mq

[88pajero]

I am looking at an 86 mq patrol. 3.3 turbo diesel lwb wagon with 215000 ks on the clock in schmicko condition. Was just wondering what peoples oppinions on these things are, i.e what to look our for, reliability etc. And whilst im at it might as well ask how well they take to 2.5in suspension lifts and 33s (would I have to extend any lines etc) Cheers, any info would be great, dont have much time, its in awsome condition 4 cheap so it wont stick around.

[MjWatt]

ey mate,

ive got an 84 MK 3.3 TD and its a top truck. Ive got a 2' body lift and 33's. only had to adjust steering thing when i leifted it.

there is heaps of threads about lifting them.

Mines unlocked and bounces anywhere

Cant go past them as a weekend warrior.

Its got about 350000kms and still going strong

Cheers,

Watto

[macca81]

iv got an 81 swb mq, sd33n/a, and its tough as guts!

33s go under it as stock, and the suspension is stiff enough that they only scrub if you go bloody fast! take ya time and they will never touch.

also, disconect the swaybar as soon as ya get it (if its not done already). ya will hardly notice any handling diff onroad, but it makes it a heap better offroad.

[Brendan-s]

MY86 + turbo means it's an MK not an MQ


Go for it you lucky bugger, I swear if I ever got a chance to buy a LWB MK t-d I would, mmmm spring over n 37s

[Patroler]

Sounds pretty good, i had mine from about 200k to 300k never had a major issue, only got a GQ to have LWB and more working things, air, power steer etc.
Only things i can think of were smoky at cold start, always did it, new glow plugs helped a bit but still smoked, no smoke when warm,
Leaky rear main - never leaked or used enough oil to drop to low on the dipstick over a 5000k period (oil change).
U bolts on my rear springs got loose on a high country trip causing centre bolt to sheer, pretty easy fix - or excuse for new suspension.
Probably just ask if you can start it up from dead cold, some white smoke isn't really a problem as long as it goes away when hot but its good to know what your getting. (Mine smoked out the work carpark after nightshift for years and never got any worse)

[macca81]

MY86 + turbo means it's an MK not an MQ


Go for it you lucky bugger, I swear if I ever got a chance to buy a LWB MK t-d I would, mmmm spring over n 37s

its still an mq tho... australia was the only place in the world that called them an mk later in their life. everywhere else itsjust an mq series 2, or striaght mq...

[V8Patrol]

86 mq patrol. 3.3 turbo diesel lwb wagon

With very little in the way of mods........ it will eat a Pajero



Rust will be the biggest killer on the ole girl, suggest you have a gander at the MQ / MK bible and do some reading up.

Kingy

[Brendan-s]

MY86 + turbo means it's an MK not an MQ


Go for it you lucky bugger, I swear if I ever got a chance to buy a LWB MK t-d I would, mmmm spring over n 37s

its still an mq tho... australia was the only place in the world that called them an mk later in their life. everywhere else itsjust an mq series 2, or striaght mq...

Perhaps, but seeing as the vehicle is located in Australia, and so is the buyer... it's an MK

[g60boy]

x2 what kingy is saying, have a look at my build up in my sig line, that will give you a good idea where they rust out, but DONT let my thread put you off!!

[nicksamaniac]

i've got an MQ swb, sd33 n/a, 4spd, outa rego but still strong as with heaps a rust and 378,000 klms on it, and a shmick MK lwb, sd33t, 5sdp, NO rust at all (hard to believe i know!) with 418,000 klms and its as reliable as the sun comes up! gets 490-520 kms to a tank (depending on driving conditions) but i love em, there was never a beter built car on the road.................

[88pajero]

Thanks guys, no 1 having anything bad to say yet, makes me feel comfortable Since posting I have had a read through the bible, im liking every aspect of this lil beast so far. I forgot to add in my 1st post, it seems to have all the goodies, auto locking hubs, suspension seats, 150l fuel tank, cruise control and its a two owner vehicle, the current owner is over 60 and he bought it off a mate (the original owner) less that 2 years ago who is also around the same age. I went over it with a fine comb and couldnt even pick up any surface rust. No oil on anything on the undercarrige, absolutely none at all. Also no scrapes on the chassis rails, transfercase, fuel tank, diffs etc, so I dont think shes done much wheeling..... YET!

[RMP&O]

If you buy it and plan to wheel it....and by wheel it I mean a lttile more than dirt roads you should do a few things first. In paticular sliders for the sides of the truck. The rear body quarter also is very vunerable to dmg off-road since it hangs low and there is a fair share over rear overhang on these trucks. I cut off my rear lower quarter which a lot of guys do. But you could also just build a rear bumper that wraps around to protect it.

You would be wise to do these two things before wheeling it much. My sills have taken hits and so has my lower front fender. Had I just done sliders first this would not have happened. My truck was also super clean and appeared to have never been off-road. So before you beat it up set it up!

[V8Patrol]

before you beat it up ....... set it up!

Quote of the year

[88pajero]

That bit of advice was exactly my plan. I learnt from the pajero, especially the whole slider thing. The more I set it up the further I could push untill I pulled a massive wheelstand climbing a rutted hill 1day and crushed the sills. Dont wana put the troll through that. Providing I get it (hopefully do)