NL SWB Info please

[Grantw]

I am currently looking at the NL 3.5 shortys. I want (will get once found) the model that has the airbags, leather and factory rear locker. I am now not sure if they exist...... My question is, Were you able to buy the shortys with only one of these upgraded features or did you have to buy the whole tri pack? I have come across 2 shortys that have leather and airbags but the minute I ask the dealer about the rear locker they cant answer my question (I am not even sure that the rear locker exists actually)... I want to make sure that the info i thought i had is correct before I jump on a plane to buy one. Someone said to me that there is a triple diamond pack that was an option, so I guess this is what i need to clarify.

[Bitsamissin]

Hi Grant, I have a NL factory brochure and this is what it says about the GLS swb :-
- electric sunroof = standard
- ABS + dual airbags = factory fitted option
- power windows, mirrors, a/c = standard
- 16" alloys with 265/70 tyres = standard
- 3.5 SOHC V6 = 9.5:1 CR, 140Kw, 303Nm
- 4.636 diffs, 1.90 t/case gearing
- remote keyless entry after Oct 98
Only the lwb GLS mentions a "Luxury Pack" option which consists of leather interior, woodgrain dash, steering wheel, console, power drivers seat, dual a/c, ABS + dual airbags, chrome grill, mirrors, rear bumper and tail light surrounds.
There is no mention of this as an option for a swb GLS.
Maybe leather trim was available as a dealer fitted option ??
There are NL's with factory rear diff locks around but they are extremely rare. A NL swb 3.5 V6 is a rare beast anyway so finding one with a factory rear locker would be extremely difficult.
The "Luxury Pack" or "Deluxe Package" were usually creature comforts the "Tri-Pack", "Performance Pack" or "Triple Diamond Pack" refers to the rear locker, adjustable shocks and ABS in earlier models.
I have seen a NL lwb with a factory rear locker, adjustable shocks and ABS so they are around whether you can find one in a swb is the
If you need anymore specs let me know..............

Frank.

[Grantw]

thanks frank. I heard that Arb are going to make rear lockers for the 2.8Td and 3.5 anyway... If thats the case the factory locker is not so crucial. Do you know anyone with a "mean" NL?

[Bitsamissin]

Grant, there are a few modified NL's in our club nothing wild though, 32"s, 2" s/l, winch etc and thats about it. I guess their still a bit new to really start chopping stuff, the front locker will get things going I suspect.
Sounds like the rear 3.5 V6/2.8TDI locker is gonna happen but I suspect it will depend on the front locker sales, I asked the question and this was ARB's response :-

Hello Frank,

Greg is currently on holiday at the present time and will be returning on the 10th of November. In regards to your queries the RD110 will not be available until early 2004. The rumour of the rear locker being available soon is also just a rumour, the engineering department will be looking at doing the rear locker some time next year but at present there is no schedule for this locker.

Hope this is some assistance to you.

Regards,

Sandi Stanton
National Sales Department.

[Grantw]

Good stuff.. All the more reason to build my self a dirty big NL... Well as big as a paj can get anyways. Have to settle for the front locker and rear lsd. Do you know what would be involved in changing the 3.5L rear diff to a 3L, so i could make use of the available lockers? Had a 3.8 V6 in a 85 model a few years back with rear locker and never had any problems with breakages. Just trying to scope out the whole project before I jump in head first.

Thanks frank

[Bitsamissin]

I think a 3.0 V6 rear end will go straight in as the trac width is the same.
But I would seriously think about getting H/D axles made up for it, they are a lot smaller than the 3.5 V6.

Frank.