Recent content by CrispyCracker

Beautiful! Enjoy it.

As you folks predicted I've been able to find every part needed for a mechanical refresh -- though it took a lot of looking. Many thanks for the replies above.

A timely question. I looked on FB Marketplace and in Mitsu FB Groups for months for an unmolested 2.5 truck because I'd always wanted to own one, but most were clapped-out or, as you note Daniel, seemingly very overpriced in the $10-12K range even with 200K+/- miles. I just couldn't justify it...

Appreciate the replies. Added to my list. Thank you. Thanks. I'm going to have a local shop do the timing belt job so I'll ask them to run a compression test. I'll focus on engine and cooling first, then tires, suspension, brakes and possibly a re-gear in another session (to spread out the...

Sold my 2001 XLS but just picked up this 1998 Winter Package truck that is about to go through an engine and cooling system refresh.

Thank you. This is the part I purchased. I saw a couple of comments on the EP site saying it's an easy part to damage when maintenance is done so I figured better safe than sorry. You recommend fuel injector rings and a PCV valve? This California-sourced truck has 104K miles and is very clean...

So I've been buying parts to refresh the engine and cooling system on a new-to-me 1998 Montero. The list below reflects what I've purchased (from about five different online stores). Note that I have bought OEM parts where possible. I will also be replacing all fluids (diffs, tranny, radiator...

I can't compare either having not owned a 2.5 yet, but I can say that the Gen 3 is surprisingly capable over rough terrain, even at a good clip. While my buddies in their straight-axle trucks get their backbones rearranged, my old Gen 3 just floats over ruts and humps. I have a local buddy who's...

Thank you, and good to know. Yes, I have loved that 2001 XLS and am sad to let it go, but I want a new experience. I feel better knowing that it will remain in our family. It’s still in great shape and has the hybrid LSD, so there was really no thought of letting it leave the roost.

Well, that’s encouraging! Can you add a bit more context? Are there specific parts that this source did not have, and that forced you to look elsewhere? Or have they been pretty uniformly great?

Really happy to read that testimonial. Not enough Gen 2.5s around to get a big, rousing consensus, so I value first-hand opinions from actual owners. You and I share the hope that a devoted community for these trucks will remain for some time -- partly for the sake of an overlooked brand, and...

Yes, I've had older vehicles (namely Jeeps) that simply gave up the ghost despite my best efforts to revive them. But a few years back I rolled the dice on a 200K-mile 2006 LX470 (before prices for them rose to stupid levels) and I have been stunned by that platform's build quality and...

The truck I buy will see fairly light duty since our long-haul vehicle is a 2006 LX470. The new truck will be used to tow my flats skiff maybe 1-2 times a month, drive my daughter to school (4-5 miles round trip) a few times a week, and explore local trails on occasion. So it will not see the...

Thank you, Toasty. I bought a Gen 3 half a decade ago and you and Michael Brown were incredibly helpful in getting me up to speed on the platform. I'm noticing less threads in here related to Gen 2.5s than I saw back then, and that stands to reason since owners get older, as do vehicles, and...

Excellent! Much appreciated.