[Mcnoogle]

Hi All,

This is (so far) The S.A.S. Bismark. (aka Bismark)


He is a 1996 3.5V6 LWB, Auto with 260,000 on the clock.

I've had him for 2 months, and for the 1st time in my life, I went off-roading (sand-duning) in atlantis
It was Awesome, as Bismark kept up with the box type Hilux that was showing me the ropes.

Only problem is, I noticed a slight difference at times between on-road, and off-road...


On-road
versus
Off-road


Can you spot the difference, or guess which is which if you can, which, after some severe concentration, I could, I realised I'd have to do something about it.

Hence I am now on a quest of excellence to build a machine totally capable, and worthy of carrying the Pajero name across africa.

I will Keep updating this page, with details, and pics, as I get further.

Thus Far,
I have A Full bull bar (nothing special), A Warn Winch, and Cooper Discoverer STTs.
Front shocks replaced yesterday with Kubu's, (not sure what the back shocks are) and replaced bushes on Gearbox mounting with Polyprop.

I have bought 4 spots, including 2 relays, heavy wiring etc, this week-end I'll be manufacturing a mounting plate for my spots, that can be attached to the Bullbar whilst
making use of the protection the bull bar offers, and at the same time, not covering the airflow to the radiator.
Also on the agenda this week-end, is new recovery points on the front and back of the vehicle, and plans for a new sumpguard and other plates.
And, depending on the mood, an increase in front ride hieght by adjusting tortion bars.

Projects to be done are as follows:
1)4 Spots on the front.
2) Recovery points and protection plates
3) Increase front ride height
4) Replace back shocks, and upgrade springs.
5) Increase / change flow of air-intake to radiator
6) Purchase or manufacture roof-rack (Rooftent up front, 1 tyre, 4 jerrycans, spade, ax at rear) table and solar under.
7) Manufacture framework for slinging gas bottles over back door from roofrack
8) Dual Battery System (possibly even a 3rd)
9) CB Radio System
10) 33x12.5x15 Cooper STTS (Including 2 spares) i.e 6 new rims & 6 new Tyres.
11) Replace Tyres on 5 current rims with 32 / 33 BFG A/Ts
12) Snorkel.
13) Suspention hightening
14) Rear Bumper upgrade - improve exit angle
14) Rear Diff Lock.
15) Packing System, with Water storage.
16) Branding

[4ePikanini]

left ( right side of pic )bumper moulding looks darker in the sand picture.

[Mcnoogle]

Thats cellphone cameras for you

[4ePikanini]

I had the 4 spots and didn't like the look of it so removed 2.

I think 4 spots hamper airflow to the radiator as well.

[arnijr]

Your Pajero looks good and capable. I like/envy you of the winch.

You have quite a list of upgrades and they sound pretty good to me. Only thing I'd like to point out is that 32/33x12.50R15's should be mounted on wider than stock wheels, something like 10 inch wide. I personally like plain painted steel wheels, although they are heavier than the aluminum wheels.

[arnijr]

I guess the difference between the pictures involves how many wheels are touching the ground?

[Mcnoogle]

I guess the difference between the pictures involves how many wheels are touching the ground?

Thats what I noticed, and what bothered me.

I think 4 spots hamper airflow to the radiator as well.

I agree about the airflow and the spots (hence youll see item nr. 5) Increase / change flow of air-intake to radiator

I would prefer to mount my spots up top, but the mod I'm making will be a mounting bracket for all 4, thats basically gonna be a clip on/off system, so It'll take me about 5 minutes to attach the bracket (with all 4 spots already mounted) and 'plug in - when I'm going to do night driving etc.


Currently my wheels are 10.5s, I would need to buy an extra 6 12.5 mags for the tyres, so it'll be quite expensive.

[arnijr]

Well, I'm in Iceland, so second hand winches in SA would probably be too expensive to ship, thanks though.

A couple more items on your list:
I think with the winch and the fridge that you all seem to have, a second battery is probably a great thing to have. I have my doubts about a third though, that's probably overkill.
The snorkel will be of limited utility to you with the petrol engine. Chances are that your engine will have stopped from the ignition system getting drenched long before water reaches the air intake at the top of the inner fender. Snorkels are really more useful for diesels that don't have an ignition system, where the engine will just keep going till water reaches the air intake and kills the engine permanently. I'd at least recommend moving it way down the list.

[arnijr]

Also, I see that a rear diff lock is on your list and that's very worthwhile. You might also want to look into a front diff lock, although they are expensive. I believe ARB has an air locker to fit the Pajero. That way you care slightly less how many wheels are actually touching the ground.

[Mcnoogle]

Hi there,

Thanks for the tip on the Snorkel, Allthough I do plan on seeing what I can do to insulate and waterproof my ignition system,
my fridge, as will be my 2nd fridge, is gas powered, hence the need for my 2 gas bottles.
As for the 3rd battery, I have seen vehicles here with a 2nd (smaller battery) in the engine compartment that their lights etc run through, thus leaving the all important duel system for driving / camping.
Also, I will be buying solar panels to support the charging, but will also probably lookk at a bigger alternator, or even a 2nd alternator.