OK. I was reading the tech ref's and I did not see a post describing the main differences between a "Monty" and a "Monty Sport". I have heard that there are substantial differences. Like the Sport does not have a user selectable transfer case. Is that true? What are the differnces?

They are totally different vehicles. Frames, bodys.... etc.

Maybe a better question is what do they have in common? Manufacturer, engine- sometimes, wheels- sometimes... Hmm, did I forget anything?

Depends on the year/generation. In the gen I body style (pre '92), the sport was a 2 door version of the Montero. 92 and on the 2 door 'sport' was no longer available in the US (although still available overseas).

In 97 Mitsubishi released the new 4 door Montero Sport which shares much of the Montero's running gear/drivetrain but because it is a completely different vehicle there were also many things not shared.

So that said, which Montero Sport are you asking about? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cyclops.gif" alt="" />

The differences I found between Gen 2s, 2.5s to Sports are.....

Bad things about Sports IMO.
Cheaper interiors.
stamped trailing arms.
No super-select (2wd, awd, 4Hlc,4Llc)
spare tire located behind rear end. (easy to tear on rocks)
drives more like a car.



Good things.......
Same motors and trannys as Montero standard.
drives more like a car.
looks sportier
rear lift gate opens vertically.
still absolutely capable.


I was told the sports are based from the Titan pick up truck. From what I can tell the standard Montero is built much tougher than the Sports. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Sports are based off the Gen 1 leaf sprung chassis, and monteros are based off the coil spring chassis.

Stradas and montero sports share the same chassis.

Later Sports have rear coils......with stamped trailing arms.

A three link just like Gen IIs but lighter duty trailing arms like this. 2001 Sport rear end stolen pic from Pirate.

Sport was based on pickup truck frame/suspension/driveline, with engines ranging from the 2.4 to the 3.5. Leaf spring rear up to 99, then coil spring rear afterwards. Many 2wd models. Quite capable when fully equiped. Air locker available, but somewhat rare, esp. in the leaf spring models, and that diff will bolt into a leaf gen1, but is about 2" wider, and has rear disk brakes.

I really didn't know what model to ask about. I had no idea how long they had been produced, so it was just a general question. You guys have really covered the bases though. Lots of good info. I'm always thinking/looking for that genius junk yard bolt on to make the perfect hybrid Mitszoid one off truck. Key words "bolt on".

I meant Triton not Titan...... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Did we cover enough ground? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />