[nino62]

Missing Attachment

This is the Gen 2.5 i've booked in, to have the full Ironman kit fitted to. Hopefully next week. Might also have it fitted to my SWB, if successful on the LWB.
I also visit Europe yearly, and am pleasantly surprised to see how many Pajeros (especially SWB's - from Gen 1's) are still around, and proudly modified and maintained.
One of the primary/initial modifications, seems to be the raising of the ground clearance, on most of them.

[Jenki]

Hi Jenki
You Paj looks great, with the added ground clearance. How does she handle on the tar with the modify, and how has this mod improved / changed your engine revs / drivability / pulling power on higher speed tar cruising, and lastly, stability on off-road serious work?
By the by, I understand your model is known as the Gen 2.5 (in S.A. - not Gen 2), or the Blister Fender model. Last one to come out, prior to the total redesigned Gen 3.

Hi Nino,
be honest, my feeling is really good. It could be also combination of Ironman suspension and Cooper Discoverer STT tyres. I'm using these tyres primary for off-road (for on-road I have Silverstone 31x10.5x15) , but no problem to drive hundreds kilometres on the tar, my cruising speed is usually about 120km/h.
There are of course changes in indicated speed (the real speed is a bit higher than indicated). The engine you can feel as less powerful but still enough (in compare with my Patrol 2.8TD6), and I have no experience regarding pulling power on these 33" STT tyres.
My only recommendation is to use rims with ET-30 due to better stability and tyres width 11.5" maximum (better is 10.5:)
Generally speaking, Pajero with Ironman suspension kit is more much better on-road and off-road as well, also with standard 31" tyres.
I'm using 33" tyres mainly for off-road, narrow tyre is better for Pajero.
34" tyres are too big and impossible to use without body lift.

[Jenki]

I've tried to use 34" tyres as well, but as you can see, don't fit.
You can see results here:
https://www.pajeroclub.co.za/forum/view ... 6&start=10

[Mcnoogle]

Just a thought - those running boards - are they really necessary?

Hi Chris,

I have actually taken my running boards off, and everyone agrees Bismark looks much better without them.

I am still contemplating rock-sliders, as the running boards were by no means the lowest point on the vehicle.
Since neither I / nor Bismark are squeamish about him getting nicks & scratches, there's no rush for the extra protection.

Achille / Jenki

That lift combination 40-45mm + 41mm (Iron man upgrade + 33" Tyres sounds good to me)
Jenki, did you have to modify / cut away at any plastic / wheel arch to fit the 33",
although I imagine Gen 2.5s have a better suited wheel-Arch than a Gen 2.

Now, if anyone can give me the same stats on OME's (ride height improvement) etc, as I'm looking for maximum ride height, with the increase in handling to fit. (But then again, isn't that what we all want?)

Also, can one fit 33x11.5s on standard rims (gen 2) or does one have to go for a wider rim.

Achille - Regarding the Tent.

I usually do also look on gumtree but never find anything really worth-while, and not at a rock-bottom price, especially when it comes to decent tents.
Under those circumstances, I am willing to pay a grand or so extra for a brand spanking new tent (than for one where its history / potential problems can not be guaranteed) but I will keep looking.

Thanks for all the input guys.

Hope to see as many of you as possible 13th Feb in Atlantis.

Cheers
Ned

[Jenki]

......
That lift combination 40-45mm + 41mm (Iron man upgrade + 33" Tyres sounds good to me)
Jenki, did you have to modify / cut away at any plastic / wheel arch to fit the 33",
although I imagine Gen 2.5s have a better suited wheel-Arch than a Gen 2.
.......
Also, can one fit 33x11.5s on standard rims (gen 2) or does one have to go for a wider rim.

Cheers
Ned

Hi,
Regarding the tyres, there is no modification or cut away any part of the car.
Next modification for this car will be front bumper (ARB style) and side steps - the same as I made for my Patrol. And of course, skid plates.

[ghost_traffic]

Jenki, I have a Gen 2 LWB with Old Man Emu fitted. I tried a set of 33" tyres, just to see if they will work.

In a straight line they run fine, but the problem comes when turning. The wheels start ripping the inner fenders apart.

Rear wheel

Nico.

[nino62]

Hi Ned
The more I hear from other Pajero owners, who have tried the 33"s on, only to complain in some way or other (most of them). I think having the same Cooper 31x10.5r15's - (as yourself, I think), is the best combination, apart from maybe going one up to 16"s, but keeping the same 31x10.5 spec ??

[Jenki]

Jenki, I have a Gen 2 LWB with Old Man Emu fitted. I tried a set of 33" tyres, just to see if they will work.

In a straight line they run fine, but the problem comes when turning. The wheels start ripping the inner fenders apart.
...
Nico.

Nico, the problem is probably tyre dimension 33"x12,5x15 (or 16) and value of ET on the rims. ET value has to be negative, to provide sufficient distance from the inner part of fender.
My tyres are are lent from my Patrol GR, the size is 285/75R16 (equals 33x11.22x16) and rims 8x16 ET -30 (with wheel spacers). This negative ET on the rims is very important (or you can use wheel spacers as me). It means, tyres are quite narrow and distance from inner fender is enough. Yes, there is sometime light contact in the case of full turn left or right, but it is never problem, in case of full turn the speed is minimal.
I'm definitely looking for narrow tyres for Pajero, the best could be 33x10.5x15 (equals 265/85R15) or 33x10.5x16 (equals 265/80R16).
Below you can see the real handling with 285/75R16 (33x11.22x16). It is not bad, but narrower tyres would be even better.

[Mcnoogle]

Hi Ned
The more I hear from other Pajero owners, who have tried the 33"s on, only to complain in some way or other (most of them). I think having the same Cooper 31x10.5r15's - (as yourself, I think), is the best combination, apart from maybe going one up to 16"s, but keeping the same 31x10.5 spec ??

Hi Achille,

From what I have read & heard & know, if your going 31x10.5's either way, I would rather take 15' rims than 16' rims,
as your overall height is exactly the same, you get more 'meat with a 15, and thus, a bigger footprint when deflating.

I have picked up my extra 4 wheels yesterday from Larry, and had a bit of a chat, it seems that with an OME lift (very minimal, 33's should fit without any cutting.
I forgot to ask whether they were 10.5s or 12.5s, I would imagine the best option for a standard / minimal lift suspension
33's would work, but as a 10.5 or maybe even 11.5 but not a 12.5 without cutting.

Now to find a set of 33'x10.5x15's or 33'x11.5x15's (Cooper Stt's all the way) any suggestions anyone?

I also spoke to the guys at 4x4 megaworld, and hearing what they had to say, and what Larry has experienced, it seems
Iron Man is more of a lift kit, whereas OME offers not so much lift (they quoted me 20mm increase on the back & nothing on the front) but with a marked difference in comfort, stability & articluation.
Now I imagine there would also be an improvement in comfort & stability with Ironman, I think wheel articulation is of paramount importance to me considering I don't have a rear or front diff lock.... yet
and can upgrade for about 8K with OME, as they reckon I shouldn't need a torsion bar upgrade (I can always do that a bit later)

What have the rest of you who have OME experienced in terms of ride height improvement (front & back, keeping in mind the model I drive, and also if its with or without the torsion bar upgrade as well)
Slowly but surely, I'll get there.

ps - Achille, let me know if you ever want to swop rear axles with me on your 2.5 LWB

[nino62]

Hi Ned
It seems that you "fully" test the capability of Bismark", even without the DIFF-LOCK availability.
I can only tell you, that even with my very limited 4x4 "serious" off-roading experience, my "SHORTY" shocked and impressed firstly my 4x4 trip buddy (" BLISTER" - Aslam), MYSELF INCLUDED, and other people around us, at the moment of our 4x4 obstacles.
"SHE" handled, negotiated, chewed......and spat out all put infront of her. At very sensible speeds, mind you. No gung-ho stuff.
I also attribute it to the "fantastic" tyres, that COOPER STT seem to have proven themselves.
I'm definitely waiting for the new stock to arrive in SA, to be able to fit to the LWB Padge.

About the rear diff on the blister fender.................I DON'T THINK SO
Recon I'll be testing that one sooner, rather than later.... Depending when "we" program in another shindig ???

By the by.....looks like my fuel consumption on the 3.5 V6.....albeit a little soon....is in the 6.85km/lt mark. Is this a reasonable reading??