GU or GQ, first 4wd what to look for.

[foolsp33d]

My brother has recently been bitten by the 4wd bug and is in looking at purchasing soon. he is keen on the GU, but iv suggested the GQ being a cheaper and basically same viechle. He wants to use it as a daily and also as a capable offroader. Diesel over a petrol, manual over an auto. has to have enough room in it to fit giging gear(2 large amps 2 guitars mixers etc, so prefer one without a cargo barrier or rear seats.

looking around they are still in the mid 20's for something clean is it a better option to go the GU or would a GQ be a more viable option? I understand they(gq's) are becoming somewhat older now and more abused-hence parts more readily available..and a lower purchase price. but as it is his first 4wd is it really worth spending the extra dollars on the GU? spending $22k on a GU or spending 22k on a mod'd GQ....

obviously purchasing a car already modified, you buy someone elses ideas and problems, so thats where im stuck with giving him advice.

What im looking for is some owners of either or both to chip in and give him some ideas as to what to look for. common problems, worthy upgrades, aprox to spend on veichle itself. etc. He isnt to concerned on electric windows and luxury itemsleather etc) and base model would probably be ideal.


All help is greatly appreciated

Thanks in Advance!!

[Wish I had coils]

4 wheels is a start.

[foolsp33d]

4 wheels is a start.

YOU might like four wheels but we been looking for them with 5 wheels as it makes cornering ALOT less difficult....... TFN.

[Chookman]

Basically comes down to what you want to do and what you can afford.

If your patient you'll find a good GQ for cheaper and will more than likely have some mods done already which may save you in the long run.

Tell us what he wants to do with it...towing/touring/day trips/tuff truck/winch challenge/beach work etc etc.

Will make it easier to give advice

Chook

[foolsp33d]

well like I said, its to be a daily Driver and used to transport his amps and guitars to gigs... so making a comp truck isnt really viable. basic touring rig pretty much, but still capable and reliable enough to get away and have some fun.

From what he has told me, he wants to run 35's and f/r lockers. Being a first 4x4 I cant see him getting it to compete or attend nav runs etc on a competative level. so any offroad use will be that of an inexperianced new comer. That said, bar work is on his wanted list for the GU, which is why i suggested the GQ as an alternative....

[Chookman]

well like I said, its to be a daily Driver and used to transport his amps and guitars to gigs... ..

Yes... I can read. I was simply asking for its offraod application and mod wish list.

From what he has told me, he wants to run 35's and f/r lockers. Being a first 4x4 I cant see him getting it to compete or attend nav runs etc on a competative level....

Once again won't comment on GU. Bought my first GQ in 1989 and have driven nothing else since.

GQ daily driver on 35's. Your talking suspension and/or body lift straight away if not already done. Expect and learn to love the standard GQ steering shake (between 80-90km/hr) that goes with any lift. Standard TD42 diesel will push them no worries but don't be in too much of a hurry to get to a gig. The height of the vehicle may also not make it practical transporting band gear (load/unload) unless of course you're a taller person.

... any offroad use will be that of an inexperianced new comer.....

Join or visit a club and attend a driver course.
Have a good look at their vehicles before you decide on either vehicle and more importantly the mods and problems associated with each one.

The vehicle interior doesn't change much between a rig with mild mod's and a standard car.

[foolsp33d]

well like I said, its to be a daily Driver and used to transport his amps and guitars to gigs... ..

Yes... I can read. I was simply asking for its offraod application and mod wish list.

From what he has told me, he wants to run 35's and f/r lockers. Being a first 4x4 I cant see him getting it to compete or attend nav runs etc on a competative level....

Once again won't comment on GU. Bought my first GQ in 1989 and have driven nothing else since.

GQ daily driver on 35's. Your talking suspension and/or body lift straight away if not already done. Expect and learn to love the standard GQ steering shake (between 80-90km/hr) that goes with any lift. Standard TD42 diesel will push them no worries but don't be in too much of a hurry to get to a gig. The height of the vehicle may also not make it practical transporting band gear (load/unload) unless of course you're a taller person.

... any offroad use will be that of an inexperianced new comer.....

Join or visit a club and attend a driver course.
Have a good look at their vehicles before you decide on either vehicle and more importantly the mods and problems associated with each one.

The vehicle interior doesn't change much between a rig with mild mod's and a standard car.

sorry mate, didnt mean to come across rude there!
Yeh he understands he will need a lift to clear the 35's, but the shakes and stuff associated is the type of info he was after, just things to be aware of, dont want him off test driving a car having it shudder and him wondering if its a fault or a normal thing..

He isnt the go fast type, so being a slug on the road dosnt phase him. On average he only has to travel 15km to and from work.
Hes also 6ft something tall, so shouldnt have to much trouble with the height regarding a lift and rear accseability.
regarding the insides was more of a generalisation some models come with leather, airbags, etc just wondering which models they are to steer clear from.

Im hoping to get him to a few club meets in the next few months but with him being on shift work, its often hard to organise and find the time. Appreciate the tips and will pass it along!

Cheers

[Tomo_89]

The GU is newer and in theory should be more reliable but having said that i've seen these things do over 600000ks so reliability isnt the greatest concern.. if looking for good off road capabilities the i would look for a coil springs patrol over a leaf spring. buy a decent quality lift kit and shocks from somewhere like superior engineering and you shouldn't have many issues with on road handling. it is just a matter of personal preference wether to go gq or gu.. both are quality cars. the gq will be cheaper but the gu is newer... just depends on your intent and budget i guess.
anyway.. hope this helps

cheers
Thomas

[GQ4B]

I'd steer clear of the 3ltr GU's. The 4.2's are the ones to get.....that's if you can find one!!

Or save the dollars and go the GQ - that's what I did.

Your brother won't cry as much then when he dents it going wheel'n

[nabstud]

I'm 6"6' and my knees touched the dash when driving a mates GQ. I ended up getting a GU which I fit in just right! I reckon go the cheap 4x4 for a first 4wd so when he hits/breaks things he won't feel so bad. $22k won't get you a 4.2 diesel GU. the 2.8L diesel is ok but very slow and a 3L diesel for that price would be a series 2 which had inherent motor issues.

Take them both for a drive. If he can fit in it comfortably, go the GQ.

[chimpboy]

The budget is vastly different and would be a big deciding factor. If he has more than $25k to spend it's GU, less than $10k it's GQ.

In between you can get an overpriced GQ or a GU with one of the less desirable engines... from that, IMHO, at the prices between $10k and $25k there is nothing much worth buying. So what does he want to spend?

[shakes]

cash is a big factor, if he has cash to blow the GU if not the GQ, the cargo barrier will also fit behind the front seats with the rear's out a gq with goody's come to a similar price as a reltively stock GU the couple of GU's I have driven were in a big way more comfortable and modern inside... cruise around a couple of car yards and waste their time.

This so called steering shake isn't an issue if the lift has been done properly, tires are balanced the uni's are in good nick as with all bushes and kingpin bearings etc etc.

There used to be a website like gqpatrol.com or similar that had a good list of most of the little thing's to look out for. and if you spend enough time searching around here everything you need to know is there.

OT: when you gunna call me for a beer ya hobo seeing as ya never answer ya damn phone