GQ versus 80 series coil length, articulation
Submitted: Monday, Nov 03, 2003 at 23:26
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Mark
During my recent search for a reasonable GQ Patrol (4.2 Diesel, up to 16k Southeast QLD, anyone know of one?) all the ones I've seen appear to sit very low on their springs (apart from the obviously lifted ones) Is this how they came from the factory or have they just sagged over time? I have to admit, it doesnt create the apperance of great off-road ability. It looks like the GQ's have shorter coils than the 80 series, does this mean that the articulation is not as good as the 80 series? (in standard form)
As an aside, I
test drove a GQ 4.2 diesel with 370 000 km today, body very rough and had obiously had a hard life but gearbox was perfect, no noise in 5th gear or notchy 2nd gear like a lot of the 80 seriies with 150000 less km I've
test driven. Bit of a rattle from the box at lower speeds but I'm told they all do this? Motor had a bit of blow by however. Even with the blow by and fuming, it felt very responsive, couldnt help wondering if the dealer had turned up the fuel pump a bit.
Reply By: charlie - Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 12:01
Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 12:01
GQ's sit a bit lower than 80 series as standard for a couple of reasons. The body of the vehicle is not as tall for starters and the way
the springs are mounted are slightly lower. I don't think you will find much if any difference in articulation between the two in original form. If you are looking for really good under body clearance from either of these a couple of inches lift will do the trick.
Charlie
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Reply By: Nav 80 - Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 12:07
Tuesday, Nov 04, 2003 at 12:07
Had a GQ myself a few years back, I bought it new and had to replace the coil springs in the rear at about 20,000 K they just saged and stayed there. I belive it is a coman problem with them however they are not too expensive to replace.
Lovell do a replacement set for around $500-600 if I recall and are a very good, fixed
mine a treat.
If you are looking at a diesel over 300,000K be carefull and have a diesel mechanic
check it out for you before you buy as they are very expensive to rebuild. A worn out diesel can still start and run and sound OK but in fact be on its last legs,if its breathing through the oil cap I would give it a miss. One simple
check you can do is take off the oil filler cap, stick your finger in under the rocker cover and feel for sludge. If it is caked with black sludge its a fair indication of worn rings causing blow by, then stay clear of it,I am a diesel mechanic so I know what I am talking about.
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