Suspension and winch upgrade query

[LeighB]

I have an NW Pajero GLX Diesel with an ARB steel bullbar and driving lights on the front, and since purchased new we have done approx 60,000 km's, 20,000 km's towing a 2 tonne off road caravan.

Three questions:

1. We have a new camper trailer 1,500 kg which we will be taking to Cape York next August, should i upgrade the shock absorbers and springs and get the 2 inch lift or will the stock set up suffice for the trip.

2. Thinking of ARB suspension upgrade with Old Man Emu gear ?

3. Do I need a winch to get to the Cape (if so will add and extra 30-40 kg to the front end and may influence the decision on the suspension upgrade).

We will be going with another couple with a Land Cruiser and camper trailer but no winch, we have all the other recovery gear.

Would appreciate your advice

[MELONHEAD]

A 2 inch lift will help with approach, departure and ramp over clearances so would be a worthwhile addition. Most folks on here opt for the Lovells springs/Bilstein shocks setup which seems to be one of the best performing options for the Pajero. I don't know what the ARB Old Man Emu combo costs, but the Lovells/Bilstein can be bought for approx. $1500 with fully assembled front struts. Different weight springs can be fitted depending on what accessories you have fitted front and rear also. Air bags can also be fitted inside the rear springs to help carry towball weight better. A winch would be handy but not essential to drive the Cape.

[Dicko1]

I have the NW and put a 2inch lift kit . Bilsteins and Lovells.

2 x BE5-6271 GAS H/D FRONT STRUTS
2 X BE5-6272 GAS H/D REAR SHOCKS
2 X CFR-90HD LOVELLS H/D FRONT RAISED COILS
2 X CRR-91HD LOVELLS H/D RAISED REAR SPRINGS.

Improved the ride tremendously and feels firmer and sits level when towing a 1500kg trailer. Recently did the Cape towing the camper. Rode the corrugations well (25psi). Winch is absolutely not necessary. Snorkel is helpful as it allows air fro a meter higher (less dust) to enter airbox. I did use an oiled unifilter sock over the ram intake and changed at the Tip.
Heaps of people do the Cape and in all honesty ..it is over rated. Yes, some sections of the old telegraph track can be a handful but you can find plenty of difficult sections in any state of Australia.

I have also fitted airbags and ran them at 25psi when I towed the trailer. The PDR is just a long dirt road with corrugations in some sections and flat as in others. Drive sensibly, slow down for approaching traffic (avoid broken windscreen...that wont stop the idiots approaching and not slowing down though), check your rig/tyres/bolts etc everytime you stop and lower tyre pressures will mean a rather uneventful drive.
Definately do the suspension and underbody bashplates would be a good idea to guard against rocks/sticks on the roads and tracks.

[stevendcp94]

What about tough dog set up?

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[Pwoffey]

1. We have a new camper trailer 1,500 kg which we will be taking to Cape York next August, should i upgrade the shock absorbers and springs and get the 2 inch lift or will the stock set up suffice for the trip.

** I did the Cape in August/Sept this year, towing an off-road camper trailer. So pretty similar situation to yours. Of course the roads and conditions might be quite different in 2018, but FWIW I would not even consider doing the trip on standard OEM suspension. I advise this irrespective of your decision about a winch. Leaving aside the Old Tele Track, even if you stick to the Peninsula Development Road and Bypass Roads, if they are in a similar condition to what they were for me, you will be very pleased you properly prepared your vehicle with appropriate tyres and suspension. You will rue the day you didn't. Do not skimp on this.

2. Thinking of ARB suspension upgrade with Old Man Emu gear ?

** I have no direct experience of this particular gear, but others on the Forum may be able to comment. I have no reason to think ARB wouldn't be able to provide an appropriate setup for your situation.

3. Do I need a winch to get to the Cape (if so will add and extra 30-40 kg to the front end and may influence the decision on the suspension upgrade).

** You do not need a winch to get to the Tip if you stick to the PDR and Bypass Roads. If you wish to do the full OTT, including Palm Creek and Gunshot, then you should have a winch - and especially since you are towing, you should expect to use it.

If you tell us what route you plan to take we could give more detailed advice.

[Dalma01]

I have an NW Pajero GLX Diesel with an ARB steel bullbar and driving lights on the front, and since purchased new we have done approx 60,000 km's, 20,000 km's towing a 2 tonne off road caravan.

Three questions:

1. We have a new camper trailer 1,500 kg which we will be taking to Cape York next August, should i upgrade the shock absorbers and springs and get the 2 inch lift or will the stock set up suffice for the trip.

2. Thinking of ARB suspension upgrade with Old Man Emu gear ?

3. Do I need a winch to get to the Cape (if so will add and extra 30-40 kg to the front end and may influence the decision on the suspension upgrade).

We will be going with another couple with a Land Cruiser and camper trailer but no winch, we have all the other recovery gear.

Would appreciate your advice

Suspension should be done when towing. Standard suspension doesn't make the grade.

A 2" lift will help all round.

Lovells and Bilsteins are a tried and proven formula. Have them on mine for 50K. No complaints.

Make sure you do HD springs for front with steel bullbar. Rear depends on your ass weight

[LeighB]

Suspension Upgrade

Thanks for taking the time to supply me with a detailed and informative response.

I am taking your recommendations and am currently trying to get the Bilsteins and Lovells fitted, but I have tried 5 different 4WD specilaists and a couple of suspension specilaists on the GC and they all are having trouble sourcing either the shocks or the springs and no one has been able to give me a time as the springs are supposedly on back order and the best I can get is the end of November, so I will wait and see who can get me some up here.
Very frustrating that stocks are kept so low.

I have the NW and put a 2inch lift kit . Bilsteins and Lovells.

2 x BE5-6271 GAS H/D FRONT STRUTS
2 X BE5-6272 GAS H/D REAR SHOCKS
2 X CFR-90HD LOVELLS H/D FRONT RAISED COILS
2 X CRR-91HD LOVELLS H/D RAISED REAR SPRINGS.

Improved the ride tremendously and feels firmer and sits level when towing a 1500kg trailer. Recently did the Cape towing the camper. Rode the corrugations well (25psi). Winch is absolutely not necessary. Snorkel is helpful as it allows air fro a meter higher (less dust) to enter airbox. I did use an oiled unifilter sock over the ram intake and changed at the Tip.
Heaps of people do the Cape and in all honesty ..it is over rated. Yes, some sections of the old telegraph track can be a handful but you can find plenty of difficult sections in any state of Australia.

I have also fitted airbags and ran them at 25psi when I towed the trailer. The PDR is just a long dirt road with corrugations in some sections and flat as in others. Drive sensibly, slow down for approaching traffic (avoid broken windscreen...that wont stop the idiots approaching and not slowing down though), check your rig/tyres/bolts etc everytime you stop and lower tyre pressures will mean a rather uneventful drive.
Definately do the suspension and underbody bashplates would be a good idea to guard against rocks/sticks on the roads and tracks.

[Scouter1]

they all are having trouble sourcing either the shocks or the springs and no one has been able to give me a time as the springs are supposedly on back order and the best I can get is the end of November, so I will wait and see who can get me some up here.

You could try getting in touch with BushSkinz http://www.bushskinz4x4.com.au/form/contact-us/. Kieron has supplied a lot of suspension upgrade kits http://www.bushskinz4x4.com.au/mitsu...spension-kits/ for Pajero forum members. I had my kit arrive 3 days after I ordered it.

Cheers,
Stephen

[old Jack]

Factory ride heights are 504mm front and 533mm rear, measured from the centre of the wheel hub to the underside of the wheel arch in a vertical line. Measure what yours are now and you will be surprised how much your suspension has sagged form new.

An aftermarket suspension kit will transform the way your Pajero rides and handles. No problems with a fitted OME kit as long as you get /select the right kit for your application, you also get Nation wide backup and support on the warranty.

If you are fitting the kit yourself then there are plenty to choose from, Lovels/Bilstien and King Bilstein are at the upper end of the price range, Koni shockers will put the price up more. I believe that Kings are better springs particularly since you can get progressive rate coils for the rear so you can have empty comfort and firm when loaded. It is almost impossible to get a rear coil for the Pajero that can have a nice ride and height when both unloaded and heavily loaded, most suspension places fit front coils thst are too hard and rear coils that are too soft. A post upgrade wheel alignment is also critical when doing suspension especially the rear suspension. You also need to factor in the wheel alignment adjusters could be frozen solid, this is a common problem with aged factory suspension if it has not been touched before.

Dobinson or TJM are also options if you wish to to have the same brand shockers as springs and the system fitted by someone.

Mixed reports about Peddars, EFS, Ironman and Tough Dog so if these are on your list be careful.

Everyone is different so one persons great suspension can be horrible to another.

What ever suspension you choose you need to have a ride height that you aim for. Legal max on a Pajero is about 535-545mm front and 575-585mm rear, go too high and you can run out of wheel alignment adjustment and if you do not have enough suspension droop then you can get unwanted early activation of both stability control and traction control systems.

OJ.