Adrian Flux : 0800 916 1257

The Mitsubishi Pajero Owners ClubŪ
The Mitsubishi Pajero, Shogun, Montero, Challenger, Raider and EVO 4x4 Owner's Club
 
The POCUK - it's not just a Club, it's a way of life!

 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   Watched TopicsWatched Topics   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your personal messagesLog in to check your personal messages   Log inLog in 
Click here to link to the Pajero Owners Club UK FaceBook Group!POCUK FaceBook Group  POCUK home pagePOCUK Home  POCUK ForumsPOCUK Forums  CalendarCalendar

List of offroading mods

Goto page 1, 2  Next
 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    The Mitsubishi Pajero Owners ClubŪ Forum Index -> Vehicle modifications
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
turbine
******
******


Age: 62
Zodiac: Sagittarius
Joined: 19 Aug 2006
Posts: 2439
Location: Ireland

PostPosted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 18:18    Post subject: List of offroading mods Reply with quote

Tips/Mods 4x4 vehicles

Take a seat Ladies and Gentlemen I have not mastered the art of brevity. Here is a small collection of handy little mods I've done to my vehicles over the years.  

Diff Breathers

Extend the diff breather pipes with a stainless pipe inserted into the join, route pipe till it is well above the chassis line. Buy a cheap petrol in-line filter and install on end of pipe to prevent junk getting into the line.

Protecting electrical circuits, eg; voltage regulators, relays etc.

Purchase or 'borrow' from the other half tupperware containers that suit the size of the component. Remove component, drill or burn with soldering iron the fixing holes and make provision for wiring holes. Fix component to anchor point, seal  holes with good quality mastic. Put the top on the container on and you have a nice watertight seal that's easy to acess for maintainance.

Fording Rivers; Mods

Bow Wave and Hood Protector
One thing I liked to do was glue a roll of 1/8'' thick rubber to the front of the bonnet. This served two purposes. It proteceted the front of the bonnet from stones and small chips from messing up the paintwork when rolled up. The paintwork itself was never an issue with me but the ensueing rust was. I Hate Rust. Just prior to going through the water I loosesned the straps, rolled it down to cover the grille and went for it. This is just a precaution to keep the bow wave out of the engine bay as much as possible. It also protects the fan blades, radiator matrix and in some cases with flexible blades prevents them from chewing a big hole in the back of the rad.(Rare but seen it happen though.) Water is heavy.

Carpets
Usually the first thing I did on any of my 4x4's was remove the carpets and use them as a template for making nice thick rubber ones.Wet carpets stink, hold in moisture and create a nice humid atmosphere to create rust and mess with wiring loom terminals. For those with a rubber fetish this is heaven too. Those who need the interior to look good. Place the carpets on top of the rubber. Then before you hit the dirt take 'em off, roll them up and throw them in the back.

Waterproofing Door Seals
What I used to do was take a section of the same 1/8th rubber material and glued it to the outside of the lower half of the doors. Make a cardboard template of the lower door rims. Cut a section of rubber about three inches wide. One inch to be glued to the door section, the other two to bridge the gap between door and body. When you ford the river the water pressure presses the rubber against the body thus making a very nice seal. A nice strip of polished stainless can be added to the forward pointing section of the door seat to give more stiffness to that area of the seal. Some guys also like shiny bits on their vehicles. For me the less chrome the better. The time I would have to spend looking after it could be put to better use making sure the vehicle is mechanically perfect. ''Looks and chrome don't get you home''

Light Bars
Personally don't think they're worth the hassle but seem to be popular here in Europe. Purchase a multiple pin bulkhead connector. They are used in many applications so presumably would be easy to get this side of the world. Yes a hole would have to be drilled in the roof. But these connectors are waterproof. More importantly make a neat, safe, connection. Added to the fact that that if you want to remove the light bar its just a case of unscrewing the connection. The other half stays in place, won't get moisture in it and you can install it all back on when you need it. I suggest multiple pin because this allows you to create more than one independant circuit.
As far as the bar itself buy a normal inexpensive roof bar, drill the holes for the spots, route the wiring through the bar then attach.

Winches
Heavy and expensive and are they really worth it. One can put that money into upgrading the mechanical side of the vehicle with things it really needs. I have had vehicles with winches and removed them. That's the second thing I do when I buy a vehicle.
Front mounted winches make little sense. You don't want to pull yourself deeper into the stuff that got you stuck. Yes you can have a carrier on the rear underside and route the cable there. But you have little control and the winch must work harder because it pulls the nose down deeper into the muck anyway. I've seen some guys take the precaution of stopping the vehicle, pulling the winch cable under the vehicle through to the rear carrier. Then going for it. Makes sense because then you don't have to burrow under a stuck truck.
A nice heavy duty come along and/or chain block is more versatile. Does not use up precious battery power. Makes for good exersize as well and you don't have to go to a stuffy gym and pay exorbitant fees. You can pull your vechicle sideways, forwards, backwards and upwards. (For those poor,misguided, unfortunate Series Land Rover owners needing to change broken half-shafts etc,etc.)
They are highly portable. A heavy winch stays put. All my 4x4's were daily commuters as well. When I was not going bundu bashing all that heavy gear was stowed in the house till needed. It makes little sense to lug around a whole lot of surplus weight.
Please,please, please never use a tow hitch for pulling a vehicle out the thick stuff. They are mostly cast. If there is a small imperfection in the material a good pull turns them into deadly large caliber rounds. Normal towing conditions do not come near the strain of pulling a heavy vehicle out of a stuck situation.
Whilst we are on the subject of winching carry an assortment of shackles with your kit. They are good for spreading the pulling load when needed. Changing the direction of a pull if needed without re-rigging your set-up.Adding rope to chain, chain to cable etc. If you're the Pope they make a handy keyring for all those heavy keys as well.

Anchors
Nature does not always provide us with what we need. Sometimes that tree or sturdy rock is just, annoyingly, out of reach. Dig a nice hole. Loop a section of rope  through the spare then bury it deep and attach your rigging gear to it. Pull yourself out. This works especially well in sand. Standard kit for me is a 3/4'' dia. section of rebar about 5 feet long sitting on the roof rack. Heat up one end and hammer a loop into it. It makes a magnificent pry bar to straighten bent body panels. Hammer it into the ground at an angle and you have a good ground ancor. It's a damn good digging tool when a spade won't suffice. The loop at one end makes a good handle when you're neck deep in mud specially when its covered with a piece of rubber hose. Need a place to hang you cooking/coffee pot? Bring out the rebar, then light the fire sit back and enjoy.

Boards
Really versatile little numbers. Cut 4 sections of 3/4'' thick marine ply into 2 1/2 feet by 1 foot rectangles. Mix sand with a rubberising compound and paint one side of each board with it.Gives good grip. Need to make sure your jack doesn't dissapear into the mud? Spread the load with one of these boards. Stuck again? Jack up the vehicle and put a board under the wheels for purchase. Changing a tyre, snagged a shaft and the tools, nuts and bolts are slowly sinking into the mud? Use a board to keep it clean and where you want them. Need to step away from all the adrenalin and exitement of off-roading for a while? Grab a board, find a quiet spot for a while, sit till the feeling of boardom wears off. Jokes aside guys, these things come in handy. They're strong,light weight and easy to stow away.  

Snorkels
Now, they make good sense even if you never touch water. They are high up out of the way of most of the dust. This puts less strain on the air filter. They create a bit of a ram air effect, every little helps. In Africa and the Middle East dust is a problem, I always made sure I carried around plenty of spare air filters. And yes I am paranoid about dust eroding turbo compressor blades and grinding away the innards of beautiful engines. Granted there might not be much dust around here but still..............
I have seen snorkel assy's on this forum at crazy prices. I am making one for an aquiantance next week from the same materials. But for a little time and under 40 euro for materials. I will place a step by step pictorial guide here when done for those who are interested.
However gentlemen before you become submarine captians check your seals and C.V. boots, modify your diff breathers. More importantly don't just barrel through. Check the route for any possible traps,obstructions. Water gives a great resistance. A big initial bow wave can actually stall a vehicle because of this, leading to all sorts of interesting problems and solutions. Part of the fun though. But still, take it easy.

Anyway enough for now, my tail is numb, the eyes can't focus. Apologies to those who are bored stuff or know this stiff already. (See what I mean?)
Back to top
View user's profile Send personal message
Google
Sponsor







PostPosted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 18:18    Post subject: Google Ads keep the POCUK free to join!


Back to top
ian sutherland
****
****


Age: 53
Zodiac: Virgo
Joined: 12 Oct 2002
Posts: 486
Location: Brixworth/Northants

PostPosted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 20:46    Post subject: Reply with quote

nice one turbine. im sure this will be put in the technical forum soon along with your step by step when its done.
ian Laughing  Laughing  Laughing
Back to top
View user's profile Send personal message MSN Messenger
squeek
LifeTime Member
LifeTime Member


Age: 41
Zodiac: Aries
Joined: 04 Jun 2006
Posts: 2353
Location: Guernsey c.i.

PostPosted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 0:33    Post subject: Reply with quote

Can't believe i've never seen this thread before  Confused  Confused  Confused  Rolling Eyes  Rolling Eyes  Rolling Eyes

You say about water being heavy, it is also pretty much incompressable and therefore very very hard at speed...
Back to top
View user's profile Send personal message MSN Messenger
philmoon
**
**


Age: 43
Zodiac: Aquarius
Joined: 27 Mar 2007
Posts: 88
Location: plymouth

PostPosted: Wed Apr 11, 2007 20:32    Post subject: Reply with quote

really good one this some good thoughts and takes on situations Very Happy
Back to top
View user's profile Send personal message
joella
*****
*****




Joined: 19 Mar 2008
Posts: 769
Location: UK

PostPosted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 21:21    Post subject: Reply with quote

Got any pics of such rubber that replaces the carpet. I think its a good idea and plan to attempt somethign similar myself. I reckon if you get the right rubber, it can still look good?
Back to top
View user's profile Send personal message
Richie
LifeTime Member
LifeTime Member


Age: 24
Zodiac: Capricorn
Joined: 10 Oct 2002
Posts: 9445
Location: Away

PostPosted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 21:36    Post subject: Reply with quote

joella wrote:
Got any pics of such rubber that replaces the carpet. I think its a good idea and plan to attempt somethign similar myself. I reckon if you get the right rubber, it can still look good?


Old conveyor belt does the trick
Back to top
View user's profile Send personal message
joella
*****
*****




Joined: 19 Mar 2008
Posts: 769
Location: UK

PostPosted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 23:55    Post subject: Reply with quote

where would i get that from, and whats it look like?

I was thinking maybe a spray on rubber or something might be a good option? No idea where i would get that from either, but it would get in all the cracks and be exactly the right fit. Should stick too i think...

would make a good seal for going through fords, lakes and the like....

what do you think??
Back to top
View user's profile Send personal message
vibe666
****
****


Age: 47
Zodiac: Libra
Joined: 01 Oct 2007
Posts: 443
Location: Co. Meath, Ireland

PostPosted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 20:15    Post subject: Reply with quote

squeek wrote:
You say about water being heavy, it is also pretty much incompressable and therefore very very hard at speed...


indeed it is.

I'll never forgot being told by a sky diver that if your parachute(s) fail, you're better off (altho still pretty much 100% *beep*) hitting concrete than water due to whater being pretty much totally immovable at high speed, even compared to solid concrete which surprisingly enough will give you a little bit of bounce.

he then started going on about looking for something that will absorb as much of the impact as possible such as a big sturdy 4x4, but personally I'd rather just pass out before I had to worry about it.

he's just a tad bonkers anyway, which I suppose anyone jumping out of a perfectly good plane would need to be, but still.
Back to top
View user's profile Send personal message Visit poster's website AIM Address MSN Messenger
nick the nurse
Shining Star
Shining Star


Age: 66
Zodiac: Capricorn
Joined: 05 Jul 2004
Posts: 15561
Location: Wolstanton Newcastle Under Lyme Staffs a little sleepy Hamlet full of drunks and OLD PEOPLE!

PostPosted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 3:03    Post subject: Reply with quote

I blame the RAF they never could land properly much safer to go out of the back door  Twisted Evil  Wink  Laughing
Back to top
View user's profile Send personal message
mark dale
Site Admin
Site Admin


Age: 55
Zodiac: Cancer
Joined: 04 Mar 2003
Posts: 5059
Location: Settle, Yorkshire Dales

PostPosted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 3:22    Post subject: Reply with quote

MUD mats work ok  for keeping the floor carpet cleaner ...  hold a lot of mud and liquid .....

now, with regards to skydiving ....  have done a bit, over in New Zealand,    not had an accident..  but, trees are what i was told to head for ...   conifers at about a 70 degree angle apparently  work well !! Shocked   but, my matey  did ok dropping from 10,000 feet into a deciduous woodland .....   with a tangled shute ...  just some broken limbs, cracked ribs etc ....     some  months later, he "bounced" doing a base jump off a cliff, where he didn't manage to "track out" enough ...   cracked his skull etc ...  but is ok ....  he is into his extreme sports,  and works doing the avalanche explosives on ski-fields ......  he also taught me to ski, over in Colorado ..

now, what was the question ...   something about rubber flooring !! Laughing

mark " digressing " dale
Back to top
View user's profile Send personal message Visit poster's website MSN Messenger
nick the nurse
Shining Star
Shining Star


Age: 66
Zodiac: Capricorn
Joined: 05 Jul 2004
Posts: 15561
Location: Wolstanton Newcastle Under Lyme Staffs a little sleepy Hamlet full of drunks and OLD PEOPLE!

PostPosted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 3:41    Post subject: Reply with quote

Now heres a thought (yes I sometimes have them  Razz )
I wonder if you could get the inside of the truck sprayed with that stuff they advertise in the 4X4 Mags  Confused (Ok you would have to take all of the seats out )......but for long term practicality  Confused

.any thoughts  Confused
Back to top
View user's profile Send personal message
JAS828
******
******


Age: 48
Zodiac: Scorpio
Joined: 10 Apr 2006
Posts: 1506
Location: HUNTINGDON CAMBRIDGESHIRE

PostPosted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 7:43    Post subject: Reply with quote

nick if you are on about the spray bed liner stuff for l200`s etc then yes it can be done on the inside as people over on the difflock forum do it all the time for a nice easy wash interior  Wink
Back to top
View user's profile Send personal message
vibe666
****
****


Age: 47
Zodiac: Libra
Joined: 01 Oct 2007
Posts: 443
Location: Co. Meath, Ireland

PostPosted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 8:12    Post subject: Reply with quote

that's actually an excellent idea nick.  If she's an off-road toy rather than a shiny, it would be well worth ripping everything out and spraying the whole of the inside with that rubber paint stuff (as long as you make a note of all the bolt holes obviously:wink:).  That might actually work out pretty well.

my old man used to be a roofer and they used stuff called resitrix to line gutters and stuff.  it was thick rubber matting that you just welded together with a heat gun.   excellent stuff too and very durable.
Back to top
View user's profile Send personal message Visit poster's website AIM Address MSN Messenger
joella
*****
*****




Joined: 19 Mar 2008
Posts: 769
Location: UK

PostPosted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 9:45    Post subject: Reply with quote

Brilliant this is the sort of thing im looking for guys. I wrote a list of requirements, do you think the products your talking about satisfy them, or do i need to keep looking around for the right compound?

* heat proof (at least on a  hot day with the sun shinning through the windows)
* non flamable
* thick enough (carpet thick, not paint with a little rubber in it)
* non toxic
* Non slip
* Durable
* Non crack/breakdown
* Water will run off (not soak in)
* As chemical resistant as possible
* Insulating
* Very strong adhesive when applied, non tacky when cured
* mustnt lift at edges when cured (i dont want water getting under it, staying there and causing rust)
* non stain (mud wont make it turn all brown and yuk)
* preferably coloured
* asphetically not ugly
* preferably with a rust stopping agent in
* cutable (to get at those bolts)
Back to top
View user's profile Send personal message
Richie
LifeTime Member
LifeTime Member


Age: 24
Zodiac: Capricorn
Joined: 10 Oct 2002
Posts: 9445
Location: Away

PostPosted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 10:24    Post subject: Reply with quote

these are the guys you want:

http://www.dominionsureseal.com/Products.asp?catid=31&page=1
Back to top
View user's profile Send personal message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    The Mitsubishi Pajero Owners ClubŪ Forum Index -> Vehicle modifications All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Goto page 1, 2  Next
Page 1 of 2

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You cannot download files in this forum


All contents © Hobson's Choice IT Solutions Ltd 1997 on
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group