2002 3.2Di-D LWB Auto Recovery Points

[MThompson]

Good morning

This has probably been discussed before but a search gave no real answers. I've only had the pajero for a little over three weeks now and it is my first 4x4.

I have a nudge bar installed at the front. I also have the pin type tow bar installed (front and back).

We would like to go on a river trip in August but I'm told to have my own recovery kit ready for the trip. So I;m looking at purchasing a recovery kit but a recovery kit is not really going to help without proper recovery points. From what I've gathered, the front points are good enough, BUT my nudge bar is attached to these recovery points so I can't access them. There is two stainless plates on the nudge bar that can be used but LA Sport suggested that they are not strong enough for recovery.

At the back I have no idea where the recovery points are and I was told that if I use the tow bar (not the ball) pin mounting (on either side next to where the tow bar inserts there is two holes on the tow bar assembly) that the tow bar assembly will bend.

I need advise and opinions please. I really want to go on this trip but I also don't want to go and get stuck without recovery points.

[CATS]

I think your setup should be fine. Just check that you can get a proper size shackle through those steel plates at the front as the holes often are smaller on those. They might bend if used in anger so watch them and if in doubt rather remove. If worst come to worst you can always remove the nudge bar and use the proper recovery points directly.

The rear I think will also be good but I would rather use the pin than those points on the side of the bar, but even them should be fine. That looks like a Frontrunner towbar and they are made pretty strong. Just make sure ALL the bolts where the bar bolts onto the chassis is present, 6 on a side if I recall correctly. You can also get a hook made for that removable section of the towbar, but I think the pin is fine.

Just to ease your mind a bit here is a thread discussing this some time ago http://www.zapajeroclub.com/forum/viewt ... 81&start=0

CATS

[MThompson]

Thank you CATS

Appreciate the feedback.

[LowRange]

.......... There is two stainless plates on the nudge bar that can be used but LA Sport suggested that they are not strong enough for recovery.

Yip, I agree - don't try to use those plates on the Nudge Bar for recoveries!

I cut mine off and added a proper tow hook to the one side and a 10mm plate to the other side (See pics). I use both sides when recovering with a rope looped between them.

Johan

[Bean]

I also had 2 made up and it was quit cheap and works real good.

[NeilTruter]

I also had 2 made up and it was quit cheap and works real good.

why didnt you just use normal recovery bow shacles instead of having plates made ?

[Bean]

I also had 2 made up and it was quit cheap and works real good.

why didnt you just use normal recovery bow shacles instead of having plates made ?

The nudge bar is fixed to them and the ones on the nudgebar is made of 4mm steel dont think you would be able to recover on them any way I would not take that chance so the ones I had made is from 10mm steel