G'day, pretty new to Pajero ownership, recently aquired an 89, 2.5 turbo-diesel LWB manual, with LEAF springs.... and want the ride and softness of the coil-sprung model.
I was going to remove all the leaves except for the main, and install 'air-lift bags' to regain the height/load-bearing. The idea being that the remaining leaf would locate the axle..and the weight would be born by the 'bags.
But I've recently heard of "Parabolic" leaf springs, which seem to be the ants-pants for oldies such as Land-Rovers, giving almost as nice a ride as coils, and better ride/handling/articulation than standard leafs.
Does anyone KNOW of any equivalents for the Mitsubishi Pajero ? (Australian compliance, not 'import')
Any suggestions as to which way to go?
cheers.
Parabolic leaf-springs as an up-grade ?
Parabolic leaf-springs as an up-grade ?
Nothing is Fool-proof, as fools are incredibly ingenious !
Parabolic springs are widely reported to work on nothing but LandRovers... I've never heard of a kit for a Pajero, and thats probably because they are normally a very high-lift solution therefore unlikely to be fitted to an IFS truck due to front lift limitations - it would have the thing looking like my little photo on the left, only in reverse...
Go with a standard 50mm lifted leaf spring kit from a reputable manufacturer over there (ask around on Mitsi forums who is recommended - I'd freight you some from here but I think the cost would be frightening
) and then fit stiff shocks in the front and tweak up the torsion bars a little to balance the lift.
Hope that helps
regards
Steve
Go with a standard 50mm lifted leaf spring kit from a reputable manufacturer over there (ask around on Mitsi forums who is recommended - I'd freight you some from here but I think the cost would be frightening
) and then fit stiff shocks in the front and tweak up the torsion bars a little to balance the lift.
Hope that helps
regards
Steve
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hosehustler
- Hard Yaka
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I now have bent my rear springs packs on 3 occasions all with slightly different set-ups 
, I am running a repowered vehicle, large tyres and a diff lock, axle wrap seems to be the problem.
I have read many differing articles on the internet over the last few days, and I have to say some brag about artic, flex, coil like ride, blah,blah, others say they are crap!!, then it's vice versa for conventional type spring paks
I have put a set of parabolics on the rear, wich have had their over-rider removed, apparently this is the problem with them. With it removed they should do all the things I want (yeah right), just don't put heavy loads in the back now.
Theres a bloke down south running the same set-up on a comp truck with excellent results, I know we've all heard they are crap, but it's costing nothing to try this little experiment
will post some results when I get out on a trip
, I am running a repowered vehicle, large tyres and a diff lock, axle wrap seems to be the problem.
I have read many differing articles on the internet over the last few days, and I have to say some brag about artic, flex, coil like ride, blah,blah, others say they are crap!!, then it's vice versa for conventional type spring paks
I have put a set of parabolics on the rear, wich have had their over-rider removed, apparently this is the problem with them. With it removed they should do all the things I want (yeah right), just don't put heavy loads in the back now.
Theres a bloke down south running the same set-up on a comp truck with excellent results, I know we've all heard they are crap, but it's costing nothing to try this little experiment
will post some results when I get out on a trip
I hate signatures
hosehustler wrote:I now have bent my rear springs packs on 3 occasions all with slightly different set-ups
the back now.
I've had the same problems, but don't ask me
one thing i've started to do tho is use brand new leak packs rather than used ones, ok so far 
Next option torque control rod of some sort.
Anyway, parabolics. I've got a set on my surf front (maxitrac 50mm lift on the rear). They are a two leaf pack and I got them because I wanted a decent lift to over come guard rub with 35's (60mm bodylift as well)
This is what I have found. Bought them from a spring shop, he reaconed they were 30mm lift,
try 3" above the original shagged ones. I thought they might settle a bit - no they don't settle. OK fingers getting sore 
pros/cons
Pros. a. good height, dont settle (at all!! they are Seriously strong steel))
b. pretty good flex - will try to get a photo up.
c. light weight
d. ride is better
Cons a. rebound is strong - they require a very strong shock (Rancho set on highest struggle)
b. broken a pack keeper and lost a couple of nylon slippers already (thru rough treatment - its a bush truck too)
c. I think I may have put a slight bend in one?
Would I buy them again?......probably not - too hard to control their strength.
Last edited by Rangielux on Thu May 11, 2006 12:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I had a surf with parabollox in it and I would NEVER own them again... with or without the overload leafs.
They are definitely way to heavy duty for something light like a Surf or a 'lux... the main leaf is made from 10mm thick plate! (most leafs are 4 or 5mm)
a traction bar is a very simple device to make and to fit, and will solve the axle wrap problems. Use an old Hilux torque rod witha length of 16mm ID tube to lengthen it (got a few spares at the shed) and weld some mounts to the diff head and the horseshoe crossmember then bolt it in...
Steve
They are definitely way to heavy duty for something light like a Surf or a 'lux... the main leaf is made from 10mm thick plate! (most leafs are 4 or 5mm)
a traction bar is a very simple device to make and to fit, and will solve the axle wrap problems. Use an old Hilux torque rod witha length of 16mm ID tube to lengthen it (got a few spares at the shed) and weld some mounts to the diff head and the horseshoe crossmember then bolt it in...
Steve
callum007 wrote:call ryan at snake racing in penshurst, sydney..
he'll help you out..
Why in gods name would you ring australia for help in New Zealand???
...and especially why would you ring a company who may as well gold-plate all their stuff considering the prices they charge for it...
I'm curious.
Steve
because,
1. the guys location is listed as being near sydney..
2. Ryans stuff is all incredibly well made.. Ive been in his workshop and spent time speaking to him at his office.. it costs lots but i think its worth it..
I was only trying to suggest a local option for the man, and help out a mates business
1. the guys location is listed as being near sydney..
2. Ryans stuff is all incredibly well made.. Ive been in his workshop and spent time speaking to him at his office.. it costs lots but i think its worth it..
I was only trying to suggest a local option for the man, and help out a mates business
callum007 wrote:because,
1. the guys location is listed as being near sydney..
2. Ryans stuff is all incredibly well made.. Ive been in his workshop and spent time speaking to him at his office.. it costs lots but i think its worth it..
I was only trying to suggest a local option for the man, and help out a mates business
You're right, sorry I didn't notice the location... Made the ASSumption that he would be a NZer... My bad...
And wouldn't deny that the Snake Racing stuff is well made... but I stand by the overpriced statement... there is plenty of other well made stuff out there for far better coin... But there aren't too many other 4WD parts and accessories places with chicks as hot as he has posing with his gear either
I gotta get me some hot chicks to pose with my gear...
Steve