Hey guys-
I've been lurking on this board for a few days now. I spend most of my time over on the Mitsu board.
Anyways, I'm curious to know what you Isuzu guys think about the Monteros... since I have a 95 GenII, i'll say what do you y'all think about a similar Trooper....
I know the Montero is pretty bad-ass, and from what I've read on this board the Trooper seems pretty bad-ass too.
They seem pretty similar... any major differences? before I bought the Montero, I looked at Troopers. Here in Austin, a nice Trooper is hard to find. When the Montero showed up for sale, I jumped on it. I could just as easily jumped in a Trooper.. just curious as to what i might be missing.....

an aftermarket however small it may be.

Grant,

Having wheeled with both (duh), I'd have to say there really isn't much different. DOUGH has made his Monty plenty more capable considering the SERIOUS lack of aftermarket support. I think we 'Zu folks have it bad, then I remember the Monty folks. Not that it won't get better, but personally, IMHO, that's the biggest diff. b/n the two.

d

IMHO the Montero has one advantage of a factory rear locker. However, two years ago I looked under the Montero and a Trooper at an auto show. It seemed to me that the Trooper was designed for more abuse. The biggest difference is that the torsion bars are inbetween the frame rails on the Trooper but on the BOTTOM of the frame on the Montero. They may have changed it on the Montero for the new bodystyle. The Montero's transfer case seems better out of the way then the automatic on the Trooper. The autobox on the Trooper really hangs down. Mitsubishi has had more success racing but that is more due to factory support than overall design.

As of 2000, the Trooper does have better front axle articulation, more ground clearance and better departure angle. The Montero had better approach angle, more cargo weight capacity, an optional 7 seat capacity and a larger fuel tank.

My 0.02

Kevin

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Originally posted by Kevin Wolford:
<strong>As of 2000, the Trooper does have better front axle articulation, more ground clearance and better departure angle.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Whaddya mean? I can almost guarantee you there is no difference between 1999 and 2000 models regarding these parameters. About the only differences that come to mind are: grade logic programming on the tranny, automatic climate control is standard, drive by wire throttle control, and...um...the warranty. 98 - 02 models are pretty much the same, and are only a little different from 92 - 97 Troopers.

Regarding the original topic, AFAIK Mitsu has even less aftermarket support than Isuzu (hard to imagine <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" /> ), but both are pretty capable vehicles out of the box.

A Trooper's off-road capability can be enhanced relatively cheaply and easily with a set of OME rear coils (under $150) and bigger tires - better shocks are a good idea also, though not critical. I don't know squat about Montero enhancements, though, so can't compare.

Monteros and Troopers are more alike than they are different.

Despite what Lordtrunks and Lloyd would tell you, I'd wager they're about identical in overall durability, too. Ask either of them how many troopers they have personally owned.

The advantages of the Trooper are almost entirely aftermarket - sure there's not much but remember that "any" is infinitely more than "none".

Monties may have been available with factory rear lockers but you can get front and rear ARB lockers for a trooper.. right now not "maybe someday"

Also I believe that in general replacement and repair parts are cheaper and easier to obtain for troopers.

Doesn't the new Montero have IRS, independant rear suspension ? That could factor into the equation with regards to articulation and ultimate strangth. <img border="0" alt="[Mr.T]" title="" src="graemlins/mrt.gif" />

hehe... yeah, the new Montero has IRS... but the new Trooper.. uhh... doesn't exist.

I wonder which is worse?

IRS wouldn't be bad - and may even be superior - if the manufacturer designed an adjustable load balancing suspension to go along with it. (best of both worlds <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> )

My info came about the 2000 model year. While I am SURE there is little differece between model years I wasn't going to make statements about different model years.

Also, the Trooper has been rated as one of the Most Dependable SUV after 5 years in 1998 by JD Power, for the 1993 model vehicles. I am sure they do well for other years but I don't have the data.

Interestingly, the Montero scores better in the Initial Quality for the last few years than the Trooper. But Initial Quality is not the same as Most Dependable.

Kevin

<small>[ February 21, 2003, 01:31 PM: Message edited by: Kevin Wolford ]</small>

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Originally posted by Kevin Wolford:
<strong>
As of 2000, the Trooper does have better front axle articulation, more ground clearance and better departure angle. Kevin</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Did Isuzu put in a live axle in 2000 <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> ?