I went out last weekend with some guys from the local 4x4 club here in Albuquerque. Mostly Jeeps and Toyota P/U showed up. Of course I was the only one with a Montero. I have a Gen I SWB with the 2.6l. It's practically stock, with the only mod being tiers, so naturally, I was heckled by the group, who had pretty modded trucks and Jeeps. Off we went, and by the end of the day, almost everyone with the group came to me and commented on how surprised they were that the Montero went where it did without much trouble. I'm constantly getting compliments like this after a group run and was wondering if any of you have had the same experience. I'd also like to hear some stories and see some pictures if possible.

-Austin

Get used to it - it's a common occurrence. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Excellent! It's always a good thing to deflate the Jeep and Toy crowd's egos a bit now and then. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

We - the Montero Sport crowd here in CO - used to get that a lot in the early days when they were closer to stock. People were always amazed at how well barely modified Monteros and Montero Sports did on the trails. The only thing I can think of that'll keep up off road unmodified is the Trooper. Also an amazing vehicle in stock form.

Edward

The SWB leaf spring Monty's are quite capable. I have towed way in excess of the tow rating, both on and off pavement. I have transported approximately 1500 pounds of gravel split samples and my normal tools/toolboxes (about 600 pounds) between the aggregate plant, a secondary lab, and my office on the bump stops for about 45 miles. My job sites have been like several offroad trails and have been going and going.

Only things I've hunted for are more power and bigger brakes; I have the letter and will work on the former.

Russell
87 Raider

You can get pretty far in anything if you can drive worth a damn. I have seen jeeps do some crazy stuff near stock and another one tries to do it and they can't get anywhere
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" />

My old neighbors had a Cherokee sport and the other an international Scout. I ended up pulling the Scout.

PRICELESS!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Javy

First time I took the SWB out, way back, I followed a Cherokee that was a ride-hard-put-up-wet rig. He tried like hell to strand me and couldn't. Had to pull the mirrors in at one point. Though he never admitted it, I could see it in his body language that he was surprised that I hung with him. And that was on 31" M/Ss. Definitely a case of the truck there, not the driver...!