It is very interesting. The Monteros are a bit under geared to start with, and they went from 4:60 to 4:22, and it is just enough to make the crawl ratio too high. We even had to turn around stock rigs on a simple Colorado Mountain trail because they were running out of power/ gearing the first time some folks wheeled them. Having the wrong gearing and being under powered is not necessarily best for gas mileage, although I have no question that was the thought. SOHC engines are definitely more reliable. What ever you do look for a version with a stock locker.

1996 SR From the Area 51 Skunk Works. 37"BFG Tires, 5" lift, Rock Track 4:1 Case, Tom Woods Drive Shafts, Oasis Air, Front ARB, lifted gas tank, T-max winch and lots of stuff that cost too much.