sixstringsteve
Explorer
I've done quite a bit of reading over the last few days and i had a few questions for the Montero/Pajero gurus out there. I'm shopping for the right monty and I want to make sure my intel is good.
Please correct me if I'm wrong on any of this info.
2001-2002 monteros in the US
- came with the 3.5L motor, which is prone to valve guide leaks. This motor does not require premium fuel.
- timing belts should be done every 60k as this is an interference engine
- any model that has the sunroof also has the LSD
- M-ATC traction control WAS NOT available in these years
- some XLS models came with sunroofs, but not all
- Limited models came with the 5 speed tiptronic tranny. other models came with the 4-speed auto
2003-2006 monteros in the US
- came with the 3.8L motor, which requires premium fuel and also has valve guide leaks
- timing belts should be done every 60k as this is an interference engine
- M-ATC traction control available in all 4x4 trim models (and this is a fantastic system)
- XLS model was discontinued at the end of 2003. From 2004-2006, all monteros were limiteds (though not all had the sunroof)
Questions:
Is the LSD pretty effective? I know quite a few manufacturers put LSDs in their car and some work great and some barely do anything at all. I don't think I need a locking rear diff, but if the LSD is almost as good as the M-ATC in getting you unstuck, that's good enough for me. If the M-ATC is far superior to the LSD, then I'll be going the M-ATC route. I don't plan on hardcore rock crawling, but excursions in the snow, mud, and rocks are normal for me.
What years/trim models came with the 4.90 diff gears?
Any other major issues to look out for?
Please correct me if I'm wrong on any of this info.
2001-2002 monteros in the US
- came with the 3.5L motor, which is prone to valve guide leaks. This motor does not require premium fuel.
- timing belts should be done every 60k as this is an interference engine
- any model that has the sunroof also has the LSD
- M-ATC traction control WAS NOT available in these years
- some XLS models came with sunroofs, but not all
- Limited models came with the 5 speed tiptronic tranny. other models came with the 4-speed auto
2003-2006 monteros in the US
- came with the 3.8L motor, which requires premium fuel and also has valve guide leaks
- timing belts should be done every 60k as this is an interference engine
- M-ATC traction control available in all 4x4 trim models (and this is a fantastic system)
- XLS model was discontinued at the end of 2003. From 2004-2006, all monteros were limiteds (though not all had the sunroof)
Questions:
Is the LSD pretty effective? I know quite a few manufacturers put LSDs in their car and some work great and some barely do anything at all. I don't think I need a locking rear diff, but if the LSD is almost as good as the M-ATC in getting you unstuck, that's good enough for me. If the M-ATC is far superior to the LSD, then I'll be going the M-ATC route. I don't plan on hardcore rock crawling, but excursions in the snow, mud, and rocks are normal for me.
What years/trim models came with the 4.90 diff gears?
Any other major issues to look out for?