Montero vs TLC 100

[montypower]

A 5 inch lift, from where?

2" Body + 3" Suspension (custom coils)

 

[Toasty]

I'd guess 3" body lift 2" suspension, that's a ton of lift. I had 2" body lift and 3" front 4" rear suspension lift and the truck was HUGE, half the time people thought i had 33's instead of the 35x13.5's i was running.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

2" Body + 3" Suspension (custom coils)

Custom coils from where? Unless you are referring to using the OME coils+coil spacers?

 

[NH Moto Expo]

WOW...You really make a strong argument for the Gen 3 and I know they are hell for stought. The only thing that makes me think of the Gen 2 is the lower buy in and the sliding windows in the back for the dog, also the rear departure angle is better. I know you tore up your rear bumper. Other than that I believe you that the Gen 3 will get out there and do everything I would ever want plus I wouldn't have to fabricate so much.

Really? You must be just considering the IRS vs solid axle. That's a rather minor difference. Did you know a stock 3rd gen can flexes more than a stock 2nd gen? Having owned two 2nd Gen trucks (one on 35s and one on 33s) I can tell you the 3rd gen is as capable if not more so than the 2nd Gen. My rear diff has 15" of ground clearance. My front skids have over 12" of ground clearance (and that's with only 1/2" of suspension lift). I'm still running the factory diffs and the traction control is nothing short of incredible. It is absolutely the best system out there. I do have 4.90 gears and ARBs sitting in the garage for it. These trucks are way, way more capable than people in the US think they are. My biggest complaint after driving many miles off road is the t-case gears are horrible. Seriously considering buying the 3.15 gears.

I've driven my Montero stock through the TransAmerica Trail. Then took it to southern Oregon and drove the McGrew Trail. Then on a 2,300 mile expedition through Montana & Wyoming 4wheeling into different remote lakes every night (several that were straight rock crawling). Went up into Washington (Mt Rainier) this weekend and drove the Naches Trail and some technical trails in Evan's Creek. In total, I've driven just short of 10,000 miles since purchasing the truck in April. And it was down for 30 days while rebuilding the top of the engine. And it's not my daily driver, just weekend adventure rig.

The Montero fits way better on trails than the 100 series (it's a tank). It has better ground clearance, better traction control system, stronger differentials, better visibility, better gas mileage, more interior space. Plus some nice things like: spare tire on the door (no swing out needed), aux gas tanks, huge storage compartment (with 3rd row seat removed), fantastic 5 speed transmission. The driving/seating position is perfect which is mandatory if you drive 12+ hrs.

I've built many trucks: 83 Hilux (on 36" tires, 22re swap, dual tcases), 92 Montero (33s, 5" lift, skids), 95 Montero SR (35s, 5" lift), 86 4runner (SAS, 35s, gears), 92 Isuzu pickup (ARBs, Gears, 33s, RTT, armor), 13 Toyota Tacoma (expedition build over $20k parts). And I'm having a blast with this 03 Montero.

My point is simple. You really need to seriously consider and compare the 100 series to the 3rd Gen.

 

[nwoods]

WOW...You really make a strong argument for the Gen 3 and I know they are hell for stought. The only thing that makes me think of the Gen 2 is the lower buy in and the sliding windows in the back for the dog, also the rear departure angle is better. I know you tore up your rear bumper. Other than that I believe you that the Gen 3 will get out there and do everything I would ever want plus I wouldn't have to fabricate so much.

Those are valid points too. Note however, that the rear sliding windows are not in all Monty's. I found a Gen 2 SR with the rear locker in the salvage yard with fixed rear windows. I thought that was odd, but don't know much more about it. My 1998 Gen 2.5 with Winter Package (locker + leather) has the sliding windows, and I have used them more than I thought I would.

 

[Toasty]

Custom coils from where? Unless you are referring to using the OME coils+coil spacers?

Mine were valley springs, 4" coils.

 

[montypower]

I'd guess 3" body lift 2" suspension, that's a ton of lift. I had 2" body lift and 3" front 4" rear suspension lift and the truck was HUGE, half the time people thought i had 33's instead of the 35x13.5's i was running.

Here's the 95:

Here's the 92:

 

[montypower]

Custom coils from where? Unless you are referring to using the OME coils+coil spacers?

http://www.coilsprings.com/ - You can spec the exact spring you want. Progressive / Linear Rate, Lift Height, Weight Capacity. Very happy with them. Used them on both rigs. I sold the 92 about 10 years ago with 230k miles. It's still rolling around town; now on 35s. Looked like the same springs.

 

[montypower]

WOW...You really make a strong argument for the Gen 3 and I know they are hell for stought. The only thing that makes me think of the Gen 2 is the lower buy in and the sliding windows in the back for the dog, also the rear departure angle is better. I know you tore up your rear bumper. Other than that I believe you that the Gen 3 will get out there and do everything I would ever want plus I wouldn't have to fabricate so much.

Yes, my rear bumper is hammered. That's something that needs upgrading if you plan to run difficult trails.

 

[PirateMcGee]

I honestly think that Mitsubishi Montero is the most underrated best kept secret off road vehicle.....

Mitsu all the way!

I would argue that distinction goes to the Montero Sport haha

 

[raysobi]

I would argue that distinction goes to the Montero Sport haha

I'm not disagreeing with you at all, because of the Mitsubishi Sport that I saw in Thailand, it was a reason why I made a purchase Monty 2.5

Look at this bad boy

 

[jeep-N-montero]

http://www.coilsprings.com/ - You can spec the exact spring you want. Progressive / Linear Rate, Lift Height, Weight Capacity. Very happy with them. Used them on both rigs. I sold the 92 about 10 years ago with 230k miles. It's still rolling around town; now on 35s. Looked like the same springs.

Do you still have the specs by chance, and how was the pricing compared to the OME coils?

 

[montypower]

Do you still have the specs by chance, and how was the pricing compared to the OME coils?

It's been a number of years. I think they ran $300-350 for the pair. They will engineer the springs... you just tell them what you want. Such as progressive / linear rate, 400lbs constant weight over stock @ 3" lift. It is a much better solution than OME in most cases unless you fit perfectly within the engineering parameters of their design.