Per KYB, the only reason they band some shocks is to make them fit in the box. The front shocks for a Montero aren't very long even when they're extended, therefore, no band. Not so for the rears, which are quite long when extended.

I weigh 160-odd pounds on a good day, and I can compress the shocks for the front. It's keeping them compressed that's kind of frustrating. Just work smarter, not harder.

Sorry you had a bad experience with KYB. I myself have not.

John B.