[AWD]

After reading various comments on Thar Crde, Im more inclined towards Mdi now. Have a major concern though, can an A.C. unit be fitted easily in Mdi?
Also how heavy is the regular steering, say in comparison to Gypsy?

[Jaggu]

Originally Posted by AWD

After reading various comments on Thar Crde, Im more inclined towards Mdi now. Have a major concern though, can an A.C. unit be fitted easily in Mdi?
Also how heavy is the regular steering, say in comparison to Gypsy?

Pain at parking speed, especially if you upgrade tyres and quite aok at speeds. AC should not be very difficult if you have access to a good AC technician/shop.

But do you have any info on Di 4x4, availability etc?

[4x4addict]

@AWD: The MDI steering box is the front mounted Recirculating Ball type like the one available in the Mahidra Pick up range. The steering ratio is higher than for the standard MM540 steering so even with bigger tires, it is not as bad as the old steering boxes. Arka is running this steering set up on his jeep and the steering effort is okay.

The good thing is that upgrading to power steering for an MDI is much easier as the Power RCBox has the same bolt holes as the MRB steering so you only need to swap out the box and add the pump and reservoir. If you are not installing AC you can run on a single (longer) belt. If you are running AC you will need to change your engine pulley to a two slot one or ideally make a custom three slot pulley so PS pump and AC can have separate belts. For my jeep, I did a custom three slop engine pulley so AC & PS have their own belt.

[SPIKE ARRESTOR]

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

The steering ratio is higher than for the standard MM540 steering so even with bigger tires, it is not as bad as the old steering boxes.

Tini, could you please throw some light on the steering ratio of a standard 540 and this one?

Spike

EDIT- There are two variants of steering wheels!

[ex670c]

Originally Posted by SPIKE ARRESTOR

Tini, could you please throw some light on the steering ratio of a standard 540 and this one?

Spike

Hi Spike,

From what little I know.

CJ3B Type Worm & Roller 18:1

(CLASSIC/MM550XD) Worm & Roller 18:1 with Universal Joint

Armada Type Recirculating Ball 23:1 with Universal Joint.

MRCBT without Idler Arm 23:1

Regards,

Arka

[SPIKE ARRESTOR]

^^ From what little I know, it ranged from 20:1 to 23:1 (except for CJ3B)

Spike

[ex670c]

Originally Posted by SPIKE ARRESTOR

^^ From what little I know, it ranged from 20:1 to 23:1 (except for CJ3B)Spike

Hi Spike,

Your modesty humbles me.

The Commander's used a 20:1 MRCBT with Idler Arm, some with Universal Joints, was It used in the MM550XD/XDB/DP?

Regards,

Arka

[SPIKE ARRESTOR]

^^ Yes Sir,it was used indeed!

Spike

[ex670c]

Originally Posted by SPIKE ARRESTOR

^^ Yes Sir,it was used indeed!

Spike

Sir,

Thank you Sir!!!

Why did M&M switch from the Idler Arm RCBT setup to the MRCBT Setup, since both have 23:1 Ratio.

I recollect the Older MM540 Type 2 Spoke Steering Wheel and Older Bowl 3 Spoke (Peace Symbol) Steering Wheel, usually seen in Armada's/Commanders.

Regards,

Arka

[AWD]

Originally Posted by Jaggu

Pain at parking speed, especially if you upgrade tyres and quite aok at speeds. do you have any info on Di 4x4, availability etc?

That's not good news for me because I did not like my Gypsy's steering. If its similar to Gypsy, I might be able to live with but any heavier will put it out of contention for me.

For A.C. in Mdi, a blower unit will have ot be retro-installed below the dash. This will in most cases rattle for not being a factory job. The blower unit might have to sourced from Bolero's parts bin, or any other suggestions...?

Local dealer says Mdi will have P.S in one variant, I did not believe him. On availability, he says Crde will be available on booking after 20 days & that Mdi will only be available after 3 months! He also maintained that color Black will take 3 months. Right now Crde only coming in Silver & shade of red/maroon. Mdi only in White.

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

@AWD: The MDI steering box is the front mounted Recirculating Ball type. with bigger tires, it is not as bad as the old steering boxes.
The good thing is that upgrading to power steering for an MDI is much easier as the Power RCBox

As its not a P.S. unit, I would like it to be not heavier than Gypsy's. Not too keen on after market P.S. job because we do not have many experienced mechs/workshops around. Don't want a chalta hai job. In case MM does that, dealership will charge huge bucks.

Regarding tyre upgradation, I will only convert to Tubeless radials if they are not coming O.E. No upsize for me in non-P.S. vehicle. Will keep a different set for off-roading needs.

Will the A.C. unit fit well alongside the Mdi engine?

[4x4addict]

Originally Posted by AWD

For A.C. in Mdi, a blower unit will have ot be retro-installed below the dash. This will in most cases rattle for not being a factory job. The blower unit might have to sourced from Bolero's parts bin, or any other suggestions...?

Bolero has a blower integrated into the dash. You will have to get the bolt on unit that we use to install in ambassadors. I have this set up in my jeep. See the attached photo for AC set up in my jeep.

Originally Posted by AWD

Local dealer says Mdi will have P.S in one variant, I did not believe him.

Dealers are clueless. I hope, he is right.

Originally Posted by AWD

Not too keen on after market P.S. job because we do not have many experienced mechs/workshops around. Don't want a chalta hai job. In case MM does that, dealership will charge huge bucks.

Converting a regular 540/550 to P.S is a fairly complicated job as it involves modifying the front cross member and changing the steering/rods/tie rods etc..
For MDI, it is much simpler and can be done in about 2 hours of labour. Your dealer shouldn't charge more than 4 hours of labour for this.

Originally Posted by AWD

Will the A.C. unit fit well alongside the Mdi engine?

AC compressor fouls with the pipe that carries air from the Turbo to the intake manifold. This pipe has to be lengthened. Bolero DI with AC has the compressor at the bottom right. For 4WD, this is not possible as it will foul with the front diff pumkin.

[AWD]

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

Bolero has a blower integrated into the dash. You will have to get the bolt on unit that we use to install in ambassadors.

Sourcing it from HM should be easy, any idea on costs? Yours is a neat install, hope it does not foul with left knee. Also, no space left for ICE unit or can one go lower! Saw yours on sun-visor but I won't install there.

For MDI, it is much simpler and can be done in about 2 hours of labour. Your dealer shouldn't charge more than 4 hours of labour for this.

Charges only for labour, no parts?

For 4WD, this is not possible as it will foul with the front diff pumkin.

So, for A.C. conversion, one is left with either Mdi 4x2 or Crde!

Dealer won't have answers to A.C, HT or P.S, people from MM should atleast confirm about A.C/P.S/HT fitment in MdI/Crde. Also, about when does company intend to provide these through dealerships.

[Jaggu]

Originally Posted by AWD

For A.C. in Mdi, a blower unit will have ot be retro-installed below the dash. This will in most cases rattle for not being a factory job. The blower unit might have to sourced from Bolero's parts bin, or any other suggestions...?

I would also suggest a simple separate blower install instead of using bolero unit since it will involve changing the whole dash.

[SPIKE ARRESTOR]

Originally Posted by ex670c

Sir,

Thank you Sir!!!

Why did M&M switch from the Idler Arm RCBT setup to the MRCBT Setup, since both have 23:1 Ratio.

I recollect the Older MM540 Type 2 Spoke Steering Wheel and Older Bowl 3 Spoke (Peace Symbol) Steering Wheel, usually seen in Armada's/Commanders.

Regards,

Arka

Arka, although both have similar ratios MRCBT is more direct (good Steering feel on and off centre), feedback is also good. The Idler arm is the weakest link in the chain. Elimination of those ball joints resulted in this improvement. This is the least I can think off, what do you feel?

Spike

[4x4addict]

Originally Posted by AWD

Sourcing it from HM should be easy, any idea on costs? Yours is a neat install, hope it does not foul with left knee. Also, no space left for ICE unit or can one go lower! Saw yours on sun-visor but I won't install there.

If you install the AC blower below the dash in the center as I have done, the only place for ICE is the far left, below the glove box. But you cannot operate while driving except maybe changing channels, volume etc with a remote. I went for the Omnibus set up as it was the easiest to reach the ICE to change CDs etc... The AC if centered is very close to the left knee, but it is not too bad unless you very tall.

Originally Posted by AWD

Charges only for labour, no parts?

A full AC unit including a Japanese Sandem Compressor, National/Unicla blower that I have set up in my jeep costs about 25K plus about 5K installation. You won't get it at the HM dealer, you need to go to an aftermarket AC specialist.

Originally Posted by AWD

So, for A.C. conversion, one is left with either Mdi 4x2 or Crde! \

As I mentioned, you can installn on MDI 4WD by modifying the steel hose into the intake manifold. I have done it and so has sam (jeepy) on his Invader 4WD.

Originally Posted by AWD

Dealer won't have answers to A.C, HT or P.S, people from MM should atleast confirm about A.C/P.S/HT fitment in MdI/Crde. Also, about when does company intend to provide these through dealerships.

There is a member on this forum (Designation) who had his Bolero 4WD which has the same powertrain and front pumkin get the dealer in Ernakulam to install Power Steering and maybe AC too. It was done at the dealer. Dealers in Kerala have lot more experience with 4WD models so that may have helped. But, I think he had to really push them to get it done. You can read details on his Bolero Camper 4x4 Thread.