[Keenan]

Hi everyone

I am interested in getting a 1997 3500 GLS Pajero but have been doing some reading on the 4 wheel drive system that comes with this car. I am familiar with the super select system of the Gen 3 Pajeros but have been reading conflicting information on the 1997 Pajero. Apparently the super select system is available with this model. I have also read that some have a rear diff lock while others come with a limited slip differential. (this gets particularly confusing with all the different imports and names).

Another question how do the "2" and the "L" gears fit in to the super select system which this car apparently comes with?

Any help?

Thanks
Keenan

[4ePikanini]

The 1997 model will be a gen2 with super select

Most likely it will have a LSD at the rear. Easy way to check is to look at the rear diff for a vacuum line or electronic control or look for a diff lock button on the center console.

The super select is

2h - normal rear wheel drive
4h - all wheel drive with a viscous coupling in the center diff acting as torque "sensing" diff. Fantastic in the wet or loose gravel
4hlc - center diff locked
4llc - low range center diff locked.

[Gerrit Loubser]

4ePikanini has done a great job with his concise explanation of the Super Select modes. Let me just add that the basis of the Super Select system is that it has all the hardware (i.e. center diff) to be a full time 4x4 system, yet allows drive to the front axle to be disconnected like in a part-time 4x4 system (this is 2H mode). The center diff in the Super Select transfer case is equipped with a viscous limited slip coupling, thus rendering it a viscous limited slip diff. This means that spin-out between the front and rear propshafts can be counter-acted even when 4H is selected and the center diff is unlocked (as it would have to be on high grip surfaces).

In terms of Gen 2 Pajeros distributed into SA via official channels (Samcor), the GLS models after the 1998 facelift (the so-called Blister Fender models) had the rear diff lock, while the older ones had the LSD.

The Blister Fenders are recognizable by the fender bulges over the wheel arches, alluminium running boards integrated with the wheel arch plastic trim and by instruments with white inscriptions and needles. The diff lock is actuated by a switch on the hang-down portion of the dash center console, marked "R/D LOCK".

The older Gen 2 GLS Pajeros don't have fender bulges, but have plastic wheel arch extensions. They don't have factory fitted running boards and the instruments have orange inscriptions and needles.

It is well worth while finding a Gen 2 with the rear diff lock, as it greatly aids the vehicles mobility in the rough. I do prefer the look of the older pre-Blister Fender Gen 2s, though, but that is a subjective opinion. The factory fitted running boards on the Blister Fenders are somewhat vulnerable in the rough.

[Keenan]

Thanks for the help! Much appreciated. On the gear shifter with the "D", "N" etc there is also a "2" and a "L". How would these gears be used with the super select? I have only used the gen 3 super select and it does not have these "2" and "L" gears

[SimonB]

Thanks for the help! Much appreciated. On the gear shifter with the "D", "N" etc there is also a "2" and a "L". How would these gears be used with the super select? I have only used the gen 3 super select and it does not have these "2" and "L" gears

The 2 we are referring to appear on the transfer leaver, not the gear lever, and is the standard mode.

[Gerrit Loubser]

Keenen, you are referring to the automatic transmission shift control lever, I think. This has nothing to do with the Super Select system, however.

The Gen 3 uses an autobox with Tiptronic functionality, so the shift gate is divided into the right hand side with P,R,N,D (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive) and the left hand side with + and - to shift up and down at the driver's will. In D, the autobox decides which gear is selected.

The Gen 2 uses an older type autobox without the Tiptronic functionality. The shift gate has P,R,N,D as before, but also has 2 and L positions. In D, the autobox is allowed to decide which gear is selected (1,2,3 or 4) as long as the Overdrive button at the top of the shifter is not depressed. If this button is depressed, the autobox is prevented from selecting the overdrive 4th gear, but can pick between 1,2, or 3. If the shifter is in 2, the autobox can select between first and second and in L, the box is locked in low gear.

I hope I have it correct and that it helps.

[Keenan]

Thanks Simon and Gerrit! That helps alot