My '99 Montero just passed the California smog test. I bought this thing in May, not noticing the BILLOWING STORM of a smoke screen it layed down when pulling away from a stop. I felt like a jack-ass for having purchased such a POS...BUT..with the help of this list and youtube, I managed to get the VSS changed (holy crap, what a project) and subsequently get it registered. Hallelujah.

OK, here's another issue, though. I noticed the timing belt is in dangerously poor condition so I started that project yesterday thinking it would be easy compared to the seal job, BUT...how in the F**k does one deal with that MONSTER a/c bracket. I struggled for hours last night to remove it and am at a loss as to how I'm going to get it back on. I did manage to remove the crankshaft pulley bolt but the balancer is stuck...its been soaking in Kroil over night.

Anyway, thank you guys for being here and for being so gracious with sharing your experience with the newbies.

I should add that I don't have a manual b/c I'm working on a shoestring...I found one for a different engine but not the SOHC 6G74 that I have. I was watching a video of a timing belt change on a Montero Sport (3.0) which is WAY EASIER with regard to that compressor bracket. faked me out, now my truck is marooned in my buddy's driveway...lol...its ok as long as its not there for a month or something.

Thanks again for all your postings!