Debate Time!

Trooper vs. Montero. Specifically the 2nd generation of each, 92-02 Troopers and 92-99 Monteros (NOT the sport). I do know the Montero is available with an air locker in the rear and a transfer case with AWD, 4Hi, and 4Low in the LS and RS trims. The Trooper can get a decent LSD in the rear and I don't think they have a AWD mode in their transfer case. Its hard to find much info on either of those models with the Montero being the more obscure one.
I've been thinking lately of what to replace my old Toyota with as I'm getting tired of no AC and no power. I would be adding a lift from OME, sliders/armor, and bigger tires, most likely of the 235/85-16 size. I need very good offroad capability so the Monty wins there out of the box but I don't know real world mileage and reliability and that's what brings me here. I've heard the 3.5l Mitsubishi motors have valve stem seal issues and the Isuzu consumes oil. Are either of these a run, don't walk vehicle? Are both?

I thought this was going to be a thread about the nature of time.

For my money I would buy an 2000+ XJ and call it a day good truck and lots of parts to swap and good support , by 2000 the rear main oil seal was all but fixed add in the AW4 (Bullet Proof) a 231 "T" case and corporate axles and go have fun.

I have had to do some work on the mitsu and from what I could see everyone I worked on had oil issues of some type and tend to be pricey to fix and not easy compared to the jeeps.

Hope this helps

Paul B

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: I thought this was going to be a thread about the nature of time.

ah, but by your statement we can already deduce some things about how you perceive the nature of time:

1) that it exists

2) that there is some order to it, your statement comes 'after' the initial call for debate

3) that while both vehicles are ok, I would think there are quite a few other off-road capable vehicles worth of consideration

might I ask, what's your price range?

Jensenman knows Troopers.

Frankly, that's too much like debating syphilis vs. herpes.

Donebrokeit wrote: For my money I would buy an 2000+ XJ and call it a day good truck and lots of parts to swap and good support , by 2000 the rear main oil seal was all but fixed add in the AW4 (Bullet Proof) a 231 "T" case and corporate axles and go have fun. I have had to do some work on the mitsu and from what I could see everyone I worked on had oil issues of some type and tend to be pricey to fix and not easy compared to the jeeps. Hope this helps Paul B

+1, but i'd get a 98/99. The 00/01 had the revised "powerup" or whatever head that is more prone to overheating and/or cracking.

That said, our '00 has about 175k miles on it at this point and it has literally ZERO problems of any kind.

It's a beast in 4wd in anything i've thrown at it thus far, but completely useless in 2wd. Not surprising.

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: It's a beast in 4wd in anything i've thrown at it thus far, but completely useless in 2wd. Not surprising.

sounds like you have a distinct lack of rear locker!. i put a no-slip in mine and with the exception of some very low speed tight on throttle turns where it'll spin the inside it was just awesome. i never got stuck in new england winter with a front axle that wouldnt engage making it 4x2. and it helped produce the most delicious, predictable drifts ive ever experienced.

sorry to add nothing about either SUV except that ive always liked the montero sport's looks, which i guess still isnt about either SUV.

WilberM3 wrote:

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: It's a beast in 4wd in anything i've thrown at it thus far, but completely useless in 2wd. Not surprising.

sounds like you have a distinct lack of rear locker!. i put a no-slip in mine and with the exception of some very low speed tight on throttle turns where it'll spin the inside it was just awesome. i never got stuck in new england winter with a front axle that wouldnt engage making it 4x2. and it helped produce the most delicious, predictable drifts ive ever experienced. sorry to add nothing about either SUV except that ive always liked the montero sport's looks, which i guess still isnt about either SUV.

No idea if i've got a rear locker or not... I have a distinct idea that the lack of traction is due to lack of weight back there. It'll drift quite nicely, but it just doesn't do well in deep deep slush.

I've had two Monteros, or is it Monteri? Both of them ('91) were built like tanks. They had heavy skid plates underneath all critical components and were unstoppable. Even though they had the 3.0 engine, neither one lacked for power or torque. They were very comfortable on the road or off. Check out the big truck style sprung drivers seat! Once I got rid of the mud type tires and put regular tires on the first one, I got a consistent 18-20mpg highway, and 16-18 city. I felt bad when Mini Jr. fell asleep at the wheel and totaled it, but was glad for the beef, as he escaped unharmed. I replaced with the second one (looked exactly the same)and swapped interior parts from the first one. Even though the second one was "well" used and the engine was a bit tired, I still got a solid 16-18mpg combined. One thing to watch for on some of the earlier models, was the bolt that holds on the harmonic balancer (it's a beast!) could shear. There was a recall and a replacement bolt is available for cheap-research it . I had one came apart going 70mph. No damage and the broken bolt came out with an easy out, but you might want to do it anyway for peace of mind.Other than that I had zero issues with either one. I almost forgot,we also had an 2001 Montero XLS, but I never went off road with it. It was more of a decked out luxo-boat, that was great for traveling and carting the kids all over the state for hockey safely.

here's my .02:

The trooper: I like the interior, a PLETHORA OF GRAB HANDLES!! which i REALLY like. Its simplistic but better for it.

BUT, dont get an auto trans trooper, they use a 4l30 trans iirc that's junk. Plus they're hard to r&r on top of that. Dont know much about the motor other than that it's not exceptional.

the montero i have less exposure to but i do know i like the sohc motors a good bit, they're very reliable. DOHC on the other hand has too many moving parts for the performance you get out of it.

my sisters trooper crapped out due to an engine seizure while in warranty time and isuzu didnt replace it..... even though the oil mysteriously disappeared in less than 2 days and the oil level light never went on. if their warranty is any indication.... run from the isuzu!

get the cheapest/nicest example of either. a burned out example of either one would be a mistake.

Raze wrote:

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: I thought this was going to be a thread about the nature of time.

ah, but by your statement we can already deduce some things about how you perceive the nature of time: 1) that it exists 2) that there is some order to it, your statement comes 'after' the initial call for debate 3) that while both vehicles are ok, I would think there are quite a few other off-road capable vehicles worth of consideration might I ask, what's your price range?

I'm looking to stay around 3-6k. I'm having a tough time finding other SUVs with the offroad ability and mileage that these two (and the 4Runner) have. I love Land Cruisers but I do not love 14 mpg. Not one bit.

1988RedT2 wrote: Frankly, that's too much like debating syphilis vs. herpes.

Syphilis is the clear winner here, it is bacterial and so can be cured by antibiotics if caught early, if not then you enjoy a good reason for your madness (see Henry VIII, Howard Hughes)

Hmmm - was thinking manifest destiny vs. free will

When we were looking to buy new back when, the trooper hit the marks on functionality, but it felt like it had trouble getting out of its own way with the auto. For offroad capability - xj or 4runner - xj is cheaper to find parts for.

a tahoe/burban will get the same mileage, work harder, be easier/cheaper to fix... but not as interesting.

thatsnowinnebago wrote: I love Land Cruisers but I do not love 14 mpg. Not one bit.

I'd love to get 14mpg in my Cruiser.

Get the Troop!

The Montero uses the same engine as 3000GT which is fairly unkillable. Also this is based on that.

Oh man if we had the Pajero Evolution here there would be no debate.

oldtin wrote: Hmmm - was thinking manifest destiny vs. free will When we were looking to buy new back when, the trooper hit the marks on functionality, but it felt like it had trouble getting out of its own way with the auto. For offroad capability - xj or 4runner - xj is cheaper to find parts for.

I think that's all relative as I'm coming from a 22r powered 4x4 with a lift and decent sized tires

Ive driven the trooper with a 5spd and didnt have problems with it.. even towed ~3k lbs once. But as i said, im totally against the auto!

How similar are the underpinnings of the trooper and rodeo?

I had an early rodeo with a tbi gm 2.8, and honestly.. its the only 2.8 truck ive ever liked. Very simple, extremely easy to work on, very upgradeable, solid body, nice interior, etc. Puts any 2.8 blazer or cherokee to absolute shame.

I'd have to suggest the newer Cherokees too. Cheap; damn near indestructible, parts available in every obscure auto shop, arguably easier to lift with solid axles (compared to IFS). I dont know your first two choices well enough to give advice, but a 4runner with the old 3.0 will feel like a pooch once you drive a 4.0 Cherokee.