The sport is a great platform if you don't need /want the size of the full size montero. I will second Pirate McGee in that the XS is an awesome package.
I fitted mine with 265s, sliders, skids and rear OME springs, that truck surprised me and many others at how deceptively capable it was. My sport looked nearly stock but took me wheeling all over the west coast and moab without issue, and was reasonably fuel efficient.
Other than a dismal low range, little front suspension travel, and limited parts resources the sport is an outstanding vehicle. The axle gearing (4.90), trans and engine are a great combination for daily use, i feel that motor/trans combo is one of the best that japan put out at the time in terms of driveablity, and significantly better than my 3rd gen 4runner I currently drive.