Hi all,
I'm new to the board but Monteros have caught my interest recently and a few things are hard to find answers for.
I'm torn between a 2nd Gen and a 3rd Gen. My wife would like a 3rd Gen Limited more and I'd like a 2nd Gen because it is cheaper and I'm assuming more rugged offroad (but hard to find good ones). What are some of the comparisons between the two? I've found comparisons of either with different vehicles but not head to head. Particularly the 2nd Gen w/ locker vs. 3rd Gen with ATS.
Also, what size tires can easily be mounted to a 3rd Gen with a small lift? I know 33's can go on a 2nd Gen with little effort. And I know the 2nd Gen SR's have the rear locker but from what I can tell 98-00 didnt' have SR's and were all one model, does that mean all 98-00s have lockers?

Thanks in advance for any insight and bits of wisdom!
-Chad

gen2 locker is optional, you just haev to find one with a locker.

Gen3 can only be lifted 2-3", gen2 5"(2" sus/3" body)
icysyrup runs 34x10.50 on a gen3, 33s should fit also.
3.0 and 3.5 V6 in gen2s, 3.5 and 3.8s in gen3s

Chad, Welcome to the wire. You'll find tons of help and advice and inspiration for modding whatever truck you end up with on this website. I'm a Montero fan, I've owned two Gen I's, still have a 89 shorty and just bought a nearly new 05 Gen 3 w/ 30k miles. I have driven a family member's Gen 2 several times and lots of dudes on this forum own them.

I would ask what are you thinking of using the vehicle for? As you pointed out, Gen 2's are hard to find especially with low miles, reliable, good condition, etc. They do come up once in a while though. I think the Gen 2.5 are my favorite body style 1998-2000 with the flared fenders making them even more hard to find. Sounds like you already know, the Gen 2 is built on a frame like a truck and is probably easier to throw bigger tires on and wheel, maybe a little better clearance for off road and departure angle seems better to me. They are nice trucks for sure if you can find a good one. I don't know exactly which years lockers were standard or available. I am pretty sure any SR model came standard with the rear locker, at least every one I've seen at the junkyards do.

I went with a Gen 3 because the vehicle is for my wife to drive (when it ages it will be my upgraded adventure mobile) I wanted a newer one with low low miles hoping it will be dependable for a good while and since they are not importing them to US anymore, I wanted to get one of the last new ones. The Gen 3 is unibody construction from what I understand it is a little more of a stiff body(as far as flex) but the suspension is great with IFS and independent in the rear as well. It really does ride better on the freeway, bumpy roads etc. I gotta say, after driving my wife's on a 500 mi trip I was sold and want another one for me. Too bad my Gen 1 is so nice I don't want to get rid of it either. Personally, I feel like the difference between gen 2 and 3 off road is negligible unless you want to get real hard core. WIthout a lift you can only go up about 1 tire size, which is equivalent to a 32" tire. ARB offers a 1.5" lift which would easily allow a 33" tire, they still offer bull bars for all generations and I would imagine you can get a locker at least rear if not both. I think the Gen 3 feels more stable in stock form compared to the Gen 2 as far as cornering etc. and the newer ones come equipped with traction control which is nice. I've only tested it out on snow so far but I've heard it works well off road.

I'm sure others know more about this than I do but I was told by our local Mitsu dealer service manager that the gen I's and 2's used a mopar based engine and the later model 03 and up 3.8 liter actually have a Mitsubishi engine which makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Most Gen 2's I see for sale have a bad engine or engine issues - another reason I went with the later model Gen 3. I'm not saying I wouldn't buy a sweet Gen 2, just something to consider.

Well thats tons of info sorry for the long post, just trying to help. I just tried talking my little brother out of dropping 25K on a used high mileage Yukon and going with a Monty with much less miles for 18K to no avail. but I personally feel like they are an amazing value and a great vehicle compared to most others.

I've got one of each generation and personally if you could have the exterior looks of the first generation with the interior of the second generation and the ride and size of the third you would have perhaps the perfect vehicle. I suppose if you drive on rough roads/paths with very little rock climbing I would pick the third gen. However a gen II has the best dash layout on the planet for this kind of vehicle... I dunno, guess I'm no help at all....

Thanks guys, I think I'm leaning towards the 3rd Gen for safety and comfort reasons. My wife will be driving this a lot so that makes a big difference.

-Chad

the Gen 2.5 (as we call it) came with different packages. The winter package has the rear locker. My mom had a Gen III and I've noticed a slightly "cheaper" quality in the exterior and interior.. but not much. For instance, lexan headlights compared to the glass, but other better reasons why Mitsu went with lexan in the first place, but I like glass better, never fades. The interior feels and looks cheaper, but more spacious for sure. The Gen 2.5 has a package to get adjustable shock absorbers which you can control the stiffness of your ride. I LOVED this option before I got a lift, it was very very plesant to have on there. Ceiling in the Gen III seems to have cheaper quailty, doors sound more hollow, more plastic panelling and leather doesnt seems as thick.

Dont get me wrong, there are tons of pros and cons. Things that I love about the Gen II.5 and a few things I wish I could get from the Gen III. I'm not too faund of the electronic throttle in the Gen III.. feels jumpy sometimes. But I do like the Sportronic shifting and independent suspension all around, BUT only for factory setup and normal driving. Gen III has a neat 3rd row seating that tucks away underneath, so leaves tons more room back there. I just took my 3rd row out of my Gen 2.5.

Anywho, I can go on and on, but this should give you enough comparison for now. But sounds like you've got your mind made up already. either way, I think youll enjoy either one. Like i said before, both have pros and cons (I just think there are more pros in the Gen 2.5... shhh) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />