"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
09/15/2014 at 15:13 • Filed to: TWBV
10
44|
"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
09/15/2014 at 15:13 • Filed to: TWBV | 10
| 44 |
Recently I wrote up an article !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! that were ideally suited to adventure travel and immediately I started thinking about how I could apply this to the used market where, realistically, most of us will go in looking for a dependable and durable vehicular travel companion. When the thought of trying to track down and catalog the dozens of possible contenders and rank them in a similar manner, my brain exploded. After picking up the pieces and regrouping I settled on the idea that I can find one ever week or so and do a small writeup about it, I call it "Overland, Under budget".
I picked the following criteria and did the best homework I could, but I'm still probably wrong in lots of places.
ABILITY – How far can it take you.
LONGEVITY – How's it holding up in its old age
SUPPORT – Aftermarket kits, community support and parts availability.
LIVABILITY – What its like to actually live with.
The Pajero (Montero/Shogun) is actually a much more serious name in off road travel that people give it credit; A Pajero has won 15 of the 32 total and 7 of the last 10 DAKAR races in its class. As a bonus Pajero means "wanker" in Spanish…so there's that. Of all the generations and body styles (4 and 5 respectively) I'm picking the 93-96 Montero SR as my pick in the Montero family tree.
ABILITY
In 1993 the Montero SR got a new, larger 3.5 liter V6 putting out a respectable 215 hp and 228 ft-lbs of torque from as low as 3000 rpm, not great today but pretty great in in the 90's. Despite a porky, worst in class curb weight of 4465 lbs the SR wasn't the slowest car in its class but actually one of the fastest, blitzing the run to 60 in 9.9 seconds, courtesy of a 4.27 axle ratio I suppose.
The upside to all that weight is toughness; the SR gets a fully boxed frame, super strong wishbone front suspension with torsion bars and a very stout 9.5 inch semi-floating rear axle supported by coils and 3 links. Housed in that 9.5 inch axle was an air locker, yup an actual air locker like you would buy for a competition 4x4 rig, only it was made by Mitsubishi and run from a small electric air pump instead of a heavy compressor.
On the topic of traction the Montero is famous for having the most options you could possibly ever want in a transfer case - called active-trac, you could select; 2wd, 2wd lock (rear locker on), 4H full time, 4HLc (4wd high locked center diff, i.e. true 4x4), and 4LLc, as well as neutral and could be electronically shifted into all modes (but 4LLc) at speeds up to 62. It had a decent sized fuel tank (24.3 gallons) and fair mileage (14/18) which meant it had the legs to take you where you wanted to go as well and with a payload of 1375 lbs and 67 cubic feet of space with the back seats down there was room to take it with you as well, though not to the extent of its larger and more expensive piers.
The Montero's single best virtue was its dual nature purpose, good on road and good off, but despite the great rear axle articulation and the rear locker, the front had poor articulation and there were only 7.1 inches of clearance available, as well as relatively poor approach, departure and break over angles.
LONGEVITY
The trouble with the budget overland vehicle is that the 90's was the golden age of the capable suv, but it was almost 25 years ago and many of the vehicles that make great travel vehicles are getting up there in age and its not uncommon to find the car you want with 200,000 or more miles on it.
The good news is that Montero's of this generation are very durable vehicles, with extremely reliable 4 speed transmissions that are smooth and tough. The 6G74 iron block engine is known for reliability if taken care of, with major issues being the timing belts that need to be replaced since at regular intervals (its DOHC and interference) as well as oil guide seal that are known to go bad burning extra oil. The interiors are very well made and hold up pretty well to the test of time.
The frames can rust pretty badly in salty states, but no more than anything else in that region. Being Japanese and from one of the worlds preeminent electronic corporations, the electrical isnt a big issue but like most things with this age you should look out for actuators for the 4wd and locker pump as well as window regulators and the like…normal wear and tear.
SUPPORT
The Montero sold in good numbers in the US, Canada and especially internationally and despite Mitsubishi's current troubles in the US parts are relatively easy to come by in most places. There are some special parts, like that locker air pump, that can be tricky to find new but because they sold so many that finding the hard stuff in a scrapyard isn't a nightmare. The aftermarket support is pretty strong from manufactures in Australia and here in the US and lifting is as easy as a torsion bar tweak and new rear coils and dampers and once done you can get that magic 33 inch touring tire in there without too much trouble.
The online community is fairly robust though not like the Jeep, Land Rover or even Samurai Communities; it's a loyal, if small, following that should provide you will all the help you need.
LIVABILITY
The truth is that most overland travel takes place on the tarmac and not on the trail and so a good overland rig needs to be both a beast of burden…and not a beast or burden. With new vehicles this isn't as much a factor as they are all fairly refined and easy to live with, but vehicles from this period are from a time when creature comforts were being added begrudgingly in a haphazard effort to appeal to the American market and the shift from capability to cup holders which meant it was a confusing time to be an SUV.
Good news here again, the Montero was a delight to drive, it was quiet, the transmission was silky smooth as was the surprisingly good sounding engine and road manners were above average, as were acceleration, braking and handling. All in all it's a GREAT vehicle to live with. It doesn't hurt that the model the US got is a semi high roof that I think looks FANTASTIC!
Jeremy Clarkson reviewed the 91 with the 3.0 liter when the new body style came about and he didn't hate it, so that's something
This is The World By Vehicle or , in summary , my rambling stories about seeing neat things by car or how to do the same.
Ultrakill
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/15/2014 at 15:20 |
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Good article! Glad to see the good old Montero featured in something like this. Love my Gen 1 to death.
Alfalfa
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/15/2014 at 15:22 |
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If Jezza didn't hate then let's face it; it's probably pretty good.
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Ultrakill
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/15/2014 at 15:23 |
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Samurai's are good, but almost impossible to find in stock form. Also you could do tj, xj, Gen 1 Liberty (I know it kind of sucks, but it kind of doesn't), or Land Cruiser/4 Runner.
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HammerheadFistpunch
> Ultrakill
09/15/2014 at 15:24 |
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hmm, I like the idea of the liberty.
MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/15/2014 at 15:25 |
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The liberty is much MUCH cooler than people give it credit for. I go camping with a guy every summer with a pretty bad ass one.
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HammerheadFistpunch
> MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
09/15/2014 at 15:27 |
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Talking with the Jeep engineers they are quite fond of it, WAY better articulation that anything other than the wrangler that they make now.
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Ultrakill
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/15/2014 at 15:27 |
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My neighbor has a lifted Liberty, you just have to do 2.5" suspension lift and can fit some 30" tires (I know it's not much, but it has good angles). http://www.rocky-road.com/jeep-liberty-l…
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MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/15/2014 at 15:30 |
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yep, was my wife's 2nd vehicle and 1st Jeep. When we were thinking about getting her an upgrade I asked her what she wanted her response was - Anything this size or bigger that says JEEP on it.
She was hooked for life right there. (now drives an 08 Jeep Commander Sport 4x4. But I think i've told you that already)
Textured Soy Protein
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/15/2014 at 15:30 |
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In my search for a winter vehicle last year I had found a '98 Montero Limited which was the same basic driveline setup as the earlier SR. Thought about it, but it was 150 miles away so I ended up with my WJ Grand Cherokee that I found locally.
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Ultrakill
> Ultrakill
09/15/2014 at 15:31 |
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actually I would just stick with OME lift http://www.rocky-road.com/jeep-liberty-o…
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HammerheadFistpunch
> Ultrakill
09/15/2014 at 15:38 |
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more pricey, but yes, I haven't been terrible impressed by their [rocky road] quality, though they are a nice bunch of folks.
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Ultrakill
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/15/2014 at 15:45 |
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I bought OME rear coil springs from them and am very satisfied. I am happy they at least have Montero parts cause lift kits and other stuff is hard to find for Gen 1s.
RallyWrench
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/15/2014 at 15:46 |
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I hate most Mitsubishis in a fiery, burning kind of way, but I like these. They're a good alternative to the Land Crusher. There was one around the corner from me that had a little front end damage, I probably could have picked it up for $800 and now kick myself for not doing so.
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RallyWrench
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/15/2014 at 15:47 |
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Plus, you can buy one with a diesel.
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HammerheadFistpunch
> Ultrakill
09/15/2014 at 15:48 |
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I think they are great folks, like I said, but I don't like their handiwork. The sliders for both my cruiser and my buddies taco were from there and mine are too short, not stout enough in certain places and not square in a spot or two. I also don't like their method for attaching it to the taco.
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HammerheadFistpunch
> RallyWrench
09/15/2014 at 15:49 |
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yup, for a price. They are getting harder and harder to find.
CAR_IS_MI
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/15/2014 at 15:53 |
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I like this idea. So many capable vehicles out there that can be used and had without breaking the bank (ya know, most of the time)
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MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/15/2014 at 16:06 |
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This is that friend of mine's Liberty. I doubt he'd mind me sharing it here:
He was having some fun...
fishtankwog
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/15/2014 at 16:06 |
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However - don't be fooled by low prices and good bodies on 99-03 or so Land Rover Discoveries - Omigod are those engines shite and $$$$ to fix - even if you can wrench OK.
BZiel
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/15/2014 at 17:49 |
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You know what, I was in Peru a few years back, and no matter where I went virtually every expedition company had at least one Montero fitted with nothing more than their company stickers, a winch, and some kind of generic mud tires. From the jungles around Iquitos to the mountains near Cusco, the one common sight was the Montero.
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HammerheadFistpunch
> BZiel
09/15/2014 at 17:52 |
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its a popular and under appreciated little truck.
Renescent
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/15/2014 at 19:06 |
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Izusu Trooper is pretty bulletproof too; I ran one into the ground on 3 cylinders and it was still running 3 years after I sold it.
Casey Buckleitner
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/15/2014 at 22:37 |
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Loved my Monty. This is parking out of frustration in N Michigan last winter. Its still driving with about 230k on the clock.
mallthus
> fishtankwog
09/16/2014 at 02:24 |
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The $$ only play in when there's an actual failure in the top end or, heaven forbid, that thin walled 4.6l block with the shitting castings fails. The biggest problem is that they're grossly inefficient, managing the holy grail of both crap power and worse mileage.
zack_falcon
> Ultrakill
09/16/2014 at 02:40 |
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Liberty is far more SUV-ish than the KL Cherokee that replaced it.
Solid rear-axle, RWD-bias, and a livable interior. It is only let down in poorer angles (compared to the XJ) made worse due to the IS setup up-front, abysmal mileage, and spotty reliability in some cases.
Done properly, it can be a beast off-road. Though we're talking about the KJ Liberty - The KK took a few steps backwards.
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zack_falcon
> Renescent
09/16/2014 at 02:43 |
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This;
The three major SUVs makers here in the Philippines are Toyota, Isuzu, and Mitsubishi. While Isuzu has fallen behind a bit in modern offerings, its offerings in the past were pretty solid, and still plenty capable today - especially when compared to the usual, car-based CUVs.
adamftw
> Ultrakill
09/16/2014 at 09:11 |
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Agreed on the XJ. There are three types of overlanders IMHO... Glampers, Toyota-only ball huggers, and people who actually overland. If you notice, the dudes who are doing it right are using old trucks or even 2wd VWs. there is a GIANT thread on ExPo about a couple crossing through Africa without four wheel drive. They're crazy, but it's more than half of the dudes with brand new never used gear do on that site.
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Ultrakill
> adamftw
09/16/2014 at 10:20 |
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What's a ball hugger? And yeah, I agree most people use older trucks for overlanding.
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adamftw
> Ultrakill
09/16/2014 at 10:44 |
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not sure, it seemed like a good word at the time.
DemonOfTheFall
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/17/2014 at 00:18 |
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Nice! My parents owned one of this vintage (Not sure of the actual year) in the awesome offwhite/beige two tone. Shockingly capable offroad for it's time especially since none of the jeep/cruiser/landy guys on the trails knew squat about it and expected to see it stranded helplessly spinning a wheel in the air before we made it 100 ft. You could certainly do far worse for an overland vehicle!
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HammerheadFistpunch
> DemonOfTheFall
09/17/2014 at 00:23 |
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my wife's family had one too, I always loved the shape. They hated theirs apparently though because of the seats...go figure.
Tarukai
> MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
09/17/2014 at 01:34 |
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How's that commander holding up? I like them as an idea for a slightly larger but relatively capable offroader/overlander.
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MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
> Tarukai
09/17/2014 at 10:31 |
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We've put 20k miles on it in over a year.
All I've done is oil changes and replaced the battery. Battery was original from the factory, so 6 years old, I was probably on borrowed time.
I actually really like the truck even though it's not MY daily driver. I bet I'd like it a lot more with the V8, the V6 is a bit anemic in that size truck.
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fishtankwog
> mallthus
09/17/2014 at 19:02 |
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Yea. that too.
Ted Ladue
> HammerheadFistpunch
09/18/2014 at 12:38 |
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This list
nominates the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Who knows, maybe it's a gem off road!
I personally nominate a 1st gen 4Runner.
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Tarukai
> MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
09/20/2014 at 19:36 |
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That sounds like the I6 in the grand cherokee. I'll make a point if I go for one of those to get the V8.
glad to hear it's treating you well though!
WiscoProud
> HammerheadFistpunch
01/22/2015 at 16:12 |
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I love this generation of Montero. In college I tried desperately to find one, but ended settling for a 3rd gen 4runner. Good vehicle, but I wanted a Montero....
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HammerheadFistpunch
> WiscoProud
01/22/2015 at 16:19 |
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its dat high roof! mmmm
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iin10ded
> zack_falcon
04/02/2015 at 16:25 |
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apparently the troopers have weak trannys.. lots of them i see used have rebuilt trans.
awmaster10
> WiscoProud
07/02/2015 at 11:42 |
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That is literally exactly what I did. Drove a high miles 3rd gen Runner freshman year, sold it to look for a montero SR or 2.5 gen Montero, couldnt find any with low miles, now Im buying another (Cleaner) 3rd gen runner. Love both vehicles though so no worries.
banjo cat ghost of oppo past
> HammerheadFistpunch
08/08/2016 at 16:51 |
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Y’know when I googled “Mitsubishi Montero Overland” this was the very first query. Kudos.
I’m looking at a ‘95 7 passenger with a locking center diff right now that is rust free for only 900 bucks. Tach doesn’t work but whatever. Planning a move to Colorado and it just might fit the bill
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HammerheadFistpunch
> banjo cat ghost of oppo past
08/08/2016 at 16:53 |
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NICE! I love a high roof, let me know how it goes, (check for oil consumption)
JohnTaurus
> HammerheadFistpunch
08/24/2016 at 11:40 |
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I’m looking at a 95 right now. In the past, I had a 1986 Isuzu Trooper. It was a two door long wheelbase. I liked it, but it was very slow and eventually the manual transmission started failing so I sold it. I think the V-6 Montero will be easier to live with. Not only being fuel injected and an automatic (I have a bad back, otherwise I’d prefer a manual) but also because its more powerful and evidently drives much nicer in normal (asphalt) conditions. I don’t have a family, and therefore I’d rather it be a two door like the Trooper, but that’s far from a deal breaker.
.thanks for the informative article and especially the vintage Jeremy Clarkson.
BJ
> HammerheadFistpunch
08/25/2016 at 20:01 |
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So I did a quick search for Monteros and found a RHD diesel import, which was sorta interesting, and this beast, which is dangerously interesting:
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-autos-camion…
It’s a good thing it’s a 6-hour drive away...