[ananthkamath]

3 years have passed since my last update. The MM550 is being used as a daily driver by my brother. No big trips or OTRs. The old Mahindra continues to soldier on, and a couple of significant make-overs have happened.

1) Around mid-2019, the entire driveline - from the clutch, gearbox, transfer case, prop-shafts, and axles were stripped and rebuilt with the best available parts.


2) Around March 2020, the engine had an issue of coolant being found in the oil (or vice versa, I cant remember). The old cylinder liners were basically found being eaten away when the engine was torn down. No worries at all, we found a local expert who rebuilt the whole thing - new liners, piston rings, rebuilt head, in 2 days flat! Some pictures from that process, since then the engine has been butter smooth:









3) Later during 2020, the lockdowns and other related pandemic BS meant that there was enough time for a full body tear down and rebuild. Years of being in the salty air of the coast had taken its toll, causing a rattly, squeaking body.














After several months of being in the workshop, the MM550 has been reborn as a black beauty - for now






Next project, new tires - Anybody have recommendations for a AT tire that is available there locally in Mangalore area? The old Yokohamas have proven very good overall, but I'm wondering if there are any new contenders for best locally available AT tire!

[antihero]

I have to admit that Matt black color looks quite nice on that jeep. However I'm wondering if the huge gap between the tyre and the wheel well is due to raised suspension or lower profile tyres?

As far as tyres go, the best bang for buck for pure bad roading is still ndms tyres. I believe JK is the tyre of choice.

The best overall tyres I've found on my gypsy have been the Michelin ATs. Not very aggressive but an excellent mix of low road noise, good grip and decent life. This would be followed by the Goodyear wrangler AT. More road noise, less grip but longer lasting. Finally followed by MRF wanderer (they come in AT and HT variants), most noise, hardest compound lence last the most.

[ananthkamath]

Thanks for the reply - I believe the gap is partially due to the aspect ratio of the photos, and partially due to dog bone shackles on the leaf springs which increases ride height over the stock. Also the tires are 235/75-15 which is smaller than the OE size.

NDMS is out of the question since this isnt a pure off-roader. The other choices I would agree with! Unfortunately due to the pandemic, tire stocks are hard to find locally. The Geolandars are impossible to find. BFG KO2s are expensive as hell and also hard to find. May have to go with GY or MRF as a stop-gap.

[DirtyDan]

Originally Posted by ananthkamath

Unfortunately due to the pandemic, tire stocks are hard to find locally. The Geolandars are impossible to find. BFG KO2s are expensive as hell and also hard to find. May have to go with GY or MRF as a stop-gap.

Continentals are better than MRF and Geolanders IMHO. I had a set, good tread
pattern and works on the HWY, too. Continental is a German brand known and respected in Europe and N. America.

https://www.amazon.in/Continental-Conti-Cross-Contact-Tubeless/dp/B018R1T658/ref=pd_day0_4?pd_rd_w=WBKgK&pf_rd_p=9e10c3a0-2de0-4d88-9f69-0146072f9df1&pf_rd_r=128T7G036A8E3JSH3CS7&pd_rd_r= d000795b-c273-4cee-a3dc-e36dcb950abf&pd_rd_wg=NjoKA&pd_rd_i=B018R1T658&psc =1

But, if they are available, my first choice for bad roading is Michelin LTX. Their
build is done in one piece, not quadrants, and they have a good compound and they are rounder out of the factory than most tyres. They don't look like much, but they are quality. I have had several sets and have a set on my 2018 Thar right now. Great on the HWY, surprisingly good in snow, not bad in mud for an AT tyre.

https://www.michelin.in/auto/tyres/ltx-force

[ananthkamath]

Thanks for the link, I had no idea Continental was available in India, or else I would've opted for them - we got some GY Wrangler for now. I also agree that the Michelin LTX (and BFG KO2 which is owned by Michelin) are amongst the highest quality AT tires you can buy.