Slunnie replied:

I recently did an extended Simpson tour with a few of these in the group. I've got to say, that for this type of work they were very good. They were relatively heavy on the juice though. As a guide the TD100's used 150l from Birdville to New Crown, Tdi Disco used 85l, V6 Prado/Pajero used 150l. A very good tourer though, and the standard long range tanks were good for them also. From what I saw out there the IFS worked well, even on rough uneven dune, though I don't know what they are like when working serious trails. Regards Slunnie

Ken replied:

Hi Simon .Have no fears, the current tdi motor in the 100 series is a completly redesigned unit to the old 80 series one and even they had the problems ironed towards the end. Regards Ken.

greg g replied:

HIi Simon,I have a 100 td cruiser,it is automatic.I have done 23000 k in 12 months.I bought it to tow a camper trailer and later a larger van when we semi retire..soon I hope.The only trip I have done of note was from Gold Coast to Melbourne and return to se AFL grand final last September.Went down Newell highway (no trailer) sat on 115 k/h and returned 24m/gallon in the old money for 3700 k.I am very impressed with the wagon..the auto box in the low gears takes a bit to get used too
but you have to remember it is a diesel although you wouldn't know sitting inside.We have also towed a Jayco Off Road camper to Stradbroke Island and although the rear end did sag a bit..( I would definately get new rear springs before I did it again..there was a thread on this forum a couple of weeks ago about some ARB reccomend) it pulled the camper though really soft sand with out any trouble at all..
re battery setup..after much reading I got my auto electrician to install 105 amp hr deepcycle in place of one of the starting batteries and use a Traxide controller..ran 2 separate wires to the rear of the veichle,one inside and installed 2 h/duty narva sockets next to the original cig lighter socket and ran the other one to an anderson plug to run stuff in van..Had 3 weeks on North Stradbroke everything worked fine even the 12 v tv..hope any of this info helps.

pathfinder replied:

Simon - I am curious to know why you are thinking about trading the GU 4.2TD for a 100 series. Whilst the latter may offer more power, it is unlikely that it will be as durable (particularly front diff and possibly gearbox) or as capable off road as a Patrol...

Derek replied:

Hi Simon. I've been reading this thread and would like to impart the following. The 100 series is approximately 100kgs heavier than the 80 series which is heavier than the GQ. The power of the new 4.2TD is awesome but the front suspension is nothing short of embarrassing. We have one in our club and the lack of wheel travel in the front end is alarming. And finally, Landcruisers do not have hi-lux diffs in the front-they merely share similar dimensions. Hope this helps. Derek.