Surf with mind of it's own

Mongoose · Post by **Mongoose** » Tue May 16, 2006 1:15 pm

Mornin all,
I replaced the swb Paj with an old 88 2l petrol IFS Surf a while back and very happy with it, although you certainly can't hurry the old girl along. There is a pedal on the right which if you press it hard makes quite a bit of noise but doesn't really seem to make much difference to how fast the scenery goes by. The truck is only to see light off-road use for fishing, kayak launching etc. as we still have the FJ for serious mud so the lack of power isn't a problem. Maybe a Supra engine will find it's way in there at some point if I find one cheap.
Anywayyyy, there isn't much play in the steering but it seems very susceptible to bumps and irregularities in the road, camber etc. causing the truck to wander around. Steering wheel doesn't kick or move but clearly the steering is being allowed a certain amount of movement when the suspension is loaded or unloaded. It's pretty tiring to drive as you're having to constantly correct the wandering so it'd be good to trace what's up, is it just tracking/wheel alignment or maybe worn bushes or track-rod ends? Any hints gratefully received.

Cheers.

Mongoose · Post by **Mongoose** » Tue May 16, 2006 1:16 pm

Guess I should really change the Avatar now since I have been Pajero free for a few months now. Just taking it one day at a time.

Jafa · Post by **Jafa** » Tue May 16, 2006 2:14 pm

Welcome to the solid front axle world :lol:

mebe try a wheel alignment, but mine was the same, just the way they are with the solid front axle, ya'll get used to it!, thats why they went IFS, better on road behaviour but kak offroad

Mongoose · Post by **Mongoose** » Tue May 16, 2006 3:05 pm

mine is an IFS front, bought it for mainly on-road use as a practical tough wagon and you can get the IFS ones for a bit less cash. Wondering if the 2l petrol was the way to go though, was hoping it'd be decent fuel economy but might have been better with a 2.4 diesel. The diesel would probably be better for towing too.
Was thinking wheel alignment might be the way to go and if it's wear in bushes or a ball joint that's causing it they will hopefully spot it while doing the wheel alignment. Shame as it spoils an otherwise good truck.

Thanks for the advice.

WACKO · Post by **WACKO** » Tue May 16, 2006 6:30 pm

sounds like alingnment to me. just make sure you stress you want ALL the balljoints etc checked as i know sometimes it gets forgotten...

Mongoose · Post by **Mongoose** » Fri May 19, 2006 2:23 pm

Got the boys at Firestone to stick a new set of tyres on it as two were sh*&gged and they were too wide for the factory rims anyway(265 on stock steels), very nice set of Firehawk RVs which are so quiet on the road I can't believe it, nice open tread too.
THey then did the alignment and it drives heaps better. Still affected by road camber quite a bit and does still wander around a wee bit but maybe I'm just expecting a bit too much from the old girl.

Thanks all for the advice

, any tips on getting a bit more out of the old 3Y?
(Yes yes I know, lexus V8s are quite cheap but i commute 110ks every day in this and 9k/litre is affordable)