Introduction and my new to me Jimny 3rd gen (Jimothy)

Hi everyone,

I’d like to introduce myself and Jimothy.

I’m based in New Zealand and have recently acquired a 3rd gen Jimny primarily to be used as a bit of farm, hunting/fishing wagon.

I didn’t know a whole lot about Jimny’s before purchasing but id driven a 3rd gen a few years ago and found it to be very fun car.

Flash forward to late 2025 and an opportunity came up to acquire one by private sale from a friend of a friend. The seller seemed pretty genuine and was an older gentleman who only used it in town and serviced it regularly. My understanding is that the vehicle had been modified prior to his purchase. It appears to have been lifted and I suspect it has a modded transfer case. It also came with larger wheels 30x9.5 r15s.

So far I’ve just been tinkering with it.
Tightened up the clutch cable, installed a roof rack, new gas struts, LED light bar and just some simple cosmetic things.
i had new tyres put on it today (Maxxis Bighorn Mud Terrains) and that has introduced some issues I.e front right driver tyre is rubbing slightly on the rear part of the arch fender at the start of articulation. That tyre also seems to be off centre and sitting more to the rear of the arch.

I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole now of trying to figure this out so here I am as a newly registered member.
Here are some photos. I’ve already had it up the hills.
 

Welcome to the obsession.

Hello and welcome, looks nice!

Sounds like you are hooked and done a lot already.

What size tyres did you fit? I think Big Horns are only available in larger sizes, so they might well rub.

Robin

DrRobin wrote:

Sounds like you are hooked and done a lot already.

What size tyres did you fit? I think Big Horns are only available in larger sizes, so they might well rub.

Robin

Hi Robin,

Yeah I’m pretty hooked for sure. My wife already recognises that this is my next obsession.

It came with pretty worn Bridgestone Dueller M/Ts in 30x9.5 r15s. They didn’t rub at all but now I realise that is because the threads on the front tyres were so worn. The Maxxis BigHorns have such aggressive thread that it is just catching on the rear fender on the right driver side just at the start of turning right.

I’ve been doing some research under the chassis today and think I’ve figured out some various parts. I’d love if someone could help me understand what has and has not been done to the vehicle so far. If I posted some photos up in the technical section, would people help me understand what I’ve got (and what I need)?

Aidan

Welcome mate! Big fan of a white jimny