Driving Pajero on bitumen in low range with dif-lock engaged.

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Dan - 17 Mar 2008 12:36 GMT

Hi all,
I'm new to this forum, so hope I'm in the right place.
I use a 1991 model diesel Pajero to tow a 16 foot poptop caravan. The
vehicle does the job OK, but in the area where I live (Atherton Tablelands)
there are some pretty steep hills. I would be happier towing in some places
if I could use low range. However, in low range the dif-lock is engaged. My
question is - would I damage the drive train if I towed in low range on
bitumen.,
Thanks
Dan

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Kev - 17 Mar 2008 19:53 GMT

> Hi all,
> I'm new to this forum, so hope I'm in the right place.
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> Thanks
> Dan

YES
you would end up either breaking an axle, drive shaft or the gearbox
it's self

what you need to find out is how the centre diff lock is engaged
if it is a vacuum system you can use a vacuum switch in the cabin to
deactivate the centre diff lock, this will give you awd and low range
without doing any damage

Kev

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jonz - 18 Mar 2008 08:41 GMT

> Hi all,
> I'm new to this forum, so hope I'm in the right place.
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> bitumen.,
> Thanks

you might be better off getting a vehicle that can do the job......

> Dan

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Scotty - 18 Mar 2008 13:05 GMT

> Hi all,
> I'm new to this forum, so hope I'm in the right place.
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> Thanks
> Dan

It all depends on your driving at the time. Putting the diffs to work while
under high load is no good at all, expect to break an axel or Uni or
something within the drive train. You can lock it all up if you stay in a
straight line with no expected slip yeah, no worries. Why you would is
beyond me at the moment.

If your towing up some REALLY steep hills then Id suggest that a more
powerful vehicle or move right over to the dirt shoulder and lock it in on
the dirt, that way anything under strain can have a chance of slipping. As
I said, in a straight line there should be no slip so no problems.

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just us - 19 Mar 2008 03:29 GMT

Hi Dan, where on earth are you going on the Ath Tablelands that is that
steep? We too live up here and tow and get around alot of the back roads and
I just cant think of any that may give you trouble. Only one was the
Bloomfield track but they have now sealed the steepest sections but that may
require low range.
Our 1999 Hilux gets up them with a camper in tow.
Kathy

>> Hi all,
>> I'm new to this forum, so hope I'm in the right place.
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> the dirt, that way anything under strain can have a chance of slipping.
> As I said, in a straight line there should be no slip so no problems.

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Dan - 19 Mar 2008 05:22 GMT

Hi all,
Thanks for your advice. I would love to buy a more powerful unit, but a more
powerful vehicle would use more fuel when not towing, and with the price of
fuel now and possibly in the future, I just can't justify the expense. As I
said, in all normal towing the Pajero copes quite well. In answer to Kathy.
Hi Kathy. Congratulations on living in one of the world's most beautiful
places - except for the present weather of course. The place I had in mind
is the camp ground at the end of Speewah Road at the start of a series of
walking tracks. I had hopes of taking the van to it for a week or so and
walking the tracks. I checked it out and the climb out is pretty steep.
Cheers, and once again, thanks all.
Dan

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Scotty - 19 Mar 2008 08:17 GMT

> Hi Dan, where on earth are you going on the Ath Tablelands that is that
> steep? We too live up here and tow and get around alot of the back roads
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Our 1999 Hilux gets up them with a camper in tow.
> Kathy

Ummm they are asking about use of a Pajero dont forget.

>>> Hi all,
>>> I'm new to this forum, so hope I'm in the right place.
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>> slipping. As I said, in a straight line there should be no slip so no
>> problems.

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