pajero 4x4

Any vehicle that is 15 years old would benefit from an inspection by someone who knows Pajeros - typically a 4wd workshop.
Repairs can cost more than the vehicle.

It's well worth getting the 3.5 over the 3.0 litre version - uses LESS fuel while delivering heaps more power.

My 1996 has 340,000k., but a diesel.
Reasonably reliable, but at that age still needs a good mechanical check, and the usual rust and wear checks.
What I have done in the last 100,000k.
Shockies, front and rear suspension bushes, clutch.
Check rear bushes by putting on the handbrake and see how much the rear end drops as the axle rotates around the mounts.
Front top ball joints.
The top grill mounts can crack and break, just repaired mine with a bit of angle.
5th gear can wear a bit towing, see if it is whining, mine is still OK for a while, but starting to make a noise.
Back door can drop with corrugations, see if it is closing and catching well.
My spare tyre mount where it bolts into the door has some small cracks around the door mounts. Take the spare off to have a look. I am running larger tyres for a heavier load on the door, and is next repair.
Front drivers seat will need replacing soon.
LSD most probably is worn.

Make sure 4wd is working, should be able to go into 4H on the road. If lights flash for more than a few (maybe 10?) seconds after moving off, could be problem engaging 4wd. There is 2H, 4H, 4HL, 4L, i.e. 4wd high centre not locked and 4wd high with centre locked. Unlocked 4wd high is OK for bitumen/firm dirt. There is a vacuum and solenoid system for controlling this that can be painful to analysis.


But hey, for $4500.00, it ain't new!

I got the NJ 3.0 litre.
The water pump should be replaced at around 220 K's otherwise it leaks down between the Vee of the block and runs out the back o f the engine.

Ball joints are always going on mine, also the clutch went at 220 K's, and now the electric aerial has snapped the plastic cord that runs the aerial up and down.

Other than that it's alright, gutless, not much good for towing unless your only going to tow around 80-90 k's in 4th gear only, and prepared to be in second gear going up some steeper hills.

You dont say if it is the 3lt or 3.5 Dohc. The dohc motor is not as long lived as the 3lt or it seems the 3.5 Sohc. It is also very expensive to rebuild but goes like a cut snake. The 3lt are long lasting but a bit gutless, although I thought our Nh went well till I drove a 3.5 Jack lol.
Cheers Pete