GQ Patrols...general info?
Submitted: Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 13:05
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Dean Mc
Hi all,
I looking at getting out of 2000 IFS Hilux, and into a GQ wagon soon.
What I'm after is any general info, specs, look fors, and things to keep in mind when I begin my hunt for the right vehicle.
Also, I'm unsure of the available engine/tranny/brake etc combinations that were available. Ultimately I guess I want a clean, mid 90's 4.2 diesel. Did the 4.2 come as a turbo from the factory in the GQ.
........and (sorry), how mechanically different are they from the GU. I've been told that really there is not much changed mechanically on the Patrol in the last 10 years or so. Correct?
Thanks
Dean
Reply By: Brian - Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 16:22
Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 16:22
The trucksters site at www.gqpatrol.com has a comprehensive list of things to look for in a GQ. They are a very tough reliable truck and you will certainly get your moneys worth when you buy one.
The 4.2 didn't come as a factory turbo'd engine, the ones that are turbo'd have after-market turbo's. The 4.2 turbo diesel was factory in the GU Patrol.
The DX is the base level unit, 5 seats no electric windows etc.... the ST has the creature comforts and 7 seats and the TI is the Luxo model. There is an RX but I'm not sure what it has.
We have had our 95 DX for twelve months and literally wouldn't swap it for the world. you can see it here
Good luck!!!
Cheers
Brian
AnswerID:
43131
Reply By: Roachie - Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 17:27
Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 17:27
Dean,
I currently own a 2000 GU Patrol in ST form. I have previously owned a 1990 petrol Maverick, followed by a 1993 RX Patrol. The RX was a version between the DX and ST. It had the 3rd row of seats and the sliding windows in the side cargo area, but still had the vynal floor mats. I loved it. It was a bit of a slug when I first bought it with 40K on the clock (ex-Water Ways at
Batemans Bay...but I knew it's "owner" & he treated it better than any vehicle I've ever owned!). I had a
snorkel, dual battery and Safari Turbo added within weeks of buying it and then it went as good as the old petrol one. It had nearly 300K on when I sold it in 2000 and had never given me any trouble.
The GQ did not ever come to Australia with the 4.2lt motor in factory turbo form (although I believe they may have been available overseas that way). They did, however, have a 2.8lt turbo diesel motor variant, but it was apparently a real dud too. Then there was the 3lt petrol motor, another dog. I reckon if I was to have to back-track to a GQ again, I'd be looking for a very good (rust free body) unit with either a 2.8lt t/d or the 3lt petrol (which should be the cheapest variants available) and then spend about $10K on it for a Marks Adaptors Chevy 6.2lt (or 6.5lt) V8 diesel (turbo wouldn't be necessary, but would be bloody nice to have too). I've spent over $26K on accessories for my current toy and I really can't afford to ever get rid of it, so the Chevy will get the nod if ever the 4.2 packs it up!
Happy GQ hunting.
AnswerID:
43145
Follow Up By: Member -Bob & Lex (Sydney) - Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 18:26
Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 18:26
know what you mean, You can arrord the car then the accessories send you broke.Regards Bob
Where to next
FollowupID:
305455
Follow Up By: Member - Nigel (QLD) - Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 19:08
Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 19:08
no point buying a 3 litre petrol for an engine conversion as they have lighter clutch, gearbox than the 4.2 and different ratio diff centres to help the smaller engine.
I know what you mean about accessories - the agreed value on my GQ insurance is more than double the book value, thanks to mods and accessories.
FollowupID:
305462
Follow Up By: Cookieboy - Friday, Jan 16, 2004 at 11:00
Friday, Jan 16, 2004 at 11:00
Dean,
Just a few questions about the Chevy conversions.
I have the 2.8lt, so would they have to replace the gearbox, clutch and engine mounts as
well.
Do you know what sort of economy these engines run at and what rough costs are involved.
Love my GQ as it's in pristine condition but abit under powered.
Cookieboy
FollowupID:
305529
Follow Up By: Cookieboy - Friday, Jan 16, 2004 at 11:24
Friday, Jan 16, 2004 at 11:24
Sorry Roachie!! Wrong name..
Just a few questions about the Chevy conversions.
I have the 2.8lt, so would they have to replace the gearbox, clutch and engine mounts as
well.
Do you know what sort of economy these engines run at and what rough costs are involved.
Love my GQ as it's in pristine condition but abit under powered.
Cookieboy
FollowupID:
305532
Reply By: Big Trev - Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 21:32
Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 21:32
We have a 1989 Ford Maverick, a Nissan GQ Patrol by another name, we have had ours since 1991 and believe it or not it has only done 175,000k's (I had a company car for quite a few years). We recently thouhgt about upgrading to a GU, but with the change over cost being probably around the vicinity of $45-40k we couldn't justify getting rid of the old one, paint and body are NEARLY as straight as new. (had the sides repainted)
We have replaced:
The water catch tank, they get a bit brittle
A viscous fan coupling, they are prone to fail
A clutch (some of my fault), but they were a bit light in the early GQ's, replaced with a heavier clutch and we get a bit of shudder in reverse at times.
The rear window assembly(rust!!).
Standard fuel tanks on the early ones are a bit prone to leak at
the spot welds.
Clutch slave cylinder
And that's all on a 15 year
old car, not bad eh?
AnswerID:
43176
Follow Up By: Big Trev - Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 21:34
Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 21:34
sorry, a bit extra, buy a diesel, they are cheaper to run (MPG) and maintain. The diesels are a real slug in the hills, and when towing, we intend to turbo ours in the 18 months.
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Follow Up By: LBJ - Monday, Jan 19, 2004 at 11:56
Monday, Jan 19, 2004 at 11:56
hi big trev, just saw that you are having some clutch shudder in reverse. was wondering if you have checked your engine and g/box mounts at all. also you can get shudder from your t/shaft centre bearing aswell. just thought i'd see if i could help if you were chasing the prob........
FollowupID:
305773
Reply By: Dean Mc - Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 21:45
Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 21:45
Hi guys,
Thanks for all of the info packed replies.
4.2 diesel will be what I'm going to look at, and after driving the 3.0L diesel Hilux for the 2.5 years on 32 inch tyres, I think performance of the GQ should acceptable!
Although the Chev diesel conversion would be cool!
I think I'm set on this being my next truck, as an 80 series equivelant will be probably 5 to 10K dearer, and I could kit myself out in a GQ with
suspension, bar, winch etc, etc for less than a late 90's bare bones GU. And I've never been worried about the way a vehivle looks, (ie the age of it), or been worried about having the latest "Shape", so this seems the logical move?
Anyway......if there's any more info to offer, please don't hold back, be it good or bad!
Cheers
Dean
AnswerID:
43179
Reply By: Speighty - Friday, Jan 16, 2004 at 17:58
Friday, Jan 16, 2004 at 17:58
Hi Dean, I am a happy owner of a 92 GQ auto diesel fitted with after-market Turbo Dynamics Turbo. I love the beast! It probably has not got the performance of the manual diesels, but the sheer ease of driving makes it worth the sacrifice. I do lots of offroad, sand, steep mountains etc and the auto makies it so easy. The previous responders mentioned possible rust spots being rear section sliding window sections- yes
check that area. But also get underneath and have an expert
check out the running gear. They are almost unbreakable (the GQ that is) but some people know how to abuse a good car. The GU is the current -rebadge of the GQ, basically the same engine, gearbox etc, but only one air cleaner, wheras the GQ has a pre-cleaner AND aircleaner. Not many autos were produced, but they are still listed for sale now and then. I reckon you ought to get one pretty right, because most diesel buyers think that autos are for petrol engines, or city shopping carts. But man, they perform in the real off-road situation- even your bird will love it!.
I wouldn't suggest an auto if you plan on heavy towing tho' because you would not wish to use overdrive (buggers torque converter). Fuel consumption on
mine is around 14-15litres/100km with a roof-top camper and loaded with fridge, drawers, grog etc, whereas the manuals will give you 11-12 litres/100 on average.
God hunting,
Speighty, Riverland SA
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Dean Mc - Friday, Jan 16, 2004 at 18:11
Friday, Jan 16, 2004 at 18:11
To be honest Speighty, the consumption you're getting, and fom what I've geard from others also, is about the same, if not better than I get from my hilux, but obviously in a lot bigger truck. So this is good news!
The only auto vehicles I've owned have been fairly powerful, so unless it's a smicko turbo diesel auto, I'll be goin a manual.
I didn't realise either that alot of GQ's had remote rear sway bar disconnects!
How cool is that!
After you guys confirming my view on this model, and really not ever hearing much bad press about them, I think my unt for a good example is about to become a bit more serious. Although I'm going to sit tight til the right one comes along.
Thanks again guys.
Dean
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