MQ WAGON REBUILD

Hi Bluey, I have had 2 MQ's one diesel SD33 SWB and a Wagon with a 305 chev The running gear is their best feature, the envy of most Toyota owners, I don't know a lot about the P40 except they are very reliable and very thirsty by today's standards gas conversion is the norm , my chev was more efficient than the tired 2.8 6 cylinder petrol I replaced and boy what a difference.The leaf spring suspension is reasonably cheap to overhaul not much involved. I to was going to refurbish the old girl after many years of reliable service but the RUST killed that option in the end I took it to several panel shops and they weren't interested, it had rust in the floor, roof gutters and the bottom of doors, a shame, very reliable capable 4WD. The shorty was too small for my growing family, it also had rust issues but that was its only fault. Depending on how bad your rust is would be a major factor in making up your mind, very expensive to get fixed properly. It seems most panel shops aren't interested in that type of work any more, and those that are, take your bank manager with you. A top old bus and nothing worse than the thought of buying a lemon.
Good luck

Here's the best way to get rid of rust in Nissan bodies

http://www.rhinobuggies.com.au/

Hi bluey,
Ive got an '87 MK P40 and very happy with it. Sure, not the most comfy or fastest vehicle around, but I reckon you would be pushed to find any as reliable and rugged as this model.

Suspension, engine, transmission and driveline parts are readly available. Servicing is a sinch and there are a number of things you can do to improve comfort, eg softer springs, fit later model seats and perhaps sound deading material underbody etc.

The P40 engine is thirsty even for such a low revver but its something I have to accept, the low down torque is worth every drop when in the rough stuff.

Lets put it this way: Im a member of a small 4wd club in which there is a Jeep Cherokee, a Disco, a Tojo 80, a Pajero and a Rodeo. All seasoned offroad drivers. Day and weekend trips are fine but when a more remote trip is planned the guys get a little anxious if me and the Nissan cant for some reason make it. lol.

If you trust the ol' girl, say a prayer before you hit that bog thats eaten every one else and give her a little pat on the dash after she gets through ok,.....go with your heart........hehehe.

Cheers mate.....Lionel.