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Pajero Suspension

Submitted: Friday, Oct 05, 2001 at 00:00

Joe

I have a 96GLS V6 that has now covered 175k and is well beloved. Sadly though, the suspension is somewhat saggier and softer than it was when it was nice and new. The obvious solution is to replace the springs (and shocks of course) with new items. While this is a relatively easy task for the rear the front is more problematical.

I want to end up with springing that is suited to touring rather than either sports car handling or rock crawling, so I am looking for compliance in the initial compression of the springs, with an increased level of resistance as the compression increases.

I am happy to have the springs set for "family duty" loads and use Polyairs to provide additional spring support for the fully loaded touring I all too infrequently do.

If the new springs were to give me a little increased ride height (say 40mm) then I would be even happier, but I am not willing to compromise my 4WD's longevity for the sake of an extra inch or two.

So, I am looking for suggestions on where to source these new springs, what sort of lift I could expect to easily get using new springs, and any related information.

I am looking at using Koni shocks - they were always up to the mark on my motorcycles and I believe that they are good on 4WDs too, especially as they are both adjustable and rebuildable as this is highly desirable for the front of a Pajero!
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AnswerID: 1177   Submitted: Friday, Oct 05, 2001 at 00:00

Kev replied:

Joe. I have just raised my 92 NH Pajero. I used 40mm longer King springs with extended Old man Emu rear shocks. To raise the front it is a simple matter of winding up the tortion bar. Even though I only wanted 40mm raise, the front actually came up 57mm. You have to be careful with the chouce of Shocks as the Pajero ride is critical and too strong shocks can toughen the rideso that it is like a landcruiser (ha! ha!). I did a trip up to Cape Melville with this configuration and found the suspension excellent in the bush and great on the highway.
Reply 1 of 2
FollowupID: 342   Submitted: Friday, Oct 05, 2001 at 00:00

Joe posted:

Thanks Kev. With the King springs did you go for heavier duty springs, and if so, what were they rated at?

I am not keen on just winding up the Torsion bars to adjust the ride height, as in tightening the adjustment bolts the action forces the upper control arms downwards. It is this 'push-down' affect on the upper control arms which then raises or 'pushes' the vehicle higher.
Usually when you apply a 'suspension lift', the entire range of travel is moved down away from its chassis or frame. With the torsion bar system the stock bars will be tensioned to (or almost to) their limit and therefore they will lack the ability to act as a spring.

So I suppose I was looking for a stronger spring to replace them with.

Still, it is good to hear that even when cranked up the vehicle behaved itself and didn't go "tram tracking" or anything.

Thanks again.

Joe
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 1178   Submitted: Friday, Oct 05, 2001 at 00:00

Jeremy replied:

That is correct it is best to replace the torsion bar with a H/D replacement for that that exact reason !!!...
even though you can get away with screwing the other one to the limit !!!!, I have raised a 98 Paji
50mm with new raised coils and replacement torsion bars, i used TJM Series 2000 with XGS Wide body shocks !!!
Those shocks may be a bit harsh for what you want so adjustable Koni's would be good !, I now
fit suspension for Opposite lock and am very happy with the quality of 4 Way Suspension, say with foam Cell Shocks
in your case with slightly raised coils and relacment torsion bars ! Give OL a call i am based in Mildura.
Reply 2 of 2
FollowupID: 345   Submitted: Sunday, Oct 07, 2001 at 00:00

Joe posted:

Jeremy,

Thanks for this info - it was exactly what I was looking for. I will be talking to my local (Brisbane) Opposite Lock team this week.

Thanks again.

Joe
FollowUp 1 of 1

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