Gooday guys,
My first post, have been sandbagging on the side for awhile and the admin has told me I had better do something so here is.
This subject very dear to my heart as I have spent lots of time looking at ways to make the Paj a bit more aggressive in appearance and nature.
The best way is mild suspension lift with bigger tyres. I have the 265x75x16 on now which is just fine. Heavy duty tyre without going too radical. Suspension has been interesting as I currently have raised springs but am looking at subframe lift with stock springs.
Recent article was written on subframe lift but had a couple of errors.
Subframe Lift:
On a vehicles with unitary construction (as opposed to body-on-frame), the suspension is often attached to subframes at the front and rear in the interests of vibration isolation and strength. The Pajero Gen 3 is designed in this way as well. On these vehicles it is possible to insert spacers between the subframes and the body in order to lift the body away from the subframes. This works just like a body lift, but with different issues (the gear linkage, fan shroud and bumpers aren't affected, but now the drive-shafts running to the axles run at different angles to those intended by the designers).This is not correct as it does not change the OEM angles A subframe lift also does not improve the clearance under the differentials, but it does improve hump clearance, sill clearance, approach and departure angles and makes it possible to fit larger tyres.
The Gen 3 and 4 have same underneath and could use same story for both. Subframe lift is best bet as it raises vehicle but still keeps driveline standard. OK you have to fit longer rear shocks, Im currently using 100 series Toyota rear which seem to work fine.
Hi Guys
Can anybody tell me where to find suspension spacers for the
Pajero 3.8 Gen3
Thanks
Charl Naude
Can anybody tell me where to find suspension spacers for the
Pajero 3.8 Gen3
Thanks
Charl Naude
Hi gyro and welcome,
I wrote the section that you refer to:
The subframe lift results in the front and rear differentials being repositioned further down relative to the body (they are attached to the subframes). Unless the engine/gearbox/transfer box is moved down relative to the body by the same amount, the result will be that the front and rear driveshafts (propshafts) will run down at angles greater than originally from the transfer box to the front and rear differentials respectively. Of course, it is not really practical to move the engine/gearbox/transfer box in this way...
The subframe lift does not alter the angles of the sideshafts, but it does alter the driveshaft angles.
I wrote the section that you refer to:
Perhaps what is confusing you is the nomenclature, because when I used the word driveshaft, I use it as a synonym for propeller shaft.gyro wrote:...but now the drive-shafts running to the axles run at different angles to those intended by the designers).This is not correct as it does not change the OEM angles
The subframe lift results in the front and rear differentials being repositioned further down relative to the body (they are attached to the subframes). Unless the engine/gearbox/transfer box is moved down relative to the body by the same amount, the result will be that the front and rear driveshafts (propshafts) will run down at angles greater than originally from the transfer box to the front and rear differentials respectively. Of course, it is not really practical to move the engine/gearbox/transfer box in this way...
The subframe lift does not alter the angles of the sideshafts, but it does alter the driveshaft angles.
Gerrit Loubser 
2003 Toyota Land Cruiser 100 VX TD
2003 Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DiD LWB A/T Gone & missed
1999 Nissan Patrol 4.5E GRX M/T: Gone & missed
1996 Toyota Land Cruiser 80 VX 4.5 EFI A/T: SOLD
2003 Toyota Land Cruiser 100 VX TD
2003 Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DiD LWB A/T Gone & missed
1999 Nissan Patrol 4.5E GRX M/T: Gone & missed
1996 Toyota Land Cruiser 80 VX 4.5 EFI A/T: SOLD
I had mine fitted omn Saturday and will post soem pics later. You can order them from here https://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/sh ... 986&page=9.Charlnaude wrote:Hi Guys
Can anybody tell me where to find suspension spacers for the
Pajero 3.8 Gen3
Thanks
Charl Naude
They are manufactued by Uys from the Stofpad products.
Riku
Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 Did GLS 2002
Echo 4 2011
Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 Did GLS 2002
Echo 4 2011
I can testify that Zeek's vehicle looks awesome with those spacers. I quickly met him in Garsfontein the weekend
IMHO spacers should not be overdone, bar all technical issues, it just does not look good.
Regards,
IMHO spacers should not be overdone, bar all technical issues, it just does not look good.
Regards,
Davidvan, did you fit aftermarket bashplates and if so which ones. I've lost my belly plate on the last trip and must get it replaced. Frontrunner have a bellyplate but do not produce a sump plate as it apparently does not fir to the plastic etc. That is only applicable to the Gen 4 which is what I drive
Chris
Darrell and Lawrence,
Here are some facts for you to consider:
a. My 2004 3.8 GLS has done about 50 000km of touring in "darkest Africa".
b. All with the standard suspension and without any problem. The only problem so far was that when travelling in a group over bad terrain (roads) the other drivers in their Toyotaas (all types), Izuzus, Fords, Colts, etc, travel too slow for the Pajero. We found that by increasing our speed by about 10 to 15 kph faster than what the convoy could do, the Pajero came into its step and "glided" over the bad roads.
c. I have fitted airsprings at the back to help with loads. The bags realy work well.
d. After about the first four or five trips I decided to do a "body" lift.
e. A frien of mine made 30mm spacers (my desigm) for me to fit in front. This gave me about 50mm lift under the front ctossmember.
f. At the back, I fitted 30mm spacers between the rear suspension carried and the body. This lifted the body and the long rear overhang by 30mm but the ground clearance between the carrier and the ground remained the same. It improved the departure angle.
g. I am still using the standard coils and shock and have NO intention to change to any aftermarket equipment. The Pajero coils and shocks are excellent.
h. What you do need is a cover / plate from the rear suspension carrier to the bumper cover to prevent sand/rocks from pulling it off. After every trip I remove mine and panelbeat it back into shape before refitting it.
i. When we tour and depending how far away from fuel, I take up to 200lit extra petrol, 100lit water and all the rest of our equipment eg rooftop tent, groundsheets, chairs, tables, food, beer, cooldrinks etc. Our Pajero is then really loaded. We have been down Van Zyls Paas, Angola, Zambia etc, like that without any problem. So believe me, small cheap changes to assist the standard suspension is all you need. Rather spend thhe R12 000+ required for an aftermarket suspension on another trip!!
Cloyd
Here are some facts for you to consider:
a. My 2004 3.8 GLS has done about 50 000km of touring in "darkest Africa".
b. All with the standard suspension and without any problem. The only problem so far was that when travelling in a group over bad terrain (roads) the other drivers in their Toyotaas (all types), Izuzus, Fords, Colts, etc, travel too slow for the Pajero. We found that by increasing our speed by about 10 to 15 kph faster than what the convoy could do, the Pajero came into its step and "glided" over the bad roads.
c. I have fitted airsprings at the back to help with loads. The bags realy work well.
d. After about the first four or five trips I decided to do a "body" lift.
e. A frien of mine made 30mm spacers (my desigm) for me to fit in front. This gave me about 50mm lift under the front ctossmember.
f. At the back, I fitted 30mm spacers between the rear suspension carried and the body. This lifted the body and the long rear overhang by 30mm but the ground clearance between the carrier and the ground remained the same. It improved the departure angle.
g. I am still using the standard coils and shock and have NO intention to change to any aftermarket equipment. The Pajero coils and shocks are excellent.
h. What you do need is a cover / plate from the rear suspension carrier to the bumper cover to prevent sand/rocks from pulling it off. After every trip I remove mine and panelbeat it back into shape before refitting it.
i. When we tour and depending how far away from fuel, I take up to 200lit extra petrol, 100lit water and all the rest of our equipment eg rooftop tent, groundsheets, chairs, tables, food, beer, cooldrinks etc. Our Pajero is then really loaded. We have been down Van Zyls Paas, Angola, Zambia etc, like that without any problem. So believe me, small cheap changes to assist the standard suspension is all you need. Rather spend thhe R12 000+ required for an aftermarket suspension on another trip!!
Cloyd
Affiliate Member
I have also found the gen3 to be much better at speed on gravel. Travelling slowly it is harsh and rattly but at speed it smoothes out.
Obviously within reason. I drive nearly 300km of gravel when visiting my inlaws and those wide gravel roads have stretches of rocky gravel and stretches of sandy gravel.
At about 80km/h the car is rattly on the rocky gravel and snakes on the sandy gravel but when pushing it up to 100km/h and above is stabilises completely and handles as if it's on tar. Weird but true.
I find my previous pajero that was a gen 2 was better on gravel at slower speeds.
Sent via iPad & Forum Runner
Obviously within reason. I drive nearly 300km of gravel when visiting my inlaws and those wide gravel roads have stretches of rocky gravel and stretches of sandy gravel.
At about 80km/h the car is rattly on the rocky gravel and snakes on the sandy gravel but when pushing it up to 100km/h and above is stabilises completely and handles as if it's on tar. Weird but true.
I find my previous pajero that was a gen 2 was better on gravel at slower speeds.
Sent via iPad & Forum Runner
Chris, I would suggest checking with Uys from Stofpad, saw his bashplates and they look good, very good he should also be able to make if there is a minor difference between the Gen3 and Gen4 due to minor cosmetics.Chris wrote:Davidvan, did you fit aftermarket bashplates and if so which ones. I've lost my belly plate on the last trip and must get it replaced. Frontrunner have a bellyplate but do not produce a sump plate as it apparently does not fir to the plastic etc. That is only applicable to the Gen 4 which is what I drive
Cheers
David
"The subframe lift does not alter the angles of the sideshafts, but it does alter the driveshaft angles."[/quote]From Gerrit above.
I think I am still right as if you fit the spacers to subfame on front and back you will not change any of the angles for prop shaft and or drive shafts. When you drop the front subframe the engine gearbox is mounted to that and it drops too. Fitting spacer to rear of gearbox the same as front subframe drop will balance everything out. No change in angles. I have a 50mm lift on front suspension but it makes it very harsh compared to standard. The rear has had slightly stiffer springs fitted but dropped subframe 50mm to match. I am working on front spacers now to match the rear which is much better idea. For the purists that want to run stock springs and shocks this can be achieved and still get the body higher up. Thanks for the great forum, keep up the good work.
I think I am still right as if you fit the spacers to subfame on front and back you will not change any of the angles for prop shaft and or drive shafts. When you drop the front subframe the engine gearbox is mounted to that and it drops too. Fitting spacer to rear of gearbox the same as front subframe drop will balance everything out. No change in angles. I have a 50mm lift on front suspension but it makes it very harsh compared to standard. The rear has had slightly stiffer springs fitted but dropped subframe 50mm to match. I am working on front spacers now to match the rear which is much better idea. For the purists that want to run stock springs and shocks this can be achieved and still get the body higher up. Thanks for the great forum, keep up the good work.