Suspension options for GU3 Patrol
Submitted: Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 17:38
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snoopy1
Hi all, this is my first post on ExplorOz. We are new to four wheel driving & have just purchased a 2004 GU3 Patrol ST-L auto diesel & will take delivery of an Aussie Swag Ultra camper trailer in Feb 09. Our intention is to do a number of short trips (4 or 5 days) over the next year or so & then do extended outback touring. No extreme 4x4ing but we do want to go over more moderate tracks. I would like your opinions on upgrading the
suspension (currently coil springs & rear air bags with 16" tyres). We do not anticipate big loads inside the Patrol as the trailer will be fully self contained as far as
camping gear goes. The vehicle will carry 2 adults, recovery gear, a couple of jerry cans of
water & a set of drawers. Tow ball weight of camper is 160kg. Any comments much appreciated.
Reply By: Wayne (NSW) - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 18:13
Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 18:13
snoopy1
Welcome to ExplorOZ. This would be a good starting point.
Suspension
As for what brand, opinion will vary but if you go with one of the big 4WD accessory retailers you will not go far wrong.
Wayne
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Reply By: Member - Malcolm C (QLD) - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 19:31
Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 19:31
Welcome Snoopy1.
Despite all the bad comments about Nissan engines the "Patrol" is still a good choice of vehicle.
Malcolm
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Follow Up By: Dunaruna - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 19:54
Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 19:54
Snoopy doesn't say, but in 2004 the 4.2 intercooled turbo was still available. He may have a very sought after beast on his hands.
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Follow Up By: Member - Malcolm C (QLD) - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 20:05
Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 20:05
Dunaruna .... exactly what I was eluding to - Excellent engine ;-)
For those following the ZD30 saga, "things" are still progressing !
At that crucial "time" on Rememberance Day I managed to crack the engine/trans and was lifting it out. Now its out, and "just hanging around" for the next few weeks.
Malcolm
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Follow Up By: ben_gv3 - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 21:13
Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 21:13
I thought the 4.2s only came in manual, Snoopy1's is an auto?
I could be wrong about the 4.2 only in manual though?
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Follow Up By: madcow - Friday, Nov 14, 2008 at 08:03
Friday, Nov 14, 2008 at 08:03
I reckon your right! At the rate ours is travelling it will last us ages. 80,000kms over 5 years. they also have a higher value for insurance purposes.
Back to the topic we put OME on ours and are impressed. We setours up to work when loaded but the offset is it is a bit firmer when empty.
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Follow Up By: Dunaruna - Friday, Nov 14, 2008 at 17:51
Friday, Nov 14, 2008 at 17:51
Yeah, your right, only manuals for the 4.2.
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Reply By: Bonz (Vic) - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 21:51
Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 21:51
Hey Snoopy I have a ARB
suspension on my GU, and found it much better than the original. 50mm lift was good too, that little bit extra makes a lot of difference and has saved my side steps on more than one occasion.
I have just fitted Ironman foam cell shocks (early this year) and find them excellent.
If you get a chance to maybe attend a EO gathering or an organised trip, like we had last weekend you'll be able to ask first hand and poke your head under others vehicles and take a look.
Welcome to the site and hope you get what ya need
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Reply By: Member - Glenn D (NSW) - Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 23:03
Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 at 23:03
Hows it going ,
I have had 2" King springs in for 5 years , the first 18 months I had Rancho shocks , I dont think they like Patrols and outback roads . After they died I got decent Konis and havent looked back.
Day after day of corrugated roads will smash your shocks , so spend a bit extra and save by not buying a second set.
Glenn.
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Follow Up By: snoopy1 - Friday, Nov 14, 2008 at 15:13
Friday, Nov 14, 2008 at 15:13
Thanks everyone for the info. It gives me a starting point for discussion with a supplier at least.
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Reply By: Trevor R (QLD) - Friday, Nov 14, 2008 at 09:38
Friday, Nov 14, 2008 at 09:38
I reccomend the cheaper (by most standards) alternative of Dobinson coils and old man emu shocks. I have had a good run out of this setup twice previously and am about to go in for a third time in my new truck. Big k's achieved out of this setup too, 300000km the first time round. You can deal direct with Dobinsons in
Rockhampton QLD if you prefer.
Hope it helps,
Trevor.
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Reply By: westozal - Friday, Nov 14, 2008 at 19:19
Friday, Nov 14, 2008 at 19:19
Hello Snoopy,
I have about a 50-70mm lift on my 2004 Patrol and used tough dog equipment.
Very happy with the result over standard issue.
Cost me about 1200 bucks for the gear and I and a mate installed it ourselves in a couple of hours.
Be aware that if u go higher things start to get more complicated re brake lines,castor angles etc. All can be done just starts to cost more.
I firmly believe anything is better than standard
suspension. The vehicle itself has a much smoother ride and doesn't notice bumps as much which to me makes money
well spent. The car and you do it much easier overall.
Regards Alan.
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