GU Patrol 3.0 Manual gearbox issues

Ryan, has the gear box got any fluid in it atm? If not, it will be very difficult to shift gears........ If the gear box is kerred, fairly easy to buy a second hand one and replace it. Replace clutch while you are at it, (Not with the standard dual mass one), then depending on the year model, standby for detonation............ The vehicle would want to be very, very cheap. Good luck

G'day Ryan,

The rear main seal has nothing to do with the gearbox. The rear main seal is where the crankshaft pokes out of the back of the engine block.
This is likely to be a big job.
If the gearbox has no oil in it, it will be extremely difficult to change gears, if the gearstick has not seized. More likely the synchros have worn out, causing a grinding sound as you go up and down the gears.
The solution is to either recondition the existing gearbox, or go for an exchange unit.

They are prone for syncro and main shaft issues, around $1500 to replace + labour.

Ryan,
if the vehicle has been neglected badly enough that the box has little oil, then you can bet the rest of the vehicle has been treated the same. Myself, I would stay well away from it.

GU/Patrol boxes are probaly the strongest one out there. apart from a badly designed lay (5th gear Fine spline) shaft a few yrs ago. Soon rectified by Nissan.
They have a lot less problems that Toyota specially in the running gear.
BUT if that area neglected. Probably the rest is too.
Mine was a '02. towed 3ton + offroad caravan all over for no maint costs only servicing oils and tyres .
solid flywheel Safari Clutch. Chip Snorkel Exhaust etc etc. Full Synth oils.
never missed a beat and running better when I sold it than when new.

You can get a GOOD early GU for under $8 grand.
I'd leave that one alone.
and the exploding falacy was only with early models pre '01 and well rectified by now.

Another waaay underrated one is the TD5 Disco. with full service logs a great off roader and best for on road comfort by a long way.
I just went over the West and bought a beauty for my daughter. set up for touring. 320k on clock.
drove back to QLD (retired. plenty of time) and it smoooooth as. $6 grand with new tyres on it.
Another $5.5k with rebuild motor and new ECU.
If you wanting wheels as well as bush bashing. they not bad.
Bush bashing.
A patrol GQ/GU. Petrol or diesel
4.8ltr, needs it's own tanker behind but great donk and cheap as, then some.
Just for bashing a great tool.

I prefer the GQ had both, but GU more civilised. Q just "looks" better.