I own a '01 Montero Limited. It does have C/D Lock wording on the 4x4 indicator on the dashboard. It also has the 4 position transfer case shifter: 2H, 4H (all-wheel drive), 4HL (this one is locked C/D) and 4LL (low range, locked C/D).
I believe all Montero's after '01 model had similar setup. If the transfer case has 4 positions you are getting the one with the lockable center diff as well as the all-wheel drive option.

As far as running hot, I've never experienced this with my Monty. I live in the area where we get temp from negative 15-20F in the winter to well over 100F in the late summer. The cooling system is well designed and always kept the temp in the proper operational range.

I agree that if you are getting one of the older models (01-03 years) they are likely to have an oil leak past the valve cover gaskets. This is not a big deal and a good weekend project to replace them. There can also be a leak past the cam position sensor. This one is very easy and the gasket cost is like $3. Just make sure the engine is cold when you are working on this one

I hope you find a Montero you like. I love mine and I would definitely and wholeheartedly recommend it to a friend. He just can't buy mine - I'm keeping it

 

Yes it looks exactly like mine does.

 

Thanks guys, I think my last questions with this setup is why is there no 4L unlocked? And how come they are not a popular wheeling machine? Having an lsd and a lockable center diff would make this thing nearly unstoppable. People should be wheeling the bread crumbs off em. Lastly does anyone have any experience with beach driving in their montero? We vacation in the obx and would need to be sure that it would take me through loose semi deep sand.

 

Mine was my off road machine for 8 years until i got my '87 4runner in 2010. That means my monty rarely sees any dirt anymore. I did a fare amount mud, river crossings, snow, etc. never had any problems with my truck.

 

The 4H position on the transfer case is the unlocked Center Differential. This is an AWD position with 3 unlocked differentials (one on each axle and one in the middle between axles). These vehicles are awesome for off roading. They are well known for this and in many parts of the world they see a fair amount of mud and dirt on regular basis. Granted, in US we live in a different world (dominated by asphalt), but I had mine up on the mountain trails the first weekend after i bought it. I've been using my Montero on and off road regularly and it never failed me. As far as beach driving - no problem there ether. I've driven mine up and down the Long Beach in Washington some years ago. It performed beautifully. If you are going to the beach, you may want to drop the tire pressure down to 15-20 PSI to help tires float over the sand. This way you'd be less likely to dig a hole and get stuck. Seriously, this is the most well rounded vehicle around. They are very capable and reliable. You'll enjoy it.

 

Awesome! I hope to find one soon. I have been scouring craigslist to find one in the 300 mile radius, I dont mind to travel for the right vehicle. I also have my xterra up for sale on craigslist as well. Hopefully I can get out of it and into a montero. I am looking at some 01/02 but reading in msn.com those 2 specific years have moderate failures compared to 03/06 can anyone tell me what failures are specific to 01/02?
Thanks all

 

The only failures I've heard of are the companion shaft clip failing, but this is only in rigs that have done many miles of towing. MM has an upgraded clip to install. There are also two factory recalls...the brake booster accumulator and the fuel leveling gauge in the fuel tank.
I've had both recalls preformed and have never had any issues with my '02...it has taken us many, many miles both on and off road.
The main difference with the later model Gen. III is that is has a 3.8L..

 

Well guys I just sold my Xterra so now im in the market for a montero limeted, whoop wooh!!!

 

What year are you gonna go for?

 

I've been looking at an 01, 03, and 04 on craigslist but they are all 150 miles away from me, and seem to good to be true. The 01 is from a used car lot and is $3999 with 114k, the 03 is a private seller $5000 with 157k, the 04 is from a used lot for $6500 with 127k. I havent looked at any 2002's because I hear they are less reliable, anybody know if this is true?