1992 Terrano Questions

Hi Sean
I recently purchased a Terrano 91 about 8 weeks ago and am happy with it so far.
The suspension switch doesn't work on mine either, well atleast the light doesn't come on. I had the bloke at pedders check the suspension ( $14 safety check) and apparently he couldn't tell if it was working, something to do with the mechanism being enclosed.... Check how much adjustment is left on the left torsion bar as apparently this is a common failure point. The left is supposed to fail first as this wheel takes most of the bumps when you drop a wheel of the bitumen.
As far as sand goes, I have done a bit of running around in the soft stuff down a Fingal (do you know it) and found it great, however the lowish ground clearance could cause some problems in the deeper ruts.
Mine is a auto also and from what I understand autos are great for sand. They ane not the best for steep slippery downhills. But are great uphill
I have posted a couple of questions on this site and the responses have been fantastic everyone is very helpful. Do search on "Terrano" for a wealth of information.

James

gday mate dont want to put a downer on terranos or any thing
here is a few reason why you should buy something not imported.
1.you cant do any suspenion work to them apart from the torsion bars which is dodgy.
2.they are going to cost a fortune to insure
3.importers are not importing them anymore because of the new importing laws which means parts and stuff are going to be 3 times as expensive to buy because of limted stock.
4.they have alot of fireing problems.
5.they cant handle australian offroad conditions.
6.turbo seals

Thats just a few.
the suspenion buttons dont work on any they get disabled to pass aus standards.
autos die in the sand dont have enough rpms to climb,if going to get one get a five speed for sure.
for the same price you could get a storty patrol 4.2 efi 1991 they arebleeping machines.
hope i helped abit on your idea on terrinos.
DONT LISTEN TO CAR DEALERS .DO SOME RESEARCH ON THE NET

Terrano = Pathfinder

MU = Rodeo/Frontera

Surf = Hilux

At least the non turbo diesels are anyway. Dont' slag off grey imprts just cos u dunno whats in them - generally speaking they are in better condtion, have lower milage, better spec and more power than Aussie models - with Turbo diesel options.

They are also usually about 2-3 years ahead of Aussie Varians - when did the Frontera hit the Aussie Scene.

There can be issues with insurance but if you tell your mechanic what it really is in "OZspeak" there's usually few problems.

Not like Hiluxes and Rodeo's are Ausse made anyway is it....

Nothing wrong with imported 4wds.
Name one 4wd thats not imported?

wizzer

Hi Sean
If it's just one of the supports for the sidestep that is starting to rust, then its not a great worry as it's not the chassis.
My suspension adjust was working when i bought my Terrano but i've since replaced the shockies soo its no longer connected.
I have an auto and am happy with the way it travels in sand, when it starts getting a bit sluggish i just manualy shift it down a gear, front end clearence is my biggest problem and im looking for someone that can customise the tortion bar setup. I believe it can be done its just finding someone that is keen to give it a go.

I love my Terrano but im gonna sell it soon and update to a newer version and it will be a manual.

Happy travelling
Dan.....

As posted, imports are generally in better condition with lower klms and much higher spec than locally delivered cars. My TD42 SWB GQ has 120,000klms, mechanical winch, driving lights, altimeter, clinometer all as standard factory fare. Try finding that on a locally delivered car !

hi, 18 mths ago i implanted a td27t + auto from a 95 terrano half cut into my navara farm ute. I asked the wrong person the right question about computers and didn't check the answer (so no computers). i eventually found some and got the thing going in "limp home mode". since then i have done 25-30,000km while trying to find a wireing manual.
in this time i have done everything from short no load trips to 800km in a day towing a tandem goose-neck trailer with a header comb in it for 400km on a hot day to spraying crops with a 12.5 m boom in the trailer (low range 2nd gear, 1800-2200 rpm, gross weight approx 4.0 tonne, on loose dirt) without trouble.
i figure if this cann't kill it, its gotta be good.
it is still in limp home mode, but i now have a book. all i need is time.
good luck and happy 4x4 ing.

Ps15 - you keep your opinion - we have had a 92 Terrano turbo diesel manual for 4 years - been to Palm Valley - left everyone else behind bogged - yes the "made for Aussie condition ones" - Fraser Island - no problem and the ruts there are really RUTS - sand - no problem - water - no problem - lots of guts, economical, comftable, lots of features that you pay heaps for in "local" vehicles (we tow a fully loaded camper trailer - run our fridge through a plug our auto elec put in on heavy duty wiring for us). Though I must admit I wouldn't have non turbo diesel again - had one for 2 years - okay but a petrol guzzler for sure. As for maintenance - find yourself a good mechanic, auto electric and you won't have a problem - any Nissan dealer worth his salt can get the parts (I have never had a problem getting any part) - my mechanic tells me what I need I ring spare parts and get it organised - no problem! Anyway each to his own!
Enjoy - Jules