Finally have a Paj

[Guy]

I am the proud owner of a NL pag 01\98 build.
Auto SOHC 3.5 V6 on gas escape edition has an ally bull bar and side steps.
Running 235/75 15's, according to the GPS's the speedo is pretty well spot on so the 235's must have been the factory tyre size.
Pretty happy with it so far, now the questions begin.
What mods to do first basic stuff only single income for a while as my wife is on maternity leave.
I will be installing the obligitory driving lights UHF (have them from 4x4's past)

Would like to pop some 31-32 MT type rubber on it but would also like to know if it is easy to change the speedo gearing to keep it accurate.

[-Scott-]

I am the proud owner of a NL pag 01\98 build.

Running 235/75 15's, according to the GPS's the speedo is pretty well spot on so the 235's must have been the factory tyre size.

Yes, factory size for the Escape. GLS/Exceed ran 265/75R16, which is pretty much 31x10.5 size. Will probably need flares to keep the tyres inside the guards. The Mitsu FAQ should tell you if there's a difference in brake sizes to think about.

Would like to pop some 31-32 MT type rubber on it but would also like to know if it is easy to change the speedo gearing to keep it accurate.

Easy. From memory, you'd need a 26 tooth gear to suit 31" tyres - order whatever suits the GLS. I found a 24 tooth gear which works well (<1km/h against GPS) with my 33s, and there is probably a 25 tooth gear which would be perfect for 32s.

Once you know how it's done, it's literally less than 10 minutes to change the gear. Remove locking clip on plug, remove plug, undo screw, remove speedo gear carrier from transfer case. Drift out pin, slide out old gear. Installation is a reversal of the procedure; there are numbers cast (somewhere) which tell you the proper orientation of the carrier to suit the new gear.

[hudson44]

What mods to do first basic stuff only single income for a while as my wife is on maternity leave.

SAS and V8 conversion just to start!

[Guy]

I am the proud owner of a NL pag 01\98 build.

Running 235/75 15's, according to the GPS's the speedo is pretty well spot on so the 235's must have been the factory tyre size.

Yes, factory size for the Escape. GLS/Exceed ran 265/75R16, which is pretty much 31x10.5 size. Will probably need flares to keep the tyres inside the guards. The Mitsu FAQ should tell you if there's a difference in brake sizes to think about.

Would like to pop some 31-32 MT type rubber on it but would also like to know if it is easy to change the speedo gearing to keep it accurate.

Easy. From memory, you'd need a 26 tooth gear to suit 31" tyres - order whatever suits the GLS. I found a 24 tooth gear which works well (<1km/h against GPS) with my 33s, and there is probably a 25 tooth gear which would be perfect for 32s.

Once you know how it's done, it's literally less than 10 minutes to change the gear. Remove locking clip on plug, remove plug, undo screw, remove speedo gear carrier from transfer case. Drift out pin, slide out old gear. Installation is a reversal of the procedure; there are numbers cast (somewhere) which tell you the proper orientation of the carrier to suit the new gear.

excellent(re speedo gears) , I am hoping to stay pretty skinny as far as rubber goes .. I am hoping to hunt down 33x10.5s I will be very happy to run em. oterwise 275's or perhaps 285's... if they will fit without to much hassle.

[-Scott-]

excellent(re speedo gears) , I am hoping to stay pretty skinny as far as rubber goes .. I am hoping to hunt down 33x10.5s I will be very happy to run em. oterwise 275's or perhaps 285's... if they will fit without to much hassle.

If you want to run 33s I recommend zero offset (patrol) rims, and you shouldn't have much trouble with clearance/scrubbing. Stick some (stock) GQ patrol springs in the rear for a 2" lift, and you should be good to go (previous caveat re flares...)

[Guy]

excellent(re speedo gears) , I am hoping to stay pretty skinny as far as rubber goes .. I am hoping to hunt down 33x10.5s I will be very happy to run em. oterwise 275's or perhaps 285's... if they will fit without to much hassle.

If you want to run 33s I recommend zero offset (patrol) rims, and you shouldn't have much trouble with clearance/scrubbing. Stick some (stock) GQ patrol springs in the rear for a 2" lift, and you should be good to go (previous caveat re flares...)

Sounds good. GU rims are pretty cheap.