TD42 Fuel Economy & Tough Dog Steering Damper Report

[coxy321]

Hi all, just thought i'd throw this info out for anybody that cares. Nothing exciting, just some info for your own reference.

Got a chance to take the Patrol out on its first "real" trip since i got it. We knocked up about 600km on a trip to the vic high country over the weekend, vehicle details are as follows:

- 1990 GQ wagon, TD42 (duh), 4" Procomp suspension, 33" Baja claws (two new, two borderline roadworthy), no engine mods - just a fresh service and only 200,000km on the odo, dirty air filter.

Had myself, missus, 3 milk crates of tools/spares, full 40L Waeco, Esky full of drinks, "tuckerbox" full (30kg), swag, 2 chairs and the usual cooking/clothing/camping stuff.

From Seymour to Mansfield we got 10.18L / 100km (12.73L for 125km), and the rest of the trip (from Mansfield, around the high country and back to Yea) we got dead on 15.13L / 100km (76.99L / 509.16km). 90% of the driving off the bitumen was in low range, plus we pushed it a bit on the way home (keeping up with TD42T GU utes).

I put on a Tough Dog heavy duty steering damper (not an RTC) the day before we left, noticed a huge difference in on-road handling, and after flogging the guts out of it all weekend, i'd say that its definately one of the best investments i've put on the old girl.

Plus, a HUGE thanks to John at 4WD1 and Steve at Patrol Docta for getting the parts shipped out to me in time for the weekend so we could get out and enjoy the weekend away.

Cheers - Coxy