BHPian arjithin recently shared this with other enthusiasts: Its been a while since I updated this thread. Car is now at 76000km and on 6th year of ownership. The transformation from a teenager to a grown up man with moustache It has taken me to places far away from civilization without any dramas and complaints. Some of the trips in between Simpson desert crossing South & central AU Victorian High country and 8-10 other 3-4 day trips around Victoria. None of those trips would have been possible in a normal sedan or SUV, so I am very happy with my choice of vehicle. Major upgrades so farJuly-20 : Boos 3mm bashplatesOct-21 : New set of Shoes – Falken Wildpeak AT3W 265/65R18. (Changed aspect ratio from 60 to 65)Feb-23 : First set of modifications – New Ironman suspension (2inch lift) + bull barMarch-23 – Applied ceramic coating, changed rear brake pads at around 52K km. Original pair on front is still holding upApril-23 – New fog lamps from StediApril-23 – Hardwired UHF radio set up, new switchable antenna set up ( 3dbi antenna on rear glass for hilly areas and 6.5dbi antenna on bullbar for highway drives)Dec-23 – New roof rackApril-24 – Replaced media head unit & drive belt/pully under warrantyJune-24 – New driving lamps from OnyxJune-24 – New 2.5m Awning & awning roomOct-24 – New mild engine tuneDec-24 – Viny wrapping of driving lamp coverJan 25 – New dashcam and wireless android auto adapterFeb 25 – Custom number plateThis may sound a long journey, but I’ve learned a lot in that journey on what works and what doesnt work. Second set of modifications:Aug-25 – Carbon 12k WinchSept-25 – Safari snorkelSept-25 – New recovery gear setup (kinetic ropes, soft shackles, recovery hitch etc)Oct-25 – New 110L replacement diesel tank from Brown Davis. Original tank is with around 58L usable capacity and this should give around 100L usable capacityI was planning to install winch and Snorkel at home, but got a good deal from a nearby 4×4 reseller for parts + installation, so ended up installing professionally. Tyres are rotated every 6 months, did wheel alignment & underbody check up after every major trip proactively. I believe current Falken Wildpeak ATs will be good for another 20-30k km. Every year – new set of wiper blades. Cleaned the inside of the chassis frame couple of times after offroad trips to clean the mud. The Plastidip coating on alloy wheels are still holding up with few damages from offroad use. I have a crude sleeping set up inside the car made using 25.4 x 25.4 x 1.2mm Aluminium Square Tube & connectors. its very light weight and can be dismantled after a trip to save space and a life saver on those days when its raining or windy outside. This set up is designed to keep standard 50L storage boxes under the sleeping frame The 5 year/ 90k km service was a major one to change all fluids and I decided to do it myself after seeing some of the quotes from dealerships !! I replacedEngine oil/filter/washerAir filterFront and rear diff oilTransfer case oilATF (drain and refill method)Diesel filterbrake fluidFixing of broken bashplate mount – broken bashplate mounts are a common issue with QE/QF Pajero sports/Triton. There are heavy duty mounts available to be welded to chassis, but I chose to go with an aftermarket mount which can be bolted, so it can be done at home.I work from full time, so the annual running has come down drastically and to be shared between 2 cars and a motorcycle. There was a point in time where I thought of selling one car; but later ditched that idea. If everything goes as planned, I have some interesting and demanding trips coming in next 2-3 years and I need a proper 4×4 which can take up those challenges. Selling this one now and setting up a new one that time will cost more money. I get around 8-9kmpl in local driving, cruising at 100kmpl gives 10.5 kmpl, 110kmpl is 9.5kmpl etc (car is very sensitive to head or tail winds). When I installed AT tyres, fuel consumption increased by 1kmpl, roof rack/awning by 0.5kmpl and bull bar by another 1.5kmpl. Outstanding issues : None. Its not as smooth or fast or efficient or comfortable as my other car, but ready to take me anywhere anytime. My car is pretty much empty from a 4WD modifications in AU standards and even with springs rated without any additional load, ride is hard. But once car is loaded with 5 people and luggage, the ride becomes way better. (very similar to old Royal Enfield Bullets). I probably should have put the adjustable shocks /variable springs combination earlier. 32psi makes the ride comfortable. Future mods : Thinking of getting a roof top tent, specifically the Inspired Overland XL Lightweight Rooftop Tentfor its light weight construction. Next set of of tyres will be LT construction. Now over to some photos Pic from a recent trip camp site I made a vehicle ramp with leftover 200X75 mm wood to get ample clearance under the car. Felt this is a much better/easier option than the jack/jackstand some of the 90k service oils Winch winch control unit Battery cut off switch for winch snorkel Bash plate new mount Onyx lights – They light up bush tracks like a day Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
