My Aussie Gen4 Pajero

[apsilon]

G'Day all,

Found this site while looking for info on DIY offroad trailers and thought I'd post up a pic on my 2 month old SWB Pajero that I'm building up for touring here.

It's the new Australian spec 2009 NT model, 3.2 turbo diesel, auto trans. So far I've fitted an ARB front bar, 2" lift springs and matching Bilstein shocks. Since the pic below I've also fitted some Lightforce 170 lights that I had bought for a previous vehicle and never fitted and bash plates for the intercooler and sump and have another plate for the transmission waiting to go on. I've also ordered an auxiliary 65l fuel tank which I expect to have fitted around the end of Apr.

Future plans include installing a 2 way (starting that this morning), wheels and tyres (I've given up trying to find steel wheels to suit so will get smaller alloys), some custom sliders, snorkel, dual battery, possibly a winch and probably a fit out of shelves/draws and fridge for the back but that'll depend on how my trailer project goes.

I don't think you get these in north America, is that correct? That's a shame because they're a great little vehicle.

 

[off-roader]

That is a nice looking Monty.

I don't think you get these in north America, is that correct? That's a shame because they're a great little vehicle.

You're right. We don't get that in N. America. Mitsubishi had stopped importing the Montero/Pajero after around 2003/2004.

They're doing so poorly here that they've even shut down their design center in Cypress CA!!:Wow1:

 

[tdesanto]

G'Day all,

Found this site while looking for info on DIY offroad trailers and thought I'd post up a pic on my 2 month old SWB Pajero that I'm building up for touring here.

It's the new Australian spec 2009 NT model, 3.2 turbo diesel, auto trans. So far I've fitted an ARB front bar, 2" lift springs and matching Bilstein shocks. Since the pic below I've also fitted some Lightforce 170 lights that I had bought for a previous vehicle and never fitted and bash plates for the intercooler and sump and have another plate for the transmission waiting to go on. I've also ordered an auxiliary 65l fuel tank which I expect to have fitted around the end of Apr.

Future plans include installing a 2 way (starting that this morning), wheels and tyres (I've given up trying to find steel wheels to suit so will get smaller alloys), some custom sliders, snorkel, dual battery, possibly a winch and probably a fit out of shelves/draws and fridge for the back but that'll depend on how my trailer project goes.

I don't think you get these in north America, is that correct? That's a shame because they're a great little vehicle.

Sweet looking truck. I hope you continue to keep us update on the progress of the build-out.

You're right, we yanks don't get those. In fact, it's been a long time since we've had the short wheelbase model. Mitsubishi stopped bringing over the long wheelbase model in 2006.

For springs, did you go with Lovells?

 

[off-roader]

Whups. You're right. Upon closer review 2006 was the last year they were available in the US. IIRC (although I could be wrong) there were no real differences between the 05 and 06 models for USA. They were simply selling the remainder of the 05 inventory.

Also fwiw, the last US 2 door was in '90. After that they stopped importing them due to American's prefering full sized or even Expedition/TahoeXL/Suburban sized SUV's instead.

Too bad really. I've seen the 2 door Gen II's and I'd seriously consider one for daily driver use. I still prefer my LWB for wheeling since I sometimes perfer to use it to sleep in instead of a tent especially during colder nights.

 

[apsilon]

For springs, did you go with Lovells?

Thanks all,

Yes, Lovells springs.

We only got the shortie back with the Gen 4 but we're losing it again. Apparently they don't sell well enough so the LWB is all that will be available again. Glad I bought when I did, I just don't need the space of a LWB or the extra 150kg or so of weight.

Installed the UHF antenna lead this morning and picked up a 7 circuit fuse block that I'm going to install to save splicing into the OEM loom for accessories.

 

[FourByLand]

WOW, very cool!!

Keep us updated as you continue this build!

 

[Dave Bennett]

I was able to drive one of these all over southern Oman recently, great truck on and off road. Pajeros are all over the middle east, very popular along with Land Cruisers and Patrols.

 

[apsilon]

I'd heard they're popular in parts of the middle east.

Landcruisers (and Hilux, similar to the US Tacoma I think) and Patrols are the most popular here. Pajero is probably next in line but it could be Land Rover with the Discovery or the Defender.

Land Cruiser is definitely king trading on past reputation of the model name and Toyota reliability.

SWB we have almost nothing however. The Defender 90 was sold here a few years back but didn't last long as it didn't have the sales volume, the Pajero SWB came back a couple of years ago but as I said earlier is being dropped again ATM and the only other option, in large 4WDs is the Jeep Wrangler which I considered but is way over priced for the build quality.

The base model 2 door starts about US$24k here, not sure how that compares to US pricing. The real let down is the Rubicon doesn't get the option of a diesel engine and there are some, admitedly remote, parts of the country that only have diesel fuel so for a touring vehicle it's automatically ruled out. A shame as I must admit I do like the look of a big lift Wrangler on 35"s despite the build quality and tendancy to self combust.

Anyway I'm very happy with the Pajero so far given it's my daily driver.

 

[apsilon]

Put new wheels and tyres on last Fri. As I think I mentioned I'd been unable to find a suitable steel wheels (apart from the OEM ones which are $$$$) so went with a set of 17x8 alloys and Maxxis Bighorn tyres in 265/70-17.

About as big as I can go and not effect lockup on the auto trans not to mention fit in the spare carrier. Still, they're an inch taller so a little more clearence. Gave them a run on Sat but it was an easier trail than I expected. Must say I'm impressed with them onroad.

Aux fuel tank is still coming at the end of the month but things will have to slow down now. From stock to this in about 9 weeks. Then again the big annual 4WD and camping show is on in a couple of weeks so anything could happen.

 

[DavidG]

Great looking rig! You certainly have not wasted any time with the build Keep the photos coming...

 

[theksmith]

wow, super clean looking rig!

 

[apsilon]

Thanks guys.

Aux fuel tank goes in this coming Thurs/Fri.

Finished my switch panel last weekend:

Didn't want to cut any holes in the dash so used this little pocket that was too small to really be useful. Switch on the left is driving lights, middle is the transfer pump switch for the aux fuel tank and LED bar gauge and right is an RJ45 socket for my UHF radio mic to plug in.

 

[tdesanto]

The truck is looking great, and the modifications are coming along nicely. How much did the aux tank cost you? Where will it be mounted?

 

[apsilon]

Tank was AUD$1930 IIRC supply and fit. Not cheap but the only option available. Fits in the rear pretty much where the huge factory muffler is which is replaced by a smaller straight through muffler. All bolt on so reversible later if I wanted/needed to.

EDIT: tank is now in.

 

[apsilon]

Haven't tried any real trails yet but I'm really loving my Gen4 shortie.