Grandpa Builds A 2000 Montero

[grandpa]

While my wife and I have enjoyed our outstanding 2001 Montero since new, I've grown tired of the daily beating I'm taking in my lifted 2001 Jeep Wrangler TJ. Since our son is taking over the Jeep, I decided to seek out a another daily driver. I have always like the body style of the generation 2 Monteros so the search began for a Montero SR with a locking rear axle. I soon found that there is a shortage of Monteros in our area. After a few months of looking I decided on a well cared for 2000 model with 190,750 miles. There was no rear locker that year so I'll need to solve that in the future.

I have the Endeavor model with powered leather heated seats, compass and gauge package, and full-time 4 wheel drive with locking center transfer case. The previous owner recently had the brakes and shocks replaced, and the spark plugs and wires not too long ago. I will do the timing belt and seals in the coming months.

Planned improvements include; tires, lights, storage, winch, bumper, locker, etc, but it will be an on-going project that I will post here.

For now I'll start here: First day at home for my newly acquired 2000 Montero Endeavor.

 

[The Viper]

Great looking vehicle, i love the genny 2.5 monty

how much did u get it for?

 

[Evo666]

Congrats! I love that color but couldn't find one during my search.

 

[Sabre]

Another nut like me! I also have a 2001 (Limited) and am now shopping for a Gen 2.5! Great-looking truck, Ken!

 

[grandpa]

Running Boards Gone

I think it looks much better without the running boards.

 

[grandpa]

Installed a front receiver

Removed the front bumper. There seems to be enough room for a future mod.........a winch.

Receiver installed in the front bumper.

The reason I install a front receiver in all my vehicles is the ease of mounting my surf fishing rack.

 

[eurosonic]

looks great, nice and clean.

BTW i have a rear axle with a locker out of a 1998 fullsize that you might be interested in.

 

[grandpa]

For a 13 year old vehicle it is clean and was well cared for.

I am interested in a locker, and I was hoping to find one locally. I think shipping would be very expensive for an axle.

 

[grandpa]

Next up.....

Tires!

 

[YOURDOCTORONLY]

Hey man!! Montero's are always greate choices, I have a '97 & a 2000. Here in Puerto Rico, your montero is a gen. 2.5, becouse if you notice, is a transition between the blue one I have & the gen 3. I have Dunlop 32 MT tires and just lifted almost two inches, now my next proyect is Rancho Shocks. hope you'll enjoy the Montero, they are really practical out of the road with the confort and nice suspension of a car!!

 

[MontyMcV]

Nice ride. I got my 00 Endeavor from NC last spring. Got lucky to find a one family owned with 85k miles. Among other things, mine is slotted for a 5-spd tranny swap as it is replacing my 95 with MT.

Do you have a pic of the receiver installed and before the bumper went back on? That is, how did you you mount it? Make is strong enough to mount the winch into it down the road?

 

[off-roader]

I would think that would be better in back. That way if the tide comes in quickly you can get out of dodge even quicker LOL.

 

[grandpa]

Nice ride. I got my 00 Endeavor from NC last spring. Got lucky to find a one family owned with 85k miles. Among other things, mine is slotted for a 5-spd tranny swap as it is replacing my 95 with MT.

Do you have a pic of the receiver installed and before the bumper went back on? That is, how did you you mount it? Make is strong enough to mount the winch into it down the road?

The receiver is bolted to the back of the bumper and to the radiator support with custom brackets. (Sorry no picture) It is not attached strong enough to hold a winch or be a recovery point. It is only for light weight duty.

I would think that would be better in back. That way if the tide comes in quickly you can get out of dodge even quicker LOL.

If the carrier was in back I couldn't get the rear door open, but there is a rear receiver if I need to carry it back there. I'm always aware of the tide, it's amazing how fast a few waves will sink you. I've seen people loose brand new trucks because they waited too late to move.

Thanks for the comments.

 

[grandpa]

New tires mounted.

I got my new BFG AT KO mounted. I went with the 33-10.5R15 and they fit without any problems. I overheard the installer telling his buddy that there was no way they were going to fit. He later told me that I must have done my homework because they fit fine. Thanks to those of you that had fitted this size before. I didn't want to spend the extra money for new wheels right now, so I stuck with the factory wheels. I may paint them in the future.

 

[GrassCat]

I would think that would be better in back. That way if the tide comes in quickly you can get out of dodge even quicker LOL.

You haven't done much surf fishing have you. In fact have you ever been fishing, not counting the fish market?