Gen-1 V6 Trooper VS Gen-1 V6 Montero.
Which is better and why.

I'm mainly interested in your opinion on engine, trans, transfercase, axels & used parts availability.

I'm in the market for a V6 4 door LWB machine. I had the 4 cyl "4EZ1" motor Trooper and loved it. I only wished it had a bit more oomph. Now I'm looking for a V6 and I dont really care if its Isuzu or Mitsubishi so long as I can keep it running for the next 5 years. Parts and serviceability are important to me.

I'm looking forward to your replies.

The stock 2.8 V6 isn't going to gain you much, if anything, over the I-4 with which you are familiar. The horsepower was nearly identical. The powerband with the 2.8 is a bit lower than the 2.6, but not much. If you can find a 1st Gen Trooper that has been converted to the 3.4, then you will have something.

The 3.1 Rodeos were a little bit stronger, but if my memory serves, the axle ratios were 4.33 rather than 4.56.

If you can find a Trooper that has had the 2.8 replaced with the 3.4, then you will have something.

Hey Jim thanks for the info.

I wish more of you tropper fans had something to add. I'd like a bit more opinions from this forum if nessasary.

Can't tell you much about the Montero.

Like Jim said power is nearly the same. The v6 is smoother, nicer on long trips. The 4 is still good, but better around town, than hiway.

Biggest advantage of buying a 2.8 v6. Is the swapping of a 3.4 v6 out of a mid 90s Firebird / Camaro. There is a huge power advantage with a 3.4, virtually the same mpgs, if you don't try to enjoy the power often.

Traveling cross country, parts are easy with the v6. The alternator, TBI are GM and common. Radiator hoses are common at O'Reillys and others parts stores stock them. Rubber shifter boots, door and window seals are still available, virtually everything rubber has been or alomost needs to be changed on my Troopers. Last I checked most body parts are still around too.

Never had a 1st gen...they are a bit tight for me. I can tell you about 2nd gens if desired, I've had 2 of them...

I agree with BigSwede, go 2nd gen with the 3.2, it's more better.

Well, then lets hear about the Gen-2 Trooper. I know very little about this machine. How is the power? capibility and interior space.

Interior space of the Gen-1 Trooper was what I loved the most about it. My friend had a LR Discovery. That thing looks big, but inside its stupid. You have to fold the rear seats up in order to fill the thing with camping gear and fire wood. There is so much plastic molding and compartments that encroach into the interior the volume it can hold is very small. I also did not like the rear door seal. Every time I got out of the Land Rover Disco from the back seat, I'd drag across his door seal and pull it off! What a hassle.

He thought it was rad, but really the Trooper was better for all out service work.

Although they don't have the cool "old-school" flat windshield and retro appearance of the 1st gens, 2nd gens (92+) have quite a bit more room and a lot more power. They are wider than 1st gens, and have 90 cu. ft. of cargo volume with the rear seats folded, which is more than the 1st gen Durango (a wider and longer vehicle) had, in large part due to it's boxy shape.

All have V6s, ranging from 175 to 215 hp, way more than the roughly 120 max of the 1st gens. My lifted Trooper with 35s has no problem going 75 on the highway.

Ride is much better, due rear coils vs. leafs, and off road there is a LOT of available rear axle travel due to long locating links. Here is a rather extreme example:



I can tell you more about variations between model years if interested, but I will leave it there for now. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" />

BTTT for Monday.

Any questions you have in particular Mr. Sky?