Lockup mate offroad

[NTX]

G'day all,

Has anybody fited Lockup Mate and used it offroad and in steep country? I am mainly interested to see how much difference it makes on steep decents. I am looking at this as an alternative to reduction gears, which are of course much more expensive.

Cheers,

Matt

[nj swb]

G'day all,

Has anybody fited Lockup Mate and used it offroad and in steep country? I am mainly interested to see how much difference it makes on steep decents. I am looking at this as an alternative to reduction gears, which are of course much more expensive.

Cheers,

Matt

I think m_and_m would agree that lockup-mate makes bugger-all difference to engine braking in the Gen 4. The big benefit offroad is managing transmission temperature on long climbs in the high country, but that only works if you're travelling fast enough to lock in second.

A modified valve body will allow you to lock in first, but Wholesale Automatics wouldn't sell me that mod because I hadn't bought their lockup kit.

Reduction gears make a huge difference to engine braking, and make it much easier to lock in 2nd gear on the steep climbs

[old Jack]

From my extensive testing of Lockup Mate in the Challenger, not only have I found lower ATF temps on climbs but also a reduction of the ATF on descents as the ATF is circulating rather than been stagnant in the ATF cooler and the transmission. Engine braking is slightly improved in the gear that is locked up.

OJ.

[NTX]

From my extensive testing of Lockup Mate in the Challenger, not only have I found lower ATF temps on climbs but also a reduction of the ATF on descents as the ATF is circulating rather than been stagnant in the ATF cooler and the transmission. Engine braking is slightly improved in the gear that is locked up.

OJ.

G'day Jack,

That is pretty much exactly what Marshall from MM4x4 told me also. I thought in the end, I really should ask them what the go was re engine braking. Unfortunately, the my NT and all Pajeros of that series and onwards with the Aisin transmission, cannot expect much if any increase in engine breaking. Challenger on the other hand, can see a marginal improvement with the Jatco transmission. So you are spot on. Marshall suggested as did NJ SWB, that the best option is reduction gears. Sadly, thats not an option I can afford just now....or the forseeable future!

[Scouter1]

Marshall suggested as did NJ SWB, that the best option is reduction gears. Sadly, thats not an option I can afford just now....or the forseeable future!

NTX, have you considered Wholesale Transmission's Nomad Valve Body upgrade https://automatictransmission.com.au/nomad-valve-body/?

The lack of natural engine braking needed during the downhill descents, especially while towing is a regular complaint with customers. We have addressed this by achieving an increase of approx. 10% natural engine braking on the majority of our re calibrated Valve Bodies.

I did this upgrade a few years ago along with TC Lock up kit https://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum...8&postcount=26, while I understand this doesn't provide the same level of capability as reduction gears, it has certainly made a difference on steep hills to help prevent overrun.

Cheers,
Stephen

[twisted32]

NTX, have you considered Wholesale Transmission's Nomad Valve Body upgrade https://automatictransmission.com.au/nomad-valve-body/?

The lack of natural engine braking needed during the downhill descents, especially while towing is a regular complaint with customers. We have addressed this by achieving an increase of approx. 10% natural engine braking on the majority of our re calibrated Valve Bodies.

I did this upgrade a few years ago along with TC Lock up kit https://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum...8&postcount=26, while I understand this doesn't provide the same level of capability as reduction gears, it has certainly made a difference on steep hills to help prevent overrun.

Cheers,
Stephen

Having the nomad valve body and lockup kit, locking up in 1st does not give a noticeable increase in engine braking. Don't spend the $ on the valve body for that sole reason.
Reduction gears however are awesome, almost too short...

[NTX]

Having the nomad valve body and lockup kit, locking up in 1st does not give a noticeable increase in engine braking. Don't spend the $ on the valve body for that sole reason.
Reduction gears however are awesome, almost too short...

I could live with too short mate. I need to start saving I think! Struth, reading your build, you have a fully weaponised Paj there! Pretty mucch everything I would like to add to mine!

[m_and_m]

I think m_and_m would agree that lockup-mate makes bugger-all difference to engine braking in the Gen 4. The big benefit offroad is managing transmission temperature on long climbs in the high country, but that only works if you're travelling fast enough to lock in second.

A modified valve body will allow you to lock in first, but Wholesale Automatics wouldn't sell me that mod because I hadn't bought their lockup kit.

Reduction gears make a huge difference to engine braking, and make it much easier to lock in 2nd gear on the steep climbs

Hoe much engine braking improvement you get depends on the model of car.

Gen 4 NT+, (AISIN trans) agree - bugger all difference.
Gen 4 NS (JATCO trans) provides some braking improvement - but not tested yet in very steep conditions
Gen 3 NP (JATCO) - provided a big difference. (based on experience my own NP)
Challenger PB/PC (JATCO trans) - some improvement - but not tested yet in very steep conditions so awaiting customer feedback.

[old Jack]

On the PB/PC Challenger engine braking off road is improved but I have only been able to test it on moderate descents that were quite short in length.
Engine braking on the bitumen is almost as good as a manual transmission.

OJ.