Hi all,
Wondering if I can get some general comments with regard to a 1991 Mitsi on TM, auction no 134888287. Looks like a nice clean truck for a learner. I am looking for a clean tidy 4wd to get me into the scene, learn a bit etc etc etc. But I have heard some stories with regard to the front suspension and possible issues with replacing bushes and arms. Can anyone enlighten me as to any problems they are aware of. Have any of you Mitsi fans got any comments with regard to this truck for starting out etc. I am wanting to do some general 4wd on local bush mud tracks and to get in on the local club scene as well. Any comments or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers Rod
Mitsi for beginner
Re: Mitsi for beginner
It looks ok. It says it doesn't have a cert and going by the pic's it has a body lift. So allow for the cost of a cert to get it legal. I am also very skeptical where it says front difflock. Might pay to check that.
As to Front suspension - the IFS is the beefy and the best in the business. Yes, you do need to replace the odd ball joint if it gets used in the crap. But replace them with either genuine or non genuine but from the dealer as they last alot longer than repco ones. (I got 6 months out of repco ones). CV boots on a lifted vehicle can cause a headache from them splitting but as this has adjustable suspension with a body lift, the should be running pretty true most of the time.
Upper wishbone bushes may need replaced at some stage but are not a biggie.
If you are going to check it out - check it idles ok, they have an electronic idle stepper motor that is located right by the crankcase breather that gets gunked up and needs cleaned or more likely overhauled.
Let it idle for a few minutes then take off in a hurry and see if it leaves the blues.... Common Mitsi thing - valve guides and can be replaced without taking heads off.
To me, they are a very capable small vehicle. But I wouldn't be using it as an everyday vehicle due to the fuel consumption.
As to Front suspension - the IFS is the beefy and the best in the business. Yes, you do need to replace the odd ball joint if it gets used in the crap. But replace them with either genuine or non genuine but from the dealer as they last alot longer than repco ones. (I got 6 months out of repco ones). CV boots on a lifted vehicle can cause a headache from them splitting but as this has adjustable suspension with a body lift, the should be running pretty true most of the time.
Upper wishbone bushes may need replaced at some stage but are not a biggie.
If you are going to check it out - check it idles ok, they have an electronic idle stepper motor that is located right by the crankcase breather that gets gunked up and needs cleaned or more likely overhauled.
Let it idle for a few minutes then take off in a hurry and see if it leaves the blues.... Common Mitsi thing - valve guides and can be replaced without taking heads off.
To me, they are a very capable small vehicle. But I wouldn't be using it as an everyday vehicle due to the fuel consumption.
SWB V6 Paj with one or two mods 
Re: Mitsi for beginner
what njv6 said.
front lockers are available but at that price id be checking up on it. looks like a good little wagon. doesnt look like its gota body lift to me but id say the suspension is set in the high state in the pics.
with 33s be careful of idler arm problems. ive had them on mine in the past (i have a 3ltr v6 soft top). i always replaced with 2nd hand ones so im not sure how long a brand new mitsi one would last or the cost. but they are easy to replace. again, like njv6 said, cvs boots, can be problems. some people complain of blowing cvs, but i havent had too many probs with them(only blown 1 in 4 years) but that will be down to driver aswell.
id also be secptical of getting 500-700kms from a tank. the most i can you getting os 400 on the open road. im pretty sure i only get like 350kms. they drink it! tank is probly bout $100 to fill now too.
but aside from all that. i got mine 4yrs ago i think. it had 32s on it and thats all. it took me over a year to raise it and probly another year to put 33s on so i had a chance to get used to the mods as i did them. ive drowned it (in a river halfway up the windscreen) and had a complete disreguard for it. it has been used and ABUSED regularly and has stood up to the punishment soooo mauch better than i ever thought it would. its been great to learn in and mods have been easy to do as i have needed them due to more experience and going on harder tracks. they get a bit of shit from others but can hold their own easily. great compact midweight 4wd thats easy to drive.
Sam
front lockers are available but at that price id be checking up on it. looks like a good little wagon. doesnt look like its gota body lift to me but id say the suspension is set in the high state in the pics.
with 33s be careful of idler arm problems. ive had them on mine in the past (i have a 3ltr v6 soft top). i always replaced with 2nd hand ones so im not sure how long a brand new mitsi one would last or the cost. but they are easy to replace. again, like njv6 said, cvs boots, can be problems. some people complain of blowing cvs, but i havent had too many probs with them(only blown 1 in 4 years) but that will be down to driver aswell.
id also be secptical of getting 500-700kms from a tank. the most i can you getting os 400 on the open road. im pretty sure i only get like 350kms. they drink it! tank is probly bout $100 to fill now too.
but aside from all that. i got mine 4yrs ago i think. it had 32s on it and thats all. it took me over a year to raise it and probly another year to put 33s on so i had a chance to get used to the mods as i did them. ive drowned it (in a river halfway up the windscreen) and had a complete disreguard for it. it has been used and ABUSED regularly and has stood up to the punishment soooo mauch better than i ever thought it would. its been great to learn in and mods have been easy to do as i have needed them due to more experience and going on harder tracks. they get a bit of shit from others but can hold their own easily. great compact midweight 4wd thats easy to drive.
Sam
Re: Mitsi for beginner
After seeing what a twin of this (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =134660996) was up to with 33's on with beadlocked rims, last weekend, I must say that I was highly impressed. Not impressed enough to part with my Wrangler of course, but impressed enough to give the nod of approval.
I can assure you that I will never scoff at a pajero again. (well, maybe, but not with the same conviction as before!!)
I can assure you that I will never scoff at a pajero again. (well, maybe, but not with the same conviction as before!!)
/| , [____],
l----L -OlllllllO-
()_) ()_)-----)_)
KEEP'N JEEP'N!
l----L -OlllllllO-
()_) ()_)-----)_)
KEEP'N JEEP'N!
Re: Mitsi for beginner
Wacko...
This one has a body lift as shown by the stumpy little transfer lever and the cutout in the centre of the rear bumper.....
This one has a body lift as shown by the stumpy little transfer lever and the cutout in the centre of the rear bumper.....
SWB V6 Paj with one or two mods
Re: Mitsi for beginner
Thanks for all that. Makes it all a little more reassuring.
Re: Mitsi for beginner
NJV6 wrote:Wacko...
This one has a body lift as shown by the stumpy little transfer lever and the cutout in the centre of the rear bumper.....
pfftt.. who asked you anyway! hahahha
yeah yeah so your right... i spose everyone has at least one day where they are right... hahahha
Sam
Re: Mitsi for beginner
Is anyone aware of a website or place you can find out which model mitsi pajeros had the factory rear diff lock and adjustable suspension? I have searched everything I can think of and can't find any sites. In my bid to locate a Pajero I am now getting a little picky, as you do, and would like to get one with the all the factory fruits, but am finding that some sellers aren't sure what their model might have. Were the rear diff lock and suspension lift factory or an option?
Cheers
Cheers
Re: Mitsi for beginner
Give Dallas motors a call, or shoot down there, and ask. Its not like youve got any real work to do for the next 2.5 weeks!! 
/| , [____],
l----L -OlllllllO-
()_) ()_)-----)_)
KEEP'N JEEP'N!
l----L -OlllllllO-
()_) ()_)-----)_)
KEEP'N JEEP'N!
Re: Mitsi for beginner
Theres a thought. Thought you were back at work today?
Re: Mitsi for beginner
OK I'll take a shot. How they are would be who ticked te otions box when new I'd say.
'Most' soft tops from 1991 to 1993 came with Rear lock.
Some Hard tops same period had adjustable height suspension.
All NZ new LWB had diff lock (from 1994 on anyway). Not short ones, NZ only got 2.5 SWB new.
If I had a choice i would get one with the diff lock and not the height suspension. Makes mods difficult, adds a bit of weight and clutters the underside.
Soft tops after the facelift late 1993 are less likely to have locker.
I don't know where there is info either, just what I have gathered over the years.
I have seen a couple of soft top facelift ones with the locker and all electrics, windows etc and non adjust susp, that would be my pic if you wanted the apples and banana's.
Happy Hunting
'Most' soft tops from 1991 to 1993 came with Rear lock.
Some Hard tops same period had adjustable height suspension.
All NZ new LWB had diff lock (from 1994 on anyway). Not short ones, NZ only got 2.5 SWB new.
If I had a choice i would get one with the diff lock and not the height suspension. Makes mods difficult, adds a bit of weight and clutters the underside.
Soft tops after the facelift late 1993 are less likely to have locker.
I don't know where there is info either, just what I have gathered over the years.
I have seen a couple of soft top facelift ones with the locker and all electrics, windows etc and non adjust susp, that would be my pic if you wanted the apples and banana's.
Happy Hunting
SWB V6 Paj with one or two mods
Re: Mitsi for beginner
Cheers for that, a shopping we will go.