problem with 99 GU 2.8ltr gearbox? help please!

Submitted: Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:24
ThreadID: 44607 Views:3253 Replies:9 FollowUps:26
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Ok.

I've just test driven a 99 GU 2.8. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th gears all sound like you're driving some massive huge truck thing. 4th gear sounds fine.

Can anyone give any suggestions as to what sort of problem this could be? I'm keen to know what people think it might be so I can get a rough idea of repair costs.

Thanks, Jason.
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Reply By: donks1 - Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:30

Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:30
it will be the brgs but just buy another one and save yourself the headache

donks
AnswerID: 235150

Follow Up By: Member - Steve T (NT) - Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:33

Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:33
The sort of problem will be the reason they are selling the car.

A very expensive one.

Cheers Steve.
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Reply By: Member - andrew B (Kununurra) - Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:30

Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:30
Gday Jason

I had a similar of a noise on 2nd and 3rd gears. Dropped the oil and the magnetic plug had lots of metal on it. The hard facing on one of the shafts which is also the inner race on a bearing had failed. Replaced virtually all internal components of the gearbox for about 3 grand........not what you really want to hear, but as you said it was a test drive so at least you don't own it.

Cheers Andrew
AnswerID: 235152

Reply By: Member - stefan P (NSW) - Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:31

Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:31
G'day Jason,
Are you sure the noise is from the gearbox? I have a 99 2.8 and have to say it is one of the quietest and smoothest diesels going around. My box shifts smooth and quiet, maybe more info is needed here? mine has 140,000 km's

Cheers Stefan
AnswerID: 235153

Follow Up By: rolande- Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 19:05

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 19:05
G'Day Stefan,

I have a '98 2.8 and have had a couple of engine problems that are not listed as "normal" for this engine.

Changed cam and timing belt drive due to uneven wear and crack in cam, ($1200 for parts plus fitting)

Changed sump gasket as oil leaking out, etc,etc. ($200 repair)

Has your engine provided any surprises where the mechanic gives you a blank stare as to the cause?

Any thoughts appreciated

Rolande
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Follow Up By: Member - stefan P (NSW) - Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 19:48

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 19:48
Nothing that can't be diagnosed quite easily

Stefan
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Reply By: uneekwahn - Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:35

Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:35
I'm pretty sure it is the gearbox thats making the noise, but am going to get it checked by a mechanic either way.

they're asking $20,000 for the car, it's done 171,000km, it's got a snorkel and dual battery setup.

They have said that they will take money off the asking price if the mechanic says its going to cost lots of $$ to fix.

If it does need a gearbox rebuild, I'll be offering around $15/$16,000.

I am glad you're all telling me it does seem to be a big problem before I buy it :)

What would cause this problem?
AnswerID: 235154

Follow Up By: Member - stefan P (NSW) - Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:41

Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:41
Mate I paid $20,000 for mine nearly a year ago, with winch, tjm bar, kamar rear bar, snorkel, duel batteries, service history and 114,000 kms from a dealer with warranty. I think you are getting a dud there dude!

Cheers Stefan
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Follow Up By: Member - Axle - Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:50

Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:50
Have a good look at the rest of it!! before offering anything, sounds like they know its stuffed any way. Buyer beware!!.

Good luck

Axle.
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Follow Up By: Member - Ian H (NSW) - Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 19:00

Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 19:00
Mate, the problem almost for sure is shot bearings on the layshaft or also known as the cluster shaft.
In 1st gear the noise is there but as shaft speed is low the noise is quietish but as you go up the gears the layshaft revs go up.
The lay shaft is used on 1st,2nd & 3rd gears but 4th gear is straight along the main shaft with 5th gear usually tacked on the end of the box.
Bottom line is a total gearbox rebuild or another box altogether. Good luck
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Follow Up By: Trevor R (QLD) - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 08:30

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 08:30
Poor ol Pezza had his 2.8 for sale at 17 grand for months and couldn't get rid of it. It had heaps of goodies on it already but a few more k's than 170. In the end he sold his 4.2 and has now decided to keep the 2,8 but it is a dream to drive as it has the Motson's chip and suspesion set real nice. Pezza is a member over here in Brisbane so maybe the price is an "East coast" thing. I'll let him know of this post in case he is still wanting to offload his truck but I don't think he is.

Take your time and the right one will come up.
Regards, Trevor.
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:02

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:02
$20k for a 2.8?!@?!?!?!
They can be had for $14-15k
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Follow Up By: Member - stefan P (NSW) - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 18:44

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 18:44
14-15 for a crap one with high miles and no extras
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 20:23

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 20:23
Yea.. .much better to get a low klm one with a blown up gearbox for $20k...
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Follow Up By: Member - stefan P (NSW) - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 20:49

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 20:49
"Mate I paid $20,000 for mine nearly a year ago, with winch, TJM bar, kamar rear bar, snorkel, duel batteries, service history and 114,000 kms from a dealer with warranty"
Quality ones still fetch good $$$$, the seller has said he will deduct the repair price from the asking price, If he gets it for $18-20 after a box repair its a good buy.

Stefan
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Follow Up By: Member - Davoe (Nullagine) - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 23:00

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 23:00
LOL 20k for a vehicle with problems? where were you when ive been selling vehicles.
offer them 11 and if not walk away - trust me they wil lcall unless they find a bigger sucker
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 08:26

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 08:26
Brownie sold his 4.2 with only 200k klms on it for $22k on here 12-18mths ago...
Know what I'd go for....
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Reply By: uneekwahn - Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:46

Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:46
yeah, unfortunately can't find any like that at dealers around here in Perth. All of the dealers are selling them with 150+km for around $22-$29,000!

Maybe I should move east?! :)
AnswerID: 235156

Reply By: uneekwahn - Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:52

Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 18:52
The rest of the vehicle seems fine and the seller made me aware of the problem before I even went and took a look at it.

I think I'll give this one a miss and just keep looking. Only problem is, I need the vehicle decked out by the second week in July with all the goodies I need for my two month honeymoon to the Kimberleys! Don't want to leave it to the last minute :)
AnswerID: 235158

Follow Up By: Member - Ian H (NSW) - Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 19:03

Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 19:03
Don't dimiss it if it is good otherwise. Just get a quote for a box rebuild and deduct that from it's market value. They are generally a good 4by. Just think yourself lucky it is not a 3ltr.
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Follow Up By: madfisher - Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 21:10

Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 21:10
Mate have you thought of flying to the east coast and buying one and driving it home. I have seen 2.8 patrols over here for $15000.oo. What you would save in purschase price would cover price.
I just done a round trip of 1600ks to buy a vehicle but saved arround $3000.00 on local private price and got a better vehicle
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Follow Up By: Member - stefan P (NSW) - Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 21:39

Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 21:39
Might be worth the flight ect, A great 2.8 with 180,000 and heaps of extra's went for $15000 on ebay the other week. Good idea heaps to choose from in Sydney.

Stefan
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Reply By: BennyGU - Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 20:58

Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 20:58
IF the box is going, then what about the rest of the driveline. I own one of these and it has the best shift of everything I've owned bar a WRX STi. The gearbox is out of a 80's 350Z and is comparitevly light duty compared to most other fourby's so if it starting to go I would find another truck. It is great, quiet, precise box to use and if it is sounding like a heavy duty Allison job I would be scared.

My GU 2.8 has 185,000 kms on it and has towed a 2.5t camper most of its life and my 5.25m boat for the rest. I am going to replace the clutch at 200,000 but to date it has never slipped. That said though on any boat ramp it gets dropped into low to negate the lack of torque of boil. A Motsons enhancer is on the cards for later this year with a 2.75" stainless zorst to make it go mazda like zoom zoom.

In that 185,000 km it has been to the cape three times, Simpson, WA, Fraser (lost count), Teewah so much it knows it way there and in that time its been just regular servicing. It only has the hot start problems on cold days (go figure) but apart from that has been a dream to live with (far easier than SWMBO).

Thank christ I did not wait for the loose pin handgrenade model......
AnswerID: 235186

Follow Up By: uneekwahn - Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 22:43

Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 22:43
yeah, I'm also concerned about the rest of the driveline, but unfortunately there doesn't seem to be too many 2.8s around at the moment in Perth.

I've come across another one with 290,000, but a new engine only 25,000km old, but I'd rather buy a 170,000km car and repair the gearbox than get a car with almost double the kilometres!
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Follow Up By: BennyGU - Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 23:25

Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 at 23:25
This may sound rather unsporting cobber but I would rather put off a big trip than do it in a vechile that I had some concerns about, and I dont think your completely happy with either of these two choices.
Also if you are going to sink a fair few bucks into something that you want to take you on that honeymoon I would want to start with a good platform, as this is what has to get you there and back, the rest is just add-ons that can be done at a later date.

During the winter months quite alot more fourbys appear in the ads becasue during summer people are to busy using them to think of selling. When it gets a bit cold and the kids start whinging the camping trips dwindle then the Leader of the Opposition starts the "If it's only sittin there, we could put the money to something else...." spiel and bobs your third-cousins sisters-in-laws relative.

I totally agree about the double kilometers truck and I wish you the best with whatever you choose. Good things come to those who wait.
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Follow Up By: uneekwahn - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 08:16

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 08:16
I'd rather you be honest and unsupporting than tell me porkies and be supportive :)

I'm happy to wait for the right patrol to come along, but I don't have time on my side unfortunately. 70something days till we leave and I've got to get a list of goodies as long as my arm installed before we go!

I'll just have to be patient and keep my fingers crossed something good comes along soon :)
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Follow Up By: rolande- Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 19:11

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 19:11
G'Day BennyGU,

Go to the local Nissan Dealer, they have a replacement part which goes into the fuel pump, fixes the no hot start problem.

Beaudesert exhaust have a fix also

Its a lack of fuel pressure from the pump when hot. To test the theory, turn the key on and wait 10 seconds, engine should start O.K.

Hope this helps

Rolande
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Reply By: crewser - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 09:20

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 09:20
$20,000 for a 2.8 gu with a stuffed gearbox ?, sorry mate but your geting ripped off, the owner knows its got a stuffed box as you said and is still asking $20,000?. Even $15,000 is to much. Also have you got a few quotes for the box repair and turn around time? you might be lucky to find a GOOD repairer that can do it before 70 days when you leave. TELL HIM HE`S DREAMING
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:03

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 10:03
Theres a 2.8 on OL for $7k with a stuffed donk!
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Reply By: uneekwahn - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 19:53

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 19:53
well, I've decided not to go with the one with the busted gear box and instead (with agreeance and approval from SWMBO) it looks like we'll be getting an 05 Prado GX (Yes, a massive difference in price, I'm aware) which was a dealers' corporate manager's car used to travel WA and SA a little bit to look for corporate contracts etc and has 130,000km on the clock.

Going to test drive it tomorrow, so hopefully she'll be sweet :)
AnswerID: 235386

Follow Up By: Member - stefan P (NSW) - Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 20:51

Monday, Apr 23, 2007 at 20:51
hope the Prado is a goer.....good luck

Stefan
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 08:28

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 08:28
>> dealers' corporate manager's car

... is that the same as a demo car? Flogged mercylessly from 0klm on the clock?
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Follow Up By: Member - stefan P (NSW) - Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 16:43

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 16:43
>> dealers' corporate manager's car

... is that the same as a demo car? Flogged mercylessly from 0klm on the clock?

Not one positive thing to say this whole thread!!!! O.K Mr expert on all things second hand what SHOULD he buy? You really sould like a glass half empty kinda guy!!

Stefan
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 16:51

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 16:51
apologies for stating the obvious and trying to save the bloke buying a possible lemon.

I'll just be like a sheep like you and just follow what others say ?
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Follow Up By: uneekwahn - Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 17:24

Tuesday, Apr 24, 2007 at 17:24
guys, no need to argue, I thank everyone for their opinion, no matter it pessimistic or optomistic!

At the end of the day, caveat emptor (buyer beware). If I buy something that seems too good to be true, it probably is :)

I've got about 4 vehicles I'm going to check over the next couple of days and hopefully will pick the right one :)

Thanks again for all the comments, good or bad, i do appreciate it !
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