Off-Road downhill braking

[Crash76]

Wondering if there is an option to help with downhill braking when off-road? I find Low 1 is still too fast!!! I'm talking the really steep hills, such as Billy Goats up in the high country if anyone knows that, and ways to get to the bottom of such hills without the brakes overheating. Also to help when entering river crossings from a steep descent and to not have the constant noise/shudder of wet brakes.

I have an 05 platinum 3.2 auto.

[Nab]

I sometimes experimented with left foot braking and using the handbrake. Sort of helped, short of getting a manual and reduction gears I think braking is it!!!

[Pixie_au]

I think the technique is to stab the brakes to bring the revs down and use a combination of compression and brakes

Would love to know the alternatives also.

[old Jack]

1. For short distances of steep terrain you can use the handbrake but on extended descents you run the risk of overheating the hand brake and glazing the shoes.

2. Fit aftermarket transfer gears so low range gearing is lower and a HD valve body, this is around $3,500 so you you would want to be doing a lot of off road work to justify this or have enough "hobby money".

3. Fit an aftermarket Torque Convertor kit and HD valve body from Wholesale Automatics. $2,500 approx. This assists but is not as good as reduction gears.


In the PB/PC Challenger with the 5 speed Jatco Auto, the manual mode of Auto-Mate and Lockup Mate (from MM4x4), increase the engine braking by locking up the torque convertor in low 1st so this assists but is not as good as reduction gears.


OJ.

[Terryo]

I have a HD Torque converter and HD valve body and it makes a very noticeable difference to down hill engine braking. If you are planning on keeping the Pajero for a while it might be worth talking to Wholsale Automatics and have some preventative maintenance done to your gearbox and have them fitted at the same time.
The pins have a habit of falling out causing catastrophic falure of the gearbox requiring a complete rebuild as mine did at 370K. From memory it was about $3800 just for the gearset.

Terry

[Old Paj]

Downhill

While there are all number of expensive options:

Keep the torque converter locked up by left foot braking and right foot acceleration and you can (when you get it right) literally walk the vehicle down the hill.

I admit this is certainly one of those skills that needs practice.

[old Jack]

While there are all number of expensive options:

Keep the torque converter locked up by left foot braking and right foot acceleration and you can (when you get it right) literally walk the vehicle down the hill.

I admit this is certainly one of those skills that needs practice.

The above mentioned method is known as "drive through braking", the torque convertor does not actually lockup but "functions" rather than being bypassed so it does aid in retardation of forward movement. It is quite difficult to mantain for extended periods of time on rough tracks.

https://4x4earth.com/forum/index.php?threads/driving-steep-down-hill-decents-in-automatics-an-alterntive-method.12522/

OJ.

[Hatto]

This all sounds great in theory but I know in my NW if i use the brake and accelerator at the same time the car throws a wobbly and cuts power like as if ASC has activated after wheel spin.
Dont know weather the gen 3's do the same or not?

[Crash76]

Thanks for the replies guys, unfortunately i cant justify a gearbox rebuild!
I might try the "drive-through the braking" concept and see how that goes. it makes sense when i think about it, but will need some convincing to make the right foot go harder on a wet slope!!