GVM upgrade

[DID Dash]

Plenty of manufacturers have a lower GVM than the combined frt/rear axle capacity. I reckon it is their way of providing some safety margin. Don’t suppose any of us would appreciate a failure caused by running close/at vehicle limit. Quoted towing capacity of the majority SUV and utes these days are unrealistic, not to mention unsafe in anything other than perfect conditions.

[denisp]

Hi Denis,

I thought the Pajero Sport had a 1260kg front axle limit, is this a typo in your post or has something changed on the PS front axle?

OJ.

O.J.



I originally thought it was 1260kg after reading some information on line; it might have been in this forum.


However, checked the information on MM web site and found the 1360kg value for the front axle.


Also checked my owner's manual, page 11-5 quotes max axle masses.
Front 1360kg : Rear 1600kg.


I haven't checked the older Challenger model but that might have the 1260kg front axle maximum.



Denis

[old Jack]

Hi Denis,

The online Mitsubishi Maintenace Manual that covers MY16 and MY17 states 1260kg as the front axle load.

1360kg is the same as the Gen 4 Pajero front axle which has a much bigger and heavier construction and suspension.

I wonder if there is a typo error and which figure is correct?

OJ.

[old Jack]

I had a look at the specs on the MMAL website and they are listing 1360kg front axle load and 1600kg rear axle load and still a GVM of 2710kg, this is what makes my think that there is an error in MMAL's figures. If I get the chance I will crawl under a PS in the showroom and see if I can see if there has been a mechanical upgrade to the front axle and suspension.

Alternatively MMAL may have increased the front axle load because of consumer feedback from those wanting to fit a steel winch bar, winch and aux battery, if you fit all of these and put 2x 75kg people in the front seat and 2x 60kg in the 2nd row seats then you will exceed 1260kg, This is even though the engine and transmission are aboutv40kg lighter than the Challengers 4D56 engine and 5 speed Jatco Automatic trans.

OJ.

[nj swb]

Hi Denis,

The online Mitsubishi Maintenace Manual that covers MY16 and MY17 states 1260kg as the front axle load.

1360kg is the same as the Gen 4 Pajero front axle which has a much bigger and heavier construction and suspension.

I wonder if there is a typo error and which figure is correct?

OJ.

I guess we can only go with the manufacturer's published specifications.

Pajero: 1330 kg.

Pajero Sport: 1360 kg.

So yes, the lighter Pajero Sport has a higher front axle rating than the heavier Pajero. Why?

Chassis vs monocoque? Is a bracket welded to the chassis really that much stronger than a mounting point incorporated into the monocoque?

OJ, are you aware of any other differences in the front suspension that might account for the difference?

Edit: OJ beat me to it - he's on to it!

[old Jack]

When I last crawled under a PS about a year ago the front suspension was identical to the Challenger and Triton except for the orientation of the top mount studs.

I will contact my MMAL contact and ask the question.

A 1360kg front axle load would not assist in a useful GVM upgrade as the rear axle is still at 1600kg, so IF the front axle max load is upgraded then this will only assist the owners who wish to fit the steel winch bar, winch and Aux battery up front.

OJ.

Just looked at the latest Triton Specifications on the MMAL website and Max front axle load 1260kg. Since both the Triton and the Pajero Sport are built on the same front chassis and axle platform, I strongly suspect that 1260kg is the number and the 1360kg is a printing error that has been carried over across multiple locations.

[pharb]

Also of note is the Pajero Gen 4 figures have different front axle ratings for deisel and petrol which has always lead me to believe the ratings are influenced by spring ratings (heavier springs in deisels) and also higher GVMs in deisels, again I have always assumed due to heavier tare tare leading to heavier springs front and rear.

[Ozkiwi]

No one makes a GVM upgrade kit and its highly unlikely that they ever will... the axle loads are only just higher than the total GVM , so you would exceed them. WDH or put the spare in the van?

Check out Ultimate Suspension in Ingleburn (Sydney) NSW as they do offer a GVM Upgrade for a Pajero Sport of 150kgs. Talk to Ken O'Keef for more details.

They fit Lovells Coils and their own brand of shocks and the Engineer is on site to sign off on it. Cost about $3800.00 from memory.

If you have any suspension modifications you will told they have to replace it all with their system.