GUIII upgrade to GUIV 3.0Tdi

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Go the AUTO..........................

Hi Andrew,

I changed from a 2000 ST 3.0Tdi (which I did not have any problems with) 5 speed manual to a new 2006 3.0Tdi ST-S Auto.

I have towed a 16ft caravan and an Aussie Swag Camper. I found the gear ratios in the manual a little too far apart at times, with constant gear changing needed in varying driving conditions. I also had the issue about not towing in 5th gear, which meant engine revs at about 2800 for 95kph.

Having now owned both, I prefer the auto whether towing or just normal driving. At 100 kph the engine is doing about 2300 rpm - about 400 rpm less than a manual in 5th at the same speed. My only concern about towing with the auto is the transmission lock up does not operate until 80kph. So for driving at below these speeds (Oodnadatta Track etc.) perhaps a little more heat is generated, but I have never had the auto trans temp light operate or the engine temp gauge show an increase in temperature under those conditions.

The only downside to the auto is steep off road descending. The climbing is great but constant use of the brakes is needed going down hill even in low range with the auto locked in 1st gear.

I guess your final decision should be based on your intended use. But for me, I am not regretting the change to an auto. Good luck.

nrb1748

andrew
i traded my series 11 2001 gu td 3.0 on a series 1V in late 2004 g 3.0 td and am pleased i did both very good solid 4wds and got a very good deal at the time - my first unit did 128 K kms and never missed a beat - both were / are autos both fitted with a dtronic and yes i swapped all my accessories across to the new vehicle including the dual batts , dtronic and the front air locker and the milford cargo barrier etc etc
we tow a kk mariner 2004 classic with a boat on it and it all weighs 1500 kgs fully loaded - my new gu has done just 36 K kms so far - as have a work vehicle which i drive most days so my gu is just for weekend use and off road now
hope this helps
my best regards greg

Go auto, you will not regret it.

What are the main differences in the GU series III and IV, I am also looking at upgrading (from a 1992 Terrano so either is a big improvement) to a newer, second hand series III or IV and appart from age and body plastic additions I can't find out much about what is better (or not ) on the newer model.

Geordie

You will love the auto. Just allow yourself some time to adjust....you need to use the brakes more often, especially when offroad.

Also, when towing, when you notice the torque converter "searching" up, drop back to 3rd until you get over 100klm/h and you shouldn't over heat the tranny.

Thanks for the replys people, looks like the auto is the go..

Does anyone with the latest GU's have any issues with it pulling left at all? seemed to be an issue in earlier models, especially if you went up in tyre size

cheers

Have seen some of the club members put their auto Patrols in reverse to go down steep inclines, a bit of accelerator is applied to slow down going down hill. Some of you may be able to comment if this will damage the torque converter, but haven't heard of any through the club.
I wouldn't have a clue myself as I've got a 4.2 slugger
cheers
Shawn

Try this for down hill with an auto

Drive like a girl left foot on the brake and right foot on the accelerator

lightly braking to keep speed down accelerate so the torque converter locks up and it improves the breaking capacity of the motor.

I tried it freaked me out but it seemed to slow the car after about what felt like 5 to 10 seconds (was not timing it had both hands on the wheel). Probably a lot shorter than that given the adrenalin in the blood at the time.

Try it in a small hill first to get the hang of it.

TM2CW

Trevor

This technique has been discussed before (accelarating an auto) hopefully someone will remember but isn't the trick to approach the crest of the hill at around 1000 rpm so it is locked up before you start the decent? Don't have an auto so read the article with interest but not using I can't remember where I read it or the exact details. (It may even have been an article in 4wdmonthly)

Thought about trading in the Patrol 2002 - AFTER engine rebuilt, and sent an email to Brunswick diesel in Wa for the Chev conversion 6.5L V8 diesel- about 21K complete with diff ratios, takes about a week or so, minus engine tradein, sounds pretty good, no car sales people to deal with and keep all accessories,