Offroad-Express

Hi all,

Bought my first 'true' 4 x 4 (1994 SWB 3.5 'Ralliart' Pajero) not so long a go and I'm wanting to tackle some maintenance tasks to get it in tip top mechanical order. I'd greatly appreciate any assistance...with the first order of business being suspension...

Problem: I'm getting a lot of shake over small bumps from the drivers side at slow speed.

Notes:
-Steering seems fine and not loose-staionary left/right action on the sterring doesn't seem to produce any noticeable noises
-Slight steering shake when running over 100km on motorway
-Cornering/stopping also seems ok (although I'm still getting used to the car)
-The response and give also doesn't seem too bad when bouncing the front of the car car although I do get a slight 'clunk' from around the drivers side suspension.
-Adjustable suspension stifness and ride height option doesn't seem to be working.
-Sway bar links have just been changed
-Mechanic tells me it's probably the shocks-although frustratingly is also non commital when it comes to the cause.

I can't afford trial and error so my questions if anyone can help:

1. Recommendations for isolating the problem -before I shell out for shocks What else can I easily check myself and the method?
2. Cheapest parts- Where to go?
3. Fitting front shocks myself-difficult for a relative novice with a bit of help?
4. I don't have a haynes manual but is there anywhere I can get suspension diagrams for free?

Hoping to make this car a project at some point but right now it's my daily driver and having just added baby number three to the family, any work must be restricted to essential maintenance (Three kids don't fit in SWB so trust me it was hard enough getting this across the line!) so any help much appreciated!

If you are certain it is the drivers side, I would swap the shocks from side to side and see if the problem shifts. Shocks are really easy to change. Undo the nuts on the threaded rod on the top and bottom of the shock and pull out. If you still have the original adjustable shocks fitted you will need to disconnect the electrical plug from the shock before you pull it out. If original shocks are still fitted it is highly likely they are worn out, they are 18 years old!

Thanks for the quick response. I figure it is the shocks but recently had a major drama with our family car (tribute). 6 different mechnics...6 different diagnosis of a suspension problem..

I don't suppose you can recommend a brand and where to go? The most I'll probably do for the next year will be a bit of beach driving at Muriwai so I don't really need anything too heavy duty.

I got KYB gas-a-just monotube shocks for my paj. Seemed like a good compromise between price and function. Pretty happy so far - about the same firmess as the factory shocks set to H. As far as I can tell, most aftermarket shocks are too hard. The Old-man-emu (ARB) shocks seem to be nice and soft, but come at a price. Heard great things about the bilstein shocks, but they are also expensive.

Also, if you're planning on removing the rear shocks, don't forget to jack it under the axle, as the shocks are one of the links that hold the axle onto the vehicle.

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to look at the suspension as a whole At some point but for now just making sure the ride is good and motor ok are The Main things. Thanks again!

Where are you based?

Hi, live on the North Shore in Auckland and work in Onehunga.

Yep, me too, Takapuna - feel free to drop round for a yarn (PM me); I've got the same truck as you...

Hey Mate,

North Shore to Onehunga dam thats a decent hike daily, My wife used to do that when we lived in Auckland and hated it haha.

You got yourself a good wagon there and will have plenty of fun in it.

Might see you out there at somestage as the plan is to move to Auckland in a couple of months there are plenty of good blokes in Aucks so people will help you out.

Ray

FORGE1 wrote:Might see you out there at somestage as the plan is to move to Auckland in a couple of months

true..... mean! more wheeling is on!

FORGE1 wrote:Hey Mate,

North Shore to Onehunga dam thats a decent hike daily, My wife used to do that when we lived in Auckland and hated it haha.

You got yourself a good wagon there and will have plenty of fun in it.

Might see you out there at somestage as the plan is to move to Auckland in a couple of months there are plenty of good blokes in Aucks so people will help you out.

Ray

Thanks Ray. Yeah it's not the most pleasant drive but then I used to work in East Tamaki so I count my blessings!

pjb wrote:Yep, me too, Takapuna - feel free to drop round for a yarn (PM me); I've got the same truck as you...

Thanks, will do. Always good to pick peoples brains about their experience. I'm still getting used to my rather worn looking car. I've owned a couple of mint HQ's over the years. You know the kind of thing....weekend driver, don't drive in the rain etc so it's all new....must resist urge to polish.....