engine lack of power is the big detractor there as it doesn't appear to be an upgrade from the engine I have now.
Well, there are pros and cons to both vehicles. I guess I'm lured by the following:
- sexy looks that seem to speak expedition to me
- a million and one ways to upgrade or mod the vehicle. I mean, really, there is a ton of aftermarket support. Look at how many ways I could tweak the suspension on an '04 disco II.
- V8 with a little extra power to pull the trailer
- Articulation. The suspension setup that these rigs have is impressive. This is definitely what the Montero lacks.
- Departure angle. The rear clearance of this vehicle is much better than the gen III Monteros.
- Trail visibility and headroom for the driver--very driver-centric.
- Experience. Very easy to find people who've been there and done that...very rich support environment for these vehicles due to their high sales volume and popularity.
- Solid axles front and rear.
- These appear to be a bit easier to work on. Engine bay has more room and things seem a bit more accessible than on my truck (this is very cursory at this point. I haven't really done the reasearch on this, but mine seems a bit tougher to work on).
- Reliability
- Cargo space--even more than the disco
- Creature comforts: leather, wood trim, great stereo, great road noise supression (the cabin is very quiet), nearly the same headroom and trail visibility, great climate controls, etc. This really pays dividends on the long trips. This is about the same as the DII's.
- Drivetrain and suspension are very stout. So is the body/frame. (uni-body)
- Approach angle. With the ARB front bumper, mine appears to have better approach angle than the '04 DII's with the ARB bumper that I've looked at.
- Supple, yet firm suspension. This truck really eats washboards for breakfast. This is where the independent suspension really shines.
- Driver-centric cabin. Also very easy to see the trail and pick your line.
- Short wheelbase for a vehicle of this size. At just over 109", you'd be hard pressed to find many vehicles with this kind of cargo capacity. That's almost 7" shorter than the 4-door Wrangler, and only 14" longer than the 2-door Wrangler.
- Aftermarket support and experience of other drivers/ owners
- suspension upgrades are few and articulation isn't that great (although much improved with the rear swaybar removed)
- v6 is adequate but not inspiring. Tough pulling the trailer, despite the 5K lb towing capacity rating
- departure angle is poor. Very modest compared to the great approach angle with the ARB winch bumper.
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Spikepretorius
Explorer
Yeah. Balanced argument. Makes sense. The Montero reliability and comfort does it for me but it is limited. As you say, it depends on your needs and wants.
Reata Rover
Adventurer
Looks Great T!!
Not only does it look great, it performs great and has all the comforts of home. Really yhe envy of all T.
Not only does it look great, it performs great and has all the comforts of home. Really yhe envy of all T.
Monstero
Adventurer
Dont do it Tony....dont go to the "Dark side". You will spend more time fixing and carrying spare parts in the rig than you want. Just my .02 in a cliff notes version.
Man you havent been slacking in the mods dept to your monty. Its looking good. I have just been to busy with family and new baby to get much of anything done on mine...hopefully that will change this summer cause there is a new welder sitting in my garage just begging to build some bumpers.:jumping:
Man you havent been slacking in the mods dept to your monty. Its looking good. I have just been to busy with family and new baby to get much of anything done on mine...hopefully that will change this summer cause there is a new welder sitting in my garage just begging to build some bumpers.:jumping:
tdesanto
Expedition Leader
Monstero said:
Congrads on the addition to the family! You must be a proud papa. Also, I'm jealous of your welding abilities and the new welder. I need to get some training and get my garage wired for 230 some day, then get the welder.
Thanks, Phil, for all the compliments. Good to hear from you.
TD
FourByLand
Expedition Leader
Come on over... the water is nice and warm.
By the way I carry no spare parts... I just do inspections and make sure things are in order before I head out. All vehicles have their weak points just make sure you keep an eye on them and you will be good to go.
... On the other hand you have built a very capable rig as I have said before great work!
:safari-rig:
By the way I carry no spare parts... I just do inspections and make sure things are in order before I head out. All vehicles have their weak points just make sure you keep an eye on them and you will be good to go.
... On the other hand you have built a very capable rig as I have said before great work!
:safari-rig:
tdesanto
Expedition Leader
FourByLand said:
Very funny; I like the response. :sport_box
Thanks, Louis, for the info and the compliments. I too am of the mindset that all vehicles have their pros and cons, as I hope I've demonstrated.
I may have my eye on a few things, but for right now, I'm just going to enjoy the Montero while I can. I love it for all of it's strengths and when they get to shine; it's only when the weaknesses are more obvious, depending on the situation I have it in, that I start to look and wonder.
I have admired your disco for some time now. I hope I'll get the chance to meet you on a trip sometime.
TD
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FourByLand
Expedition Leader
tdesanto said:
Tony,
Thanks for the compliments, these trucks are luring/tempting like sirens in a warm spring on a warm summer night...
I was reading over your list and the only thing that really stuck out to me was the want for a larger engine otherwise everything else seemed like it was a wash... The Montero's carry an expedition look also, just not as often seen.
As you can see from other vehicles on the board solid axles aren't needed and Regearing should help with the towing.
Look forward to wheeling with you also.. I will be on the look out for your planned trips.
:088:
Monstero
Adventurer
FourByLand said:
X2 :iagree: ...I just have to give tony a hard time, and for the record if I was to get a different rig other than my monty my first choice would be LR's. The last thing i want to do is step on anyones toes with what I said. Run what you got and enjoy it.
Its gonna take a lot to get me where the "Water is nice and warm" though.:sombrero:
MuddyMudskipper
Camp Ninja
Your Montero is very nice Tony and if it is working for you I wouldn't change. In a bizarro kind of way I have the same dilemna. I would dump my disco for one of these in a heartbeat. Not because it's a better vehicle than what I have, but because it has sexy looks that speak Paris-Dakar Rallye to me. In the end its the trip not the vehicle.
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FourByLand
Expedition Leader
Mr.T
I noticed you had a pretty nice first aid kit in the Pelican case... is that because you pitty the fool?
How did you go about putting it together?
I would like to imitate this set up.
Thanks!
I noticed you had a pretty nice first aid kit in the Pelican case... is that because you pitty the fool?
How did you go about putting it together?
I would like to imitate this set up.
Thanks!