Advice Needed: Modifying My 2010 Pajero for Family Off-Road Adventures

[Pats]

Hi everyone, I’m new here and looking for some professional advice on modifying my 2010 Pajero for light off-road use in the mountains and desert. I’m not interested in extreme off-roading or dune bashing, just something suitable for weekend family adventures and camping trips when the weather improves.

I also need suggestions for adding more storage on the roof, as I have a 2-door Pajero.

Additionally, I’m planning to give my Pajero a new paint job but am unsure whether to go with traditional paint or vinyl wrapping.

I’ve been considering this project for a long time and was initially unsure if I should sell my Pajero and get a newer model to modify. However, I decided to stick with my current 3.8 because the newer models don’t have the same engine.

I’d really appreciate any professional advice and recommendations for a good garage. Thank you so much!

[Gaurav]

You will be happy in the long run, if you don't modify your Pajero. As with extensive modification plans reliability goes down and that is the number 1 thing needed while off-roading to come back home in the same car.

For Pajero, maximum I think body mods like a front bash plate and rear bumper skid plate are good to prevent sand scooping.

If you plan to lift, do not exceed more than 2 inches, as it will increase the risk of rollover in dunes. Again this area is very subjective if you learn to drive properly only, otherwise with stock height you can roll if you are taking the wrong lines, or fighting gravity extensively without the rolling momentum. The bottom line, with stock height, most mistakes will be forgiven. With 2-inch height - some mistakes will be forgiven. Above 2 inches lift - most mistakes will not be forgiven.

If you plan to off-road a lot with this car, opt for a slim profile and lightest roof rack and not big and bulky, as any added weight and height over the roof, will disturb the center of gravity and you will feel very tipsy on dunes and even on mountains.

The paint job is always my personal preference over a wrap, as it's permanent, durable and looks real unless you intend to change color and try it out with a wrap. This is purely personal preference, nothing wrong with wrap tbh.

3.8 + SWB on Pajero is your good enough starting point, so don't overthink as that much power-to-weight ratio is reasonable and respectable among most good off-road-worthy cars.

[Pats]

Hi Gaurav,

Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate it.

I’ll keep what you said in mind.

At first, I wasn’t planning to make major changes to my Pajero. I just want the basic upgrades like front and rear bash plates, and maybe trimming the front bumper a bit. I’m also thinking of installing a Dobinson 2'' lift and getting a slim roof rack with an awning. Someone suggested getting a new air filter for the car—do you think that's necessary, or are there any other mechanical upgrades I should consider? What about rims and tires, what size would you recommend?

My goal with these upgrades is to go on light off-road camping trips with my family and maybe I will join the desert rides and to make my Pajero look better.

Can you recommend a good and honest garage?

Thanks again for your input!

All the best,

Patrik

[Gaurav]

2 hours ago, Pats said:

Someone suggested getting a new air filter for the car—do you think that's necessary, or are there any other mechanical upgrades I should consider?

With air filter marginal gain, risk of blowing the engine is a huge trade-off. If you opt for one, make sure the air filter housing and plumbing is always secured (not leaking) and the neck is flexible, as when these things fail, the engine sucks free-flow sand - very common failure point.

2 hours ago, Pats said:

What about rims and tires, what size would you recommend?

Stock rims are safer, as most aftermarket will break or have an unbalance issue. If you still want, go with a top-notch brand with "OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR" as many (or most) tire shops sell fake replicas.

For tires, any lightweight AT tire is a must for offroading - Yokohama Geolander, Michelin LTX force, Cooper AT3 are good.

2 hours ago, Pats said:

Can you recommend a good and honest garage?

That's the only thing we don't to stay unbiased.

You can check good garage based on Google reviews very easily or through business listings here.

[Luke K P]

A couple of bash plates is all you will require for light offroading and camping... recommend keeping as many stock parts as possible as @Gaurav mentioned.

and if getting 3rd party parts.. find the official distributor in UAE and use them only. You will get genuine parts and not need to buy them twice (along with other repairs when the replicas break down)

You can go a long way in the rank/levels of carnity off-roading club with your standard relatively unmodified SWB pajero. it will do the job just fine!

Edited August 28, 2024 by Luke K P

[Batuhan Kulac]

I am a Jeeper but have many friends with Pajies. Along withe the bash plate I would remove/replace the sidesteps with something more streamlined as well. I have never seen a Pajero owner who goes off-road without sidesteps that aren't bent. They are the first things to go when you crest or do straight ups and downs. Removing them will give you some extra clearance as well. Other than that Pajero is sturdy as hell... no mods needed apart from maybe a set of geolanders.