Can any body tell me.....

[Amstaff]

I would like to know whether the cut down Nissan's I see on 4wd TV, mags etc were LWB, SWB or are they actually Ute's to begin with. What is the desired wheel base to finish with - specs etc. I want to build a similar truck and have been considering chopping the back of my SWB MK but feel it would be time and money better spent getting a GQ and giving it the chop. It appears that in N.Z the LWB Nissan's are allot cheaper than the SWB.

Any info on the subject will be greatfully received as I would like as much info as possible before I "jump in" to this project as my budget is limited and I want to start right to give me a good base to build from.

Cheers
Greg

[Tomo_89]

not sure about NZ but over here in Oz alot of people use the gq/gu lwb utes but they are chopped off after the rear axles so that the back doesnt get hung up when going up steep hills etc..
in my opinion i feel the lwb are better especially if you are going to be driving it on the black top as they offer a smoother more stable ride

[twodiffs]

Someone can correct me if i'm wrong but here in NZ the only genuine utes are Aust Patrols, comp utes are generally SWB safari's that have been surgically modified to what you see.

[ozy1]

when i built my extra cab GQ, we actually started with a SWB, we cut the cab down, and then moved the rear diff rearward, i set mine up for a 110" wheel base when it was originally built, it is real stable on the steep climbs, and performs really well,


in saying that i just finished some more mods ans ended up pushing the front diff forward 2 inches, and the 112" wheel base seems a little bit better, but i think any longer might be a touch too much,

[Amstaff]

Someone can correct me if i'm wrong but here in NZ the only genuine utes are Aust Patrols, comp utes are generally SWB safari's that have been surgically modified to what you see.

Yep thats about about the conclusion I have come to, at this point I'm leaning toward the LWB and chopping off from the rear door hinge back. I understand playing with the chassis to shorten wheelbase is not desirable as far as cert etc goes? But at least I'll get a usable deck out of it and I can get a LWB for alot less money!

Still I am not sure as to which set up will work best as a capable all round 4x4 and as a base to build from. I would like (love) to eventually get it up to winch truck level. ($$$ and missus permitting )

Thanks for the comments so far!

[nastytroll]

from the outside panel at the back edge of the front door, a standard GQ ute is roughly 150mm to the rear of the bouble, the extra cabs I have done I have cut at roughly 300mm.

The standard ute cab is abit too short to drive comfortably, let alone get a cage into.

Cut down the LWB GQ, it will be cheaper and the wheel base is not that big an issue. SWB is short but LWB will be good for climbs with alittle less turning circle.