Old Betsy #5 (Mitsu Pajero diesel build)

[rattle&thump]

I thought maybe I'd post this up here, to show others what can be done with a Mitsu platform (those of you who have mitsu's already know). Everything I post here will also be over at 4x4wire.com, in the mitsu section, which I helped create 10 years ago. If you've previously seen it there, then I apologize for the repeat...

Since I'm a virtual unknown over here, I should preface my build with a little background, and some goals for this project... This is my fifth Mitsu 4wd, over the last 15 years. I've had two genI shorties, one genI LWB, and a genII shorty before this current truck. Previous trucks were built up for the purposes of following my solid axled buddies, and to see how far I could go with a relatively stock platform. While they did pretty well, they do have torsion sprung-IFS, so front wheel travel was never a strong suit.

A few years ago, I found out about a Canadian law that allowed us to import grey market vehicles, as long as they were 15 years old, and passed a safety inspection (they also needed certain other things to be compliant, such as dot lights, reflectors, etc). I immediately jumped on the opportunity, and imported a Mitsu diesel... it was a shorty, and while I loved the truck, my trips seemed to be becoming less about gnarly 4x4 trails, and more about the trip itself, as well as the camping. So my newest build was with an eye toward an expedition type vehicle, still capable of taking on 4x4 trails, but equally comfortable on long highway trips, or multi-mile service roads. Plus it had to serve my 160km/day commute to work.

Well.... I had to stick with Mitsu, since its all I've ever had, and have had excellent service from them. I decided to buy the most robust platform, IMHO, that Mitsu ever offered in an SUV (that was available to me, gray market, in Canada). The 2800 turbo diesel long wheelbase got the nod.

I found a suitable candidate in Japan, and arranged with my importer to have it shipped.
(importer auction pic from Japan, before I signed on the dotted line)
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v353/15/35/537117024/n537117024_1845823_8998.jpg

It arrived in Canada in December, and just before 2009 rang in, I had it inspected and registered... so let the fun begin!

(I'll continue to update this thread as I get time, until I'm caught up with where I am as of today, and then will update as the mods progress)

[roscoFJ73]

These have a big following in oz. I think this model was one of the best with its solid axle and tons of extras.
Some owners pull some really high klms out of those turbo diesels

[rattle&thump]

These have a big following in oz. I think this model was one of the best with its solid axle and tons of extras.
Some owners pull some really high klms out of those turbo diesels

It does have a very beefy rear solid axle - 9.5 inch ring gear, under its coil springs....I hope this one is ready for some miles! When I got it in December it had 76k kms on it. It now has 87k kms.

First mod - batteries.

This truck ships with dual batts, but it never had to deal with a cold Canadian winter before, so I swapped the batteries for dual yellow tops. Yes, I'm aware of the love-hate some have with their Optimas, but so far its all love for mine. This is the old glowplug system, so CCA's are important.

Straight swap - so I guess more of an upgrade than a mod...

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2442/15/35/537117024/n537117024_2605355_5297.jpg

Still trying to decide if I will use my Surepower 1314 separator between these, or put another battery in the back...? More on that later.

Also put a new head unit in (it does have DVD, but I was interested in the bluetooth, remote USB in, and option of a rearview camera), and some good Canadian speakers. I put my CB in the second DIN slot. This is paired to a K40 antenna.

http://photos-f.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v1963/15/35/537117024/n537117024_2340229_8131.jpg

Also threw an aux fuse panel (uses ATC type fuses) behind the glovebox, for upgrades...

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518xrckNpQL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

That should do it for electrics for a bit...

[rattle&thump]

Oh, quick note on the name. First one, way back when, was "Old Betsy". When I got the second one, it was informally BetsyII. The name sorta stuck, so by now the fifth one, Betsy V, seems very normal to me, and very strange to most others. :sombrero: Ah well. Some things sorta just evolve. Figured I might as well just accept it... and put it "in writing":

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v1963/15/35/537117024/n537117024_2340227_799.jpg

Is it too late to blur my plate? :elkgrin:

[jfarsang]

welcome and nice Paj.

I've gone through Montero's, Paj's and now into Delica's for their space.

You'll be happy with the 2.8 over the 2.5. more kick. :elkgrin:

[rattle&thump]

welcome and nice Paj.

I've gone through Montero's, Paj's and now into Delica's for their space.

You'll be happy with the 2.8 over the 2.5. more kick. :elkgrin:

Thanks Jesse. Definitely loving the 2.8... the 2.5 was a good engine, but torque is nice...

So here's an update on this build:

Mounted a beefy class III hitch, from Valley Industries:
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2442/15/35/537117024/n537117024_2605356_5616.jpg

I put Airlift 1000 airbags in the coils:
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2442/15/35/537117024/n537117024_2605353_4664.jpg

For now the airlines are tucked under the rear bumper, till I decide where I want them.

I'll need them if I'm towing the trailer, or transporting the portly thumper:
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v648/15/35/537117024/n537117024_2571613_9622.jpg

Hardmounted my compressor (Q-industries cheapie that gets good reviews, Pepboys used to sell em)
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2442/15/35/537117024/n537117024_2605351_4057.jpg

And finally, I had a friend of mine whip me up a single bed/drawer combo for camping when wifey's not along, and I'm sleeping in the rig. Drawer is around 22" long, with a compartment behind it (hatch on top) to put a third battery, or other electronics, if I'm so inclined...
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2465/15/35/537117024/n537117024_2636629_2921874.jpg

It is also hinged so that two flips and a flip of the middle bench gives me back passenger seating, without having to remove the bed/drawer...
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2465/15/35/537117024/n537117024_2636627_468643.jpg

Still have to finish trimming it, etc, but I'll get to try it out this weekend. :sombrero:

[rattle&thump]

Oh, also replaced the stock bumper...
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2115/15/35/537117024/n537117024_2401931_7948.jpg

with an aluminum/alloy East Coast Bullbar (Aus)
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2115/15/35/537117024/n537117024_2401932_8285.jpg

PIAA driving lamps are now on the light tabs. There's an antenna tab as well, but my K40 is a hood lip mount, so it'll be mounted further back, on the hood.

[kcowyo]

Phil?

This has gotta be Phil... Welcome To ExPo - :beer:

It will serve this forum well to have such a great resource for Mitsubishi's on board. Congrats on #5. What a beauty.

You gave me some great information (smartened me up) on the Wire a couple of years ago when I was researching Mitsubishi's. I didn't wind up leaving the Toyota flock, but I was grateful for your time and advice.

I look forward to seeing the evolution of Ol Betsy.


- KC
.

[rattle&thump]

Tis' me KC, glad I was able to help you on the wire. There are a few of us now who are posting from the wire. Funny how different our builds are, but how some things are fundamentally the same.

This weekend past I was able to finish the air bag install (plumbed the airlines into the rear bumper), and then took the truck camping and got to try out the bed. It worked great. Got one shot before my aging digital cam died...

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs011.snc1/2629_87334887024_537117024_2722402_863990_n.jpg

Need to get my snorkel installed - maybe this weekend?

Ray and Justice are WAAAAY ahead of me on their builds!! :)

[off-roader]

Ray and Justice are WAAAAY ahead of me on their builds!! :)

LOL, well at least your interior is moving forward nicely. Haven't done much inside yet although I did install my CB this evening. Simply had to attach an antenna mount and run a wire to the front where I will use my trusty 'portable/in vehicle' CB from my Gen I's.

I still have to build a storage cabinet to house my trail gear, ARB fridge, CO2 tank, and will support my sleeping bag/mattress for when I finally hit the trails. :smiley_drive:

[rattle&thump]

Finished my "lift" - spring spacers in the rear, cranked torsion bars and shaved bumpstops in the front. Even more room in the wheelwells now... Still sporting my Yokohama winter tires at the moment, but the 33s will be going on soon.

http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss28/mitsukuni/various%20automotive/DSC_0023.jpg

http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss28/mitsukuni/various%20automotive/DSC_0025.jpg

[off-roader]

what spacers did u put in the rear?

[rattle&thump]

what spacers did u put in the rear?

El Cheapo's from Canadian Tire (lots of other places sell em), that look something like this:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/418P97NJ68L._SL500_AA280_.jpg

They sit on the spring pad, and the spring sits in a groove in the rubber. I used them in Betsy III for several years before I sold her, and the current owner is still using them. Gotta love a lift that costs you $12 per side! :wings:

[off-roader]

Is that about an inch of lift then?

[The Big E]

Chop it Phil. It will lift the back for you. http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg36/mitsulvr/Faces/hack.gif

Looking good buddy.

[rattle&thump]

Ray, they bought me about an inch and a half. Combined with cranking the front t-bars, the truck sits much better than it did. Soon's I get sensible tires on there she should be good to go.


Chop it Phil. It will lift the back for you. http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg36/mitsulvr/Faces/hack.gif

Looking good buddy.

Well now look who's showed up on here. :victory: Knew you'd wind up here too - just too much good stuff that you'll appreciate, to keep you away!

Welcome! And no, no chop top. That is, until I'm on BetsyVI, and "someone" else has bought her... ;)

[rattle&thump]

Thought it was time for an update. Finally got my snorkel on, and tires installed. After deliberating for way longer than necessary, I decided to go with the KM2s, in a 33x1050-15. One of the secrets of the Montero/Pajero is its ability to run 33" tires at stock height. I gave mine a slight lift (as referenced above), and still have plenty of room.

This truck has 4.90 r&p gears, so the larger diameter dropped my revs a bit on the highway (which is good for the diesel) but really had no other adverse affects.

Snorkel is a genuine ARB-Safari snorkel. Nice to have it on the rhs, so I can turn the head backwards as I approach a dusty road... :sombrero:

Here are some pics (sorry for the garage pics, but I just got em on this week, and haven't had a chance to take them "out" yet, except back and forth to work)

http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss28/mitsukuni/truck%20mods/DSC_0059.jpg

http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss28/mitsukuni/truck%20mods/DSC_0062.jpg

[GrassCat]

Looks good Phil, is that what you would call pizza cutters? If so that's my next size.

[rattle&thump]

Looks good Phil, is that what you would call pizza cutters? If so that's my next size.

Thanks Michael. Yes indeed, these are my skinnies, but I call em "pizza mudders". :sombrero: So far I've run em in the rain, on the superslab, and on gravel. They really do run like an AT on the road. So far so good...

[journey]

Any updates on this build? I'm loving it.

[OneTime]

We need to move this thread to the Mitsubishi forum.

[rattle&thump]

We need to move this thread to the Mitsubishi forum.

I put in a request a while back, but maybe I sent it to the wrong mod... I've just tried again, and hope to see it in Mitsu soon. I have updates!

[rattle&thump]

Okay, update time: I've got gauges. Decided to go with VDO units. Installed a voltmeter, a boost gauge, and an EGT gauge. Used an aluminum triple bezel, and jammed it into the lower dash pocket.

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs161.snc1/6010_140230622024_537117024_3558096_7824544_n.jpg

Also installed an el cheap brake controller for our travel trailer (visible in the pic above). Had to mount it sideways, but its not a pendulum type, so it works fine there.

Rocksliders: Used the trail gear ones, specced for the Toyota pickup. They've kept my rockers out of trouble so far. Here they are...

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5930_149633602024_537117024_3713223_385557_n.jpg

Put my three Terzo bars on the roof, and would like to get a basket eventually... for now, they're great for a shovel, kayaks, etc...

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs139.snc1/5930_149656567024_537117024_3713779_535297_n.jpg

Few more things to share, but have to get more pics first.

[xcmountain80]

Awesome!

A

[rattle&thump]

Awesome!

A

Thanks!

Updates again!

Trimmed the bed in metal, for durability. Made a mattress for the bed from a fleece sleeping bag and a foam bed topper.

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs181.snc1/6010_140230652024_537117024_3558099_6442542_n.jpg

Oh, and I added a third battery under the bed (behind the drawer). Its charged via a SurePower 1314 priority-charging solenoid. It compares the main bank (2 yellow tops under the hood) against the aux battery (in the back) on pre-ignition, and once the vehicle is started and the main bank reaches the charge threshold (13.4 volts I think?) it parallels the aux with the mains, and all see a charge from the alternator. Neat thing is, if, when comparing, the solenoid sees more voltage at the aux than the main (say I leave my lights on), it will parallel the batteries right away, for starting assist. Fairly cool setup, and a great backup, just in case (esp for my first automatic, since I can't jumpstart anymore).

Here's a pic of the solenoid, just above the rear yellow top, hooked up to the aux battery via 1/0 cable. (aux batt is grounded to the body, in the back).

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs181.snc1/6010_140230672024_537117024_3558102_1173414_n.jpg

Here's my setup, last trip out...

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs248.snc1/9520_176078722024_537117024_4101203_1646271_n.jpg

[datrupr]

Very nice.

And good to see this thread finally moved to the Mitsu forum.

[GrassCat]

Things are looking good on your new Betsy Phil.

Are the gauges easy to read were you have place them, compared to the ones on the dash pod?

Your battery set is pristine, good job.

[The Big E]

Looking good Phil. :drool:

[bitoy]

Very nice...and functional.

[trailrunner]

Hey man love your truck. How difficult do you find it to get parts in here in Canada? I from BC as well and I think the Pajeros are really neat with the diesel. Have you used it in the real cold yet -30C or not. I'd be curious as to how the small diesels handle it.

[78Bronco]

Hey man love your truck. How difficult do you find it to get parts in here in Canada? I from BC as well and I think the Pajeros are really neat with the diesel. Have you used it in the real cold yet -30C or not. I'd be curious as to how the small diesels handle it.

Doable but would suggest a block heater during prolonged exposure to low temps.

[rattle&thump]

Doable but would suggest a block heater during prolonged exposure to low temps.

Not too bad to find parts for, since there are so many JDM part suppliers now. Esp in BC. And of course the rest of the truck shares with the USDM Montero.

As far as starting, I had an oil pan hear only, and last winter at weeks of -30*C, it fired up first time, very little smoke. My truck has the winter package, which includes insulated fuel lines, and a filter heater too, near as I can tell.

My previous Paj had the 4D56, and needed a plugged in block heater to avoid a big smokeshow on cold mornings, but this truck truly does not mind the cold - my block heater is sitting on my bench, and may not get installed at all. The oil pan heater is all it seems to need...

[rattle&thump]

Update! It has been a LONG time since I've updated this thread...

I finally found a roof rack... Surco Safari rack. Its light duty, yes. But its LIGHT. I hate increasing the cog, so a nice light rack like the Surco is exactly what I wanted... found it used, with the tire carrier included. I may carry a second spare for the Moab trip, but otherwise, I'll be carrying lightweights up there, like my tentcot (in a rooftop bag).

This is the only shot I have right now, when towing home my Galant parts car, for my other little 4x4 project...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs770.snc4/67080_489351367024_537117024_7245531_1264599_n.jpg

[speedtre]

I wish we could get the diesel here....I'm jealous. :D

[rattle&thump]

Haven't updated in a while, but have been working on a few things...

-I have a locker sitting in my garage, still trying to find the locker ECU, and then I'll put it in.
http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss28/mitsukuni/truck%20mods/locking3rd.jpg

-did some maintenance this summer: painted the frame rails, put in all new balljoints, idler/pitman arms, tierods/sleeves, on both sides. And replaced two cv boots...

-painted the grille (orig silver) with black plastic etching paint.

Currently looking for a fridge to install on slides in the back. Its difficult to find affordable fridge solutions up here in Canada...

[Cruisn]

maybe worth looking into fridges form OzÉ you can get waeco or engel here for decent prices. find them on ebay even, great quality. I have an 80L waeco fridge freezer. works a treat. I have a build of my 90 Pajero on here to. Will be driving it home to edmonton once done here.

[fatrat]

That is one beautiful Pajero! Did you buy your bumper direct from ECB?

[Jeff@QuadShop]

Just an FYI, you don't need the ECU for the locker to work. Just wire the switch to a 12v source.

[scrubber3]

Just an FYI, you don't need the ECU for the locker to work. Just wire the switch to a 12v source.

This is what I'm doing. I was sure to get a switch that lights up and has one of those flip up covers on it too. Got everything hooked in and wired up if you need some advice on it feel free to PM me.