Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-roader
Positioning:
The Montero was positioned as a rugged, capable off-road vehicle with comfortable on-road manners, competing with models like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Jeep Cherokee.
Competitors 1983:
Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ60), Jeep Cherokee (XJ), Ford Bronco.
Off Road Capability:
Body-on-frame construction, available 4WD with low-range gearing, robust suspension.
Body Styles:
Initially offered as a 2-door or 4-door wagon, with short and long wheelbase options.
Powertrain Options:
Reliable gasoline and diesel engines.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control systems.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, operation, and diagnosis.
Drivetrain:
4WD system, transfer case, differentials, axles, driveshafts.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Brake system (disc and drum), hydraulic components, parking brake.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, accessories.
Body Chassis:
Body panels, interior trim, glass, frame, structural components.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups.
Repair:
Component removal, disassembly, inspection, assembly, and installation.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical data.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Code Gas:
4G54 (2.6L)
Engine Type Gas:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement Gas:
2.6 Liters (2555 cc)
Bore X Stroke Gas:
91.1 mm x 98.0 mm
Compression Ratio Gas:
8.5:1
Horsepower Gas:
105 hp @ 4,500 rpm
Torque Gas:
144 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
Fuel Delivery Gas:
Two-barrel downdraft carburetor (e.g., Aisan)
Fuel Delivery Diesel:
Injection Pump (e.g., Bosch VE)
Engine Code Diesel:
4D55T (2.3L Turbo Diesel)
Engine Type Diesel:
Inline 4-cylinder, OHC, Turbocharged Diesel
Displacement Diesel:
2.3 Liters (2346 cc)
Horsepower Diesel:
84 hp @ 4,200 rpm
Torque Diesel:
125 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
Oil Type:
API SG or SF, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)
Spark Plugs Gas:
NGK BP5ES or equivalent
Timing Belt Gas:
Not applicable (chain-driven camshaft)
Transmission Type Std:
4-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Opt:
3-speed Automatic Transmission
Transfer Case:
2-speed manual transfer case with part-time 4WD engagement (2H, 4H, 4L)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-3 or GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or Dexron III
Wheelbase Short Wheelbase:
approx. 97.2 inches (2470 mm)
Wheelbase Long Wheelbase:
approx. 109.4 inches (2780 mm)
Length 4Door Swb:
approx. 165.4 inches (4200 mm)
Length 4Door Lwb:
approx. 179.1 inches (4550 mm)
Curb Weight Std:
approx. 3500-4000 lbs (1588-1814 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
approx. 5000-5500 lbs (2268-2495 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Typically rated around 2000-3500 lbs (907-1588 kg), check specific vehicle documentation.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x139.7 mm (5x5.5 inches)
Typical Tire Size:
215/75R15 or 235/75R15
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data available from this era, particularly for North American markets. Primarily designed with a robust chassis.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Power assist standard.
Steering System:
Power steering standard on most models.
Seat Belts:
Front 3-point seat belts, lap belts for rear passengers.
Body Construction:
Body-on-frame construction for durability and off-road resilience.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with optional cassette player. Speakers typically limited to front doors and dashboard.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was not commonly available or standard on 1983 models.
Traction Control:
Traction control systems were not available.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB).
Air Conditioning:
Optional, but commonly found on many trims.
Power Windows Locks:
Available on higher trim levels, but manual operation was common.
Oil Change Interval Gas:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement Gas:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable for the 4G54 (chain-driven). Diesel engines (4D55T) would have a timing belt with intervals around 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-145,000 km) but check manual.
Engine Oil Capacity Gas:
Approx. 5.2 US quarts (4.9 Liters) with filter change.
Cooling System Capacity:
Approx. 7.4 US quarts (7.0 Liters) for 2.6L engine.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Rust Corrosion:
Common in older vehicles, particularly in areas exposed to salt or moisture. Frame, wheel wells, and lower body panels are susceptible.
Carburetor Issues Gas:
The stock two-barrel carburetor can require periodic adjustment and can be prone to wear, affecting fuel economy and performance.
4Wd System Wear:
Transfer case, hubs, and CV joints can experience wear from heavy off-road use or lack of maintenance.
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harnesses and connections can lead to intermittent electrical issues.
Diesel Glow Plugs:
Glow plug system can be a source of hard starting issues in cold weather if not maintained.
Mitsubishi Motors Founding:
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shipbuilding division began producing automobiles in 1917.
Mitsubishi Motors Establishment:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation was established in 1970.
Pajero Origins:
The Montero nameplate originated from the Mitsubishi Pajero, first introduced in Japan in 1982.
North American Launch:
The Montero was introduced to the North American market in 1983 as a rebadged Mitsubishi Pajero.
First Generation Design:
Characterized by its boxy styling, optional independent front suspension (IFS) for improved on-road comfort, and robust 4WD system.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (primarily by Mitsubishi Motors and sometimes other affiliated companies).
Production Span Gen1:
1982-1991
Off Road Magazine Awards:
The Pajero/Montero platform gained a reputation for ruggedness and capability, earning praise in off-road publications of the era for its performance in challenging terrain.
Reliability Reputation:
Generally considered reliable and durable, especially with proper maintenance, though typical wear-and-tear issues for vehicles of this age apply.
Manufacturer Quality:
Built to Mitsubishi's quality standards of the time, focusing on durability and functionality for its intended use.