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Nissan Patrol 3.0 offroad driving

Submitted: Monday, Oct 02, 2006 at 19:40

KKC

Hi,

I used to drive a Rangerover Automatic 4.6 HSE offroad. It is so simple ! Put in low range, Gear 1 for going down very steep slope, the traction control just works.

I am think seriously to buy a Nissan Patrol 3.0 Automatic. Do I need to drive with my left foot on brake ? How do you compare the LSD witth traction control ?
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ThreadID: 38202 Replies: 7
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AnswerID: 197494   Submitted: Monday, Oct 02, 2006 at 19:52

Notso replied:

Choose the correct gear. Takes more skill but you can go anywhere in the 3.00.

Of course they don't come much more capable than the Rangie.
Reply 1 of 7
AnswerID: 197496   Submitted: Monday, Oct 02, 2006 at 20:02

On Patrol replied:

Hi KKC
The LSD rear diff in the patrol is A1, it is the next best thing to a diff lock. My son's previous car was a GQ patrol that was 17 years old and the LSD still worked a treat.

Most stuff can be achieved in low 2nd as this compensates for the turbo boost surge you would get in low 1st.

I personally would not use the left foot for braking unless absolutely necessary.
On Patrol
Turon River N.P.
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Reply 2 of 7
FollowupID: 455996   Submitted: Monday, Oct 02, 2006 at 20:14

awill4x4 posted:

Left foot braking is simple, it's just a matter of practice. With auto's on steeeeep downhills driving through the auto while left foot braking is the standard driver training technique now. I use left foot braking on road as well and I defy anyone who can tell the difference.
Regards Andrew.
FollowUp 1 of 4
FollowupID: 455998   Submitted: Monday, Oct 02, 2006 at 20:19

GQ_TUFF posted:

I can tell the difference between left footers and right footers, Left foot brakers are the ones driving up hill, on the straight, or from the traffic lights with the brake lights ON!!

Cheers
FollowUp 2 of 4
FollowupID: 456000   Submitted: Monday, Oct 02, 2006 at 20:31

On Patrol posted:

I am of the old school personally, if I need to brake and throttle at the same time i heel & toe, this leave the left foot free to kick the dog back if it falls forward on the steep down hills, LOL

Also as GQ TUFF said. anyone can tell a left foot braker by his lights being on, or worse, flashing on at the slightest bump in the road.

IMHO left foot braking is not wise.
Turon River N.P.
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Pobodys nerfect.
FollowUp 3 of 4
FollowupID: 456019   Submitted: Monday, Oct 02, 2006 at 21:50

awill4x4 posted:

Greg Murphy, Ari Vatanen, most World Rally Car drivers, nearly the entire F1 field, left foot braking drivers et al. ;-)
FollowUp 4 of 4
AnswerID: 197511   Submitted: Monday, Oct 02, 2006 at 20:50

Stu-k replied:

Yep I hear their great, next best thing to a jeep!
Reply 3 of 7
AnswerID: 197518   Submitted: Monday, Oct 02, 2006 at 21:25

Dave from P7OFFROAD Accredited Driver Training replied:

In reference to left foot braking as a downhill driving technique... yep, once you have had a bit of practice you will see just how effective this technique can be, it does make a lot of sense when you think about it.

I'll assume that you weren't talking about left foot braking in the 'burbs.

The LSD is no match for Traction Control, but the LSD on a GU is very, very effective.

cheers
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Reply 4 of 7
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AnswerID: 197586   Submitted: Tuesday, Oct 03, 2006 at 09:12

PhilZD30Patrol replied:

Hi KKC

I own a ZD30 Patrol automatic and I agree with all of the positive comments sent so far.

I have never been in a Rangerover but don't expect the more refined things in life in a Patrol. Don't get me wrong, I like the Patrol, but it is really a great but basic truck.

The Patrol's automatic has pretty good engine braking in low low which can be locked in by a switch.

I also use the hand brake to slow me on very steep declines. It is a separate drum onto the tail shaft and therefore applies equal braking force to both rear wheels. I haven't worn the hand brake shoes out yet but it is an easy job to replace them.

good luck and I hope this helps
regards
Phil
Reply 5 of 7
FollowupID: 456144   Submitted: Tuesday, Oct 03, 2006 at 14:49

ImEasy posted:

Turning on your air conditioning will also help in steep declines!
FollowUp 1 of 2
FollowupID: 456248   Submitted: Tuesday, Oct 03, 2006 at 22:41

bob&loz posted:

Phil
"I also use the hand brake to slow me on very steep declines. It is a separate drum onto the tail shaft and therefore applies equal braking force to both rear wheels"

If in 4WD as you would in this case, it applies brakes equally to all 4 wheels. Even better.

Bob
FollowUp 2 of 2
AnswerID: 197643   Submitted: Tuesday, Oct 03, 2006 at 16:24

David from David and Justine Olsen's 4WD Tag-Along replied:

As an owner of both a Range Rover auto and a 3 L Patrol auto, I can say that you will find the low range in the Patrol quite a bit higher than low ange in the Rangie. You will find it runs away in 1 on steep slopes. Just feather the brakes. The LSD is brilliant, one of the best.
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Reply 6 of 7
AnswerID: 197662   Submitted: Tuesday, Oct 03, 2006 at 19:34

KKC replied:

Thank you folks for all your comments. I understand the Patrol GU 3.0 is a very basic, non fancy , truck like 4WD. It has not got Land Crusier's Driver Assist Technology (DAT) electronic stuff..etc. I think its beauty is "simple and robust".

Another question is in 4WD mode, what happen if one of the front wheels is spinning ? Is it a 50-50 toque split between front and rear ?

Reply 7 of 7