For a 97, that one looks a little long in the tooth. One thing to note, 97 was the year the 200 HP 3.5 SOHC was introduced into the Montero's. Also, with this engine, came higher gears in the diffs so this one comes with 4.2's while the 94-96's came with 4.6's in the diffs and the DOHC engine that put out about 15 more horses but also comes with the possible intake issues discussed earlier.

IMO the 4.2 gears combined with the 1.9 T-Case really struggles to crawl with 33" tires, you'll want to get rid of those 4.2's ASAP if you want to crawl at all without overheating. I've seen these get hot really quick on trails a DOHC with 4.6's cruised through without issue.

99 Gen 2.5, fixing blown head gasket
89 SWB- 33's, ARB Front locker, SR rear locker/axle, SR F brakes, winch, WST Offroad Armor all Around, 2.85 Aussie T-case Gears (SOLD)
Sold: (2) 95 SR's, 86 SWB, 90LWB, 91 LWB
-Can Change a timing belt in my sleep..