GQ Vs Newer Models

[Matt P]

Hi all

Just a couple of (possibly stupid) questions. All these questions are related to 4.2 Manual Diesels with no mods....

1) When does the GQ series finish? I thought it was pre '94.

2) If so, are there any good/bad differences between the GQ's (with coil suspension) and the '96 or '97 DX?

Basically I am wanting to buy a Patrol but am tossing up between a GQ ('89 or '90) or spending the extra and getting a '96 or '97.

Any advice on this?

Cheers

Matt

[Area54]

The last of the Ford Mavericks was in '94.

The last of the GQ's was in '97.

Not much in the way of mechanical differences, of course the later models MAY have less k's on them, and apart from the internal cosmetic differences, they are essentially the same truck.


What is the destiny of the truck?

Many people have had sterling service from their Patrols and Mavs, regardless of the year, set your budget and look for a good specimen.

[Matt P]

To be used mostly for fairly heavy towing (~ 2000 kg) and a bit of offroad & the snow.

Thanks for the input.

[Area54]

In that case I'd get the latest model you can with the least k's, more life left in the drivetrain for towing. You'd also be thinking of a turbo, unless you plan on keeping the smaller tyres on the rig.

[bazzle]

GQs incorporated a few mods over 9 or so years
ie. stronger front panhard mountings
uprated/captive engine mounts
Synchros on petrols improved
Extra panels under floor on rear seats etc, etc

That said many early ones are still going strong, depending on how they have been driven and maintained

Bazzle

[Steven]

This is just what i've heard, but the GQ's running gear was still made in the truck plant (as we know most is straight from the 7T trucks, thats why they are so bloody strong and heavy) where as the GU's gear is now made in the car plant and just isn't as strong.

But as i said, thats just what i've been told. GQ's very rarely ever need gearbox or t/case rebuilds, i've heard of GU's that need em done after 10,000K's (but everything gets a lemon now and then)..

[mav]

when did they go to uprated/captive engine mounts ?? what did they change ?? i've broken afew on my '90 diesel and its chained in now.

GQs incorporated a few mods over 9 or so years
ie. stronger front panhard mountings
uprated/captive engine mounts
Synchros on petrols improved
Extra panels under floor on rear seats etc, etc

That said many early ones are still going strong, depending on how they have been driven and maintained

Bazzle

[bazzle]

when did they go to uprated/captive engine mounts ?? what did they change ?? i've broken afew on my '90 diesel and its chained in now

On the 4 bolt ones. About 91 update time.

Bazzle

[mav]

Is that just on the petrols or the diesels as well, i'ii go have a look at a mates '93.

On the 4 bolt ones. About 91 update time.

Bazzle[/quote]