Four wheel drive advice - Page 2

302 XC · 07-03-2010, 04:09 PM

if goin the patrol way
steer well clear of the 2.8 ,they are cheap for a reason
they have MAJOR head cracking/heating issues (gq not so bad but gu very bad)
but it will really depend on your budget and the requirements of the vechicle
do u want a ute/extra cab/dual cab or wagon ???

350125GO · 07-03-2010, 04:40 PM

Id either go a wrangler or bronco if you only need 2 doors.

tankclare · 07-03-2010, 04:42 PM

agreed..the 2.8 is a pretty dodgey motor although there is a very neat 2.8 GU with TUFFGU plates from taree..

Fordmuscle1965 · 07-03-2010, 05:36 PM

http://cars.ebay.com.au/Holden-Jacka...mZ190376928839

Not to bad!

FPV70 · 07-03-2010, 05:47 PM

Actually, I have a 2.8, Dodgey? Far from it.

They have proven reliability, Alot still going from 1993.

Mine is a 1997 has 320,000 Kays on it. Has an exhaust upgrade on it, boosted injector pump and now I am looking at the GU Intercooler for it.

Like "ANY" car/diesel, they require maintinance but as far as price, the GQ 2.8 wins hands down.

They are cheap because people think the 4.2 are the be all and end all of Patrols but I suggest you actually take one for a drive.

They are an OHC motor so their power and torque come on a bit later in the rev range, they also only take 6.2 Ltrs of Oil with oil filter when changing oil unlike the 4.2 which takes 11 Ltrs.

The 2.8 Turbo can make 117 Bhp at the wheels and 750 Lb torque aswell.

Mine has 83 Bhp and 510 Lbs and can comfortably tow 2800 Kgs.

2.8 also run 9 inch diffs as opposed to the 4.2 running the 10 inch.

I also have a 147 Ltr fuel tank and get easy 1100 kays to the tank driving mainly to work and some driving around town and to the inlaws house.

I would definately recomend an 2.8 Turbo Diesel Patrol to anyone.

Atleast drive one and then if you are not happy with it, then bag the crap out of it but untill you do, stay open minded.

302 XC · 07-03-2010, 06:08 PM

FPV70,
totally agree some are good but most are bad especially when the 2.8 is involved
yes i have had one (2.8 gu)and the 4.2 petrol(gq) will out pull it all day long
the 4.2 petrol is a bit more thirstier,but the power difference makes up for it
but here is not the place for wats good or bad,read about the 2.8 reliability/unreliability on any 4 wheel drive forum,theres plenty to read about
maintenance is certainly an issue,but mine was serviced every 5,000 since new and the head went just under 200,000
AND the repair bill,oh my god, could have bought a worked 351 for that sorta money

**janddbone** · 18-10-2010, 12:05 AM

Any updates on your decision... I am hopefully picking up a Cherokee in the next couple of weeks!

NC_Lane · 18-10-2010, 02:31 PM

+ 1 for cruiser/patrol,

If you think you may get into some serious 4wding I wouldnt consider anything else.
I have been there and done that. Was considering a paj,prado,jackaroo and finally got a cruiser and havent looked back.

Nothing worse than getting a 4wd and finding out that it cant do what you need it to or go where the others go.

You may think your going to be just doing a bit fo camping and going on dirt roads, but when the bug bites, its going to be much harder/expensive to get one of the independent suspension 4wds to come anywhere close to cruiser/patrol/jeep.

TheInterceptor · 18-10-2010, 03:13 PM

It really depends on the sort of 4wding you intend to do.

Easy stuff - rav4 etc
Medium stuff - stockish hilux etc sort of thing or maybe a worked "easy" type vehicle
Hard stuff - the big boys, Land cruisers, patrols etc, worked "medium's".
Extreme stuff - modded "hard's"
Comp - modded "extreme's" on steroids

Somthing like that?

Either way, by the looks of the dates on this thread its been a while...

So motionless xe, did you decide on somthing?

Mad_Aussie · 18-10-2010, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 302 XC

if goin the patrol way
steer well clear of the 2.8 ,they are cheap for a reason
they have MAJOR head cracking/heating issues (gq not so bad but gu very bad)
but it will really depend on your budget and the requirements of the vechicle
do u want a ute/extra cab/dual cab or wagon ???

2.8 is a good patrol one to buy for someone who's into their nissans...
rb25/26 drops straight in without fuss

The 3.0 GU can be done, but you need to modify the engine/box mounts.
You can find 3.0L GU's with popped engines for bugger all, the ZD30 was a disaster in the patrol, but find one from a Navara and they go fine.

http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42972

The GQ patrols ran rb30's in a diesel guise, so they are good candidates for RB conversions too. Although you won't get an rb into a shorty GQ without a lot of headaches.

If you just want an offroad hack, find a late 80's hilux. They aren't powerful, but they'll go anywhere.

Avoid jeeps at all costs.

grandpa_spec_F6 · 18-10-2010, 04:04 PM

I was photographing a Ramp competition at Opposite Lock this weekend just gone, and the Mitsubishi's were by far the most well appointed in terms of the interior, however, the stock ones got about as far as the first rung (barely 500mm) and that was about it.

The most comfy 4wd's are the Landcruisers and Patrols by far. If you want to do some serious stuff, either of those would be my recommendation. A hilux is fine for work / play, and make sure you get a pre-IFS model if don't mind having your back broken, but want to go that little bit more extreme.

If you just want a bucket of puss that you can thrash, Suzuki Sierra or Vitara (go the fuel injected) are little weapons.

Ben73 · 18-10-2010, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svo supporter

Avoid the Jeep range at all costs. The biggest thirstiest pieces of crap roaming round.

If you're after a bit of fuel consumption and aren't doing serious off roading, why not look at the Tojo Rav 4 or Kluger. Should pick one of those up under 10K. No serious faults and very reliable.

I would recommend all petrol Jeeps.
Diesels have been known to be unreliable or expensive to fix... or both.

Petrol ones work really good, last long, and have plenty of power. Especially in V8 Guise.

You get out of your Jeep the way you treat it. Treat it like **** and it will cost you in repairs, treat it well and you will be fine.
Same as EVERY OTHER car.

Jeeps may be know as unreliable and thirsty, but I know they are not unreliable. Can be thirsty though.
Grand Cherokee are just fantastic.

BTW I own a Jeep.

Get a Wrangler or a Cherokee, Or Grand Cherokee and you will be able to have fun off road as well.

I highly recommend the Grand Cherokee Overland with the High output V8 and all luxury options.
Although on the negative Grand Cherokee Limited or Overland models have been know to get the Blend Door problem.
Not sure but has something to do with Air Conditioning and it's a pain to fix. If you get one make sure you ask if they previous owner has already fixed it. But then again it wont happen to all of them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad_Aussie

Avoid jeeps at all costs.

Why?

Any reasoning behind that or have you just heard they are not reliable so you will not recommended them?

On a Aussie Jeep forum I visit alot of the members have said they have had toyotas that cause more grief

Mad_Aussie · 18-10-2010, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben73

Why?

Any reasoning behind that or have you just heard they are not reliable so you will not recommended them?

Had three on the station.

Smashed struts, bent axels, had the engine mounts fall out of one dropping the engine through the steering rack. Flipped over easy. Electrics failed as soon as they caught glimpse of the water. ECU's died at almost exactly 100,000kms on all three. Smashed the diff in one.

However these were being used to muster with. Was an expensive mistake for the boys. Obviously not "normal" wear and tear lol.

But the times I've driven around with wranglers, the zooks got to more places than them. Plus they sound awful and use ridiculous amounts of fuel.

Not that I can say much about the new jeeps, but old jeeps are ******.

302 XC · 18-10-2010, 05:24 PM

Mad Aussie,
Being a nissan nut
I wouldnt touch either the 2.8 or 3.0 (Im sure ive said it somewhere here before)
They both are the cheaper end for a reason
Diesel it would be 4.2 Diesel (GQ onwards)
OR
SD33 (Either non turbo or turbo,both factory fitout)(MQ,MK range)
The earlier MQ/MK range can be had for a measly K or so and are near bullet proof
Good cheap fun 4x4
Petrol would be the TB42 EFI (GQ range)(wouldnt touch the carb version)
The MQ/MK range had the L28 Petrol (same as the Z cars,very strong motor)

Even goin the RB30 route,(GQ range)many have run turbos and the TB42 (4.2 L petrol)are still better

And having had a GU,I never would again even if u give 1 to me
The GQ would be the pick (1 here)
Next would be an 80 series turbo diesel

The rest (soft roaders,dont they call them )(Ravs,prado,hilux ect ect)
Ya can keep

Mad_Aussie · 18-10-2010, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 302 XC

Mad Aussie,
Being a nissan nut
I wouldnt touch either the 2.8 or 3.0 (Im sure ive said it somewhere here before)
They both are the cheaper end for a reason
Diesel it would be 4.2 Diesel (GQ onwards)
OR
SD33 (Either non turbo or turbo,both factory fitout)(MQ,MK range)
The earlier MQ/MK range can be had for a measly K or so and are near bullet proof
Good cheap fun 4x4
Petrol would be the TB42 EFI (GQ range)(wouldnt touch the carb version)
The MQ/MK range had the L28 Petrol (same as the Z cars,very strong motor)

Even goin the RB30 route,(GQ range)many have run turbos and the TB42 (4.2 L petrol)are still better

And having had a GU,I never would again even if u give 1 to me
The GQ would be the pick (1 here)
Next would be an 80 series turbo diesel

The rest (soft roaders,dont they call them )(Ravs,prado,hilux ect ect)
Ya can keep

The 2.8 and 3.0 are great cars to do engine swaps to. Can be bought for peanuts, and spare engines are fairly cheap. If the OP is willing to turn some spanners to save some $$$, a 2.8 GU with a rb25 stuffed in it is probably one of the best 4x4 packages to be had. Not something I'd traverse the country in however.

To call a hilux a 'soft roader' is a bit silly however. They are insanely practical and reliable cars (although the 2000-2003 diesel 3.0 had problems I believe). I grew up with hiluxes and cruisers, would definitely recommend them. Our current pig rig is a clapped out '83 hilux with a 3Y, goes everywhere and comes back every time, which is much more than can be said about a lot of mates cars.

If you want a real cheap bulletproof bunky 4x4, you're definitely on the mark about the MQ/MK... Those things can take a hell of a lot of abuse!

boss54 · 18-10-2010, 05:48 PM

patrol SWB!

302 XC · 18-10-2010, 06:55 PM

Putting an RB26 into an ex RD28 ???
The RB motors are petrol
The RD28 are diesel
(You could go RB26 replacement for RB30)
The costs would be on the extreme side surely
Do the motor and box bolt straight up ??
Is there mods required to the gearbox mounts ???
Does that effect the tailshafts lengths ???
ECU mods,mod plates,approval ect ect

Best bet buy the bigger engine version straight up

loosey · 18-10-2010, 07:02 PM

This thread was a blast from the past! Soon after I posted this thread I took the for sale signs the skyline to keep for the cooler months. Since then I really haven't put any effort into getting rid of it so it's still sitting in the garage. My ideas/ priorities have changed slightly and when it comes time to change cars (next few months) I'll probably be looking at subaru's.
Having said that I change my mind almost as often as i change my underwear so that's likely to change haha.

Mad_Aussie · 18-10-2010, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 302 XC

Putting an RB26 into an ex RD28 ???
The RB motors are petrol
The RD28 are diesel
(You could go RB26 replacement for RB30)
The costs would be on the extreme side surely
Do the motor and box bolt straight up ??
Is there mods required to the gearbox mounts ???
Does that effect the tailshafts lengths ???
ECU mods,mod plates,approval ect ect

Best bet buy the bigger engine version straight up

RB goes onto rd28 box, using rb bellhousing afaik
Scrub fuel tank out, bosch 044 pump or even stocker r33 pump, replace fuel lines with petrol rated hose
Engine mounts line up
rb ecu, needs one extra relay for power

Not too hard to do really

you Eastern Staters with your RWC/emissions stuff may have dramas, but do it cleanly enough and you'll be right. It's what I love about nissan, pretty much every nissan bit can go in pretty much every nissan lol! Parts cars.

You can put a 25 (non vvt) or 26 head onto a 30e bottom end... Belt tensioner needs relocating, and some oil/water galleys need to be dremelled out. This makes for an insane engine, but it pays to do it properly first time so that the motor is reliable. Don't want to be out bush and drop a piston or spin a bearing. RB's enjoy doing that - thats what the RB stands for - replace bearings.

svo supporter · 18-10-2010, 07:17 PM

I owned a XJ Cherokee and all it was used for was round town work. I had the translines at the rad split, the front diff crap itself, the exhaust manifold crack and the rear diff started making funny noises when I sold it. I bought it with 100K on the clock and sold it with 130K

I put it on gas, as it was bloody expensive on fuel. Gas wasn't much cheaper. 350K out of 80litres. I was getting 450 out of fuel.

So if you treat them right and you still have these sorts of dramas, I'd hate to think what would happen if you mistreated them, or took them off road.

302 XC · 18-10-2010, 07:29 PM

Isnt the RD28 non removable bellhousing ???
(Cant remember,dont want to remember)
Heap of junk RD28 ,another for the "Why did they bother" pile

velocityXR6 · 18-10-2010, 07:34 PM

i've got a GQ wagon 4.2 diesel sounds bad for the wallet i know, but set of extractors and Gas makes about the same power as the petrol but heaps more torque good on road too (Coil sprung) but even better in the scrub.... once you start 4wding even if touring you won't be able to help yourself Bring on the mods

xmwagonist · 18-10-2010, 07:48 PM

Only one I regret selling was my 80 series landcruiser, it was well set up with 4" lift, 35" m/t's and alloy front bar. It was 4.2 24valve diesel and 5 speed. I would buy it back if I could! Sold it and brought a 2004 Jeep grand Cherokee crd, great power and comfort but was too flash for any serious off roading. I've also had a couple of swb pajeros which took a beating off road, nothing like a 80 series though. I now have a dedicated off road LJ50 Suzuki with 31" swampers big lift and a turbo twin cam motor which is unstopable but bone jarring!

Mad_Aussie · 18-10-2010, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xmwagonist

I now have a dedicated off road LJ50 Suzuki with 31" swampers big lift and a turbo twin cam motor which is unstopable but bone jarring!

4ag smallport of fury?
Mate of mine built one with a 4agze out of his aw11, thing was a monster! 4wd heli's on 35" muddies is impressive as hell!

BuckTooth · 18-10-2010, 07:55 PM

I got a 100 series Cruiser, after having traded the 80 series for the XR8 i soon realised that i wanted to go back off road. Its a 4.5 litre petrol slug auto, but it does return about 14-15lt/100km with extractors. Although my plans are to get rid of the 4.5 and try fit a boss motor after reading the Maverick related project threads.

smoo · 18-10-2010, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svo supporter

I owned a XJ Cherokee and all it was used for was round town work. I had the translines at the rad split, the front diff crap itself, the exhaust manifold crack and the rear diff started making funny noises when I sold it. I bought it with 100K on the clock and sold it with 130K

I put it on gas, as it was bloody expensive on fuel. Gas wasn't much cheaper. 350K out of 80litres. I was getting 450 out of fuel.

So if you treat them right and you still have these sorts of dramas, I'd hate to think what would happen if you mistreated them, or took them off road.

Well you got a bad one then. I've had two XJs in the last few years that I picked up for just over a grand to thrash off road. One of the best 4wds out of the box for sure and I wouldn't hesitate in getting another, altho next time I will spend a bit and go for a WJ 4.7.
Compare the fuel costs of an XJ to a V8 disco, V6 Pathfinder, Hilux Surf or Pajero and they are economical, thats before you factor in their off road superiority and engine performance.
Only bad points I can think of is they tare at 1.6t so they aren't the best for towing compared to a Disco etc, if you want to go all out they can get expensive to modify, and parts can be expensive if you don't know where to look.

xmwagonist · 19-10-2010, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad_Aussie

4ag smallport of fury?
Mate of mine built one with a 4agze out of his aw11, thing was a monster! 4wd heli's on 35" muddies is impressive as hell!

That would be cool! Mine is a k10a Suzuki 1000cc twin cam turbo, 125hp at the moment running through a Suzuki Cappuccino 5 speed, very light motor so it hasnt added much weight over the 3cyl 2 stroke it came with!