Montero Questions

[Allof75]

I'm narrowing down my vehicle search and I've been looking at the Monteros (2nd Gen) a lot lately and I have a few Questions:

1. What models have the factory rear locker? Do all SR's have it standard or is it an option? And was it available in the other trim level?

2. Can you sleep in it, either on a platform or on the floor?

3. What is the difference between the Gen 2 and the Gen 2.5?


Thanks Everyone!

[Allof75]

Also, did the post-1996s have factory lockers? Because I'd like the dual airbag option.

[off-roader]

Gen 2 went from 92-97
Gen 2.5 went from 98-00. Main distinguishable feature are the widened metal fenders in lieu of the the plastic fender flares from the gen 2.
92-93 only had 3.0L engines.
94-96 SR's came stock with the locker, a 3.5L DOHC engine (most powerful of the Gen II Montero's), & 4.6x:1 ring and pinion gears
96 was the first year they offered OBDII and the passenger air bag.
97 may or may not have the SR designation. If it did, then it should also have the Locker.
98-00 are the Gen 2.5 where they dropped the SR designation and you found the locker with the Winter Package including seat heaters.
98-00 dropped the DOHC in favor of the less powerful and less complicated 3.5L SOHC. They also came with widened sttel fenders versus plastic fender flares. However they also went to a 4.2x:1 ring and pinion versus the 4.6x:1 r&p.

Can you sleep in it? Depends on your height. I built a platform into the back of mine that allows me to sleep in it while providing a secure area to store stuff.

[Allof75]

Ok then, that sounds great. I think it will make a great expedition rig for me. Is there any way of mounting a winch on the front? Winch Plate behind bumper?

[off-roader]

Ok then, that sounds great. I think it will make a great expedition rig for me. Is there any way of mounting a winch on the front? Winch Plate behind bumper?

Yes many have mounted a winch between the frame rails using a winch plate that they fabricated to fit there.

[Allof75]

Awesome. Are there any common issues to look out for when looking at them or test driving?

[off-roader]

Smoke during a cold start & after long idle usually means valve guide seals worn. Can be fixed by replacing them with new ones. Will typically wear out after 50K-100K.

Flashing 4x4 light usually means sticking auto hubs or solenoid in xcase. Caused by old sticky lube. Can usually be cleared up by cycling the system until it unsticks itself.

Inspect the radiator for scaling/calcified deposits on the radiator walls. If excessive either replace the radiator with a good metal unit or have the radiator properly 'rodded' which is not the same as a simpler but less effective radiator flush.

[4D55 Performance]

I am not sure if the rear diff lock was an option on the 2000 model year.

[speedtre]

I am not sure if the rear diff lock was an option on the 2000 model year.

I'm about 95% sure it was not. I wanted a '96 or later Gen II (or II.5) so it would have airbags (family camping vehicle) but I also wanted the rear-locker. From what I determined, the 98-99 Gen II.5 with the winter package came with the rear-locker, but the 2000 Gen II.5 did not come with a rear locker, even with the winter package. I looked at a 2000 that had the other winter package options (heated seats, front light washers), but no rear locker.

[tyro]

Nice info off-roader.

I'm considering a Montero too. In your opinion and experience, which of the "gens" 1-3 do you prefer? years?

thanks.