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Looking at a 96 2.8 TD used

Tech Talk for Nissan owners.

Moderators: toaddog, V8Patrol

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Posts: 157
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Looking at a 96 2.8 TD used

Post by coke »

Hi Guys,

I am new here. :D I am looking for an early to mid 90s Patrol, in either a 4.2 dsl, 4.2 TD or the 2.8TD to buy. There seem to be plenty out there, it's just a matter of finding a good one eh! I am after peoples experiences with these cars, not so much I heard this or that. What is the fuel economy like on them, and what should I look out for.

I will be giving it a 5-6" lift, and probably running 33s or 35s. What sort of gearing options would I have to fix the ratios up again? Are the diffs the same (not necessarily ratios) in a 4.2 and a 2.8? I have a camper that I tow occasionally. Usually runs empty though, for my wife to take to work etc.

I am on the Cental Coast.

thanks
GQ Safari High Roof, MANUAL, 33s, 3" lift, CD, Nardi Wheel, bullbar, rack. 2.5m of sheer intimidation...
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Post by Daisy »

Ok mate

2.8 TD engine is a slug always will be a slug. They run 4.6 diff ratios - worth a lot to anyone who wants factory 4.6's.... AND they love to fry clutches.. Mines gone and it sits there. The engines is goign to be taken out this weekend and a 4.2 is going in.

4.2 engines have good torque and the added benefit of puttin an aftermarket turbo on it in the future. They run 4.11 ratios and I believe the utes run 4.3s????

Going a 5 inch lift - nice - would fit 33s/35's Then again you'd have to change diff ratios to suit unless u like drivin a slow slug around town.

If you do decide a 2.8 due to them being cheaper get some extra low range gearing eg rockhoppers. they'll turn the 2.8 into a weapon offroad whichever tyres u choose, BUT the downside is drivin the offroad tyres to the 4x4 park of your choice can be a pain in the ass.. drivin up hills at 40 kph coz your engines too much of a slug etc.

Knowing me,, id turn back the clock and buy a 4.2 instead.

Cheers mate and good luck with your choice.

TOM
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DBW
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Post by DBW »

I have a 96 GQII 2.8TD.

Its a slug low in the a RPM agreed, but when the driven in boost its quite comfortable.

I have driven many a naturally aspirated 4.2 and i consider them a slug but like anything, you have to keep the motor in its powerband so to speak.

The 4.2 with aftermarket forced induction is the goods. Best it can be.

The 2.8 will hold speed limits anywhere we take it, last week we towed 3 bikes 4 blokes and all the gear from sydney to lithgow, litghow to Sydney then Sydney to Watagens the Watagens to Sydney then Menai to Walllacia then Wallacia to Botany still with all the stuff on one tank. (with the odd donut shop stop too :lol: ) Held all speed limits. Im rather happy with that.

But if i had my time over again i would have searched a lot longer to find a 4.2, but im not going as far as to change the motor, bigger and better things to waste moula on!

Just my opinion...
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Post by coke »

Thanks guys,

I will be in Sydney tomorrow arvo, test driving a few cars. I will see what I think of it then and try to test a 4.2TD if I can find one.

Thanks again.

DBW, I would be interested to know Km per litre info etc, even though you have given me location details.
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Post by DBW »

Safe to say about 11 - 12L / Hundred.

Doesnt seem to make much difference, cruise at 100kph you get unreal fuel ecconomy but im to impatient and usually sit on 115kph etc....

Funny thing is it seems to get better consumption towing, go figure.


Once you drive a 4.2TD you won't go the 2.8! but it may also suit you.

Fuel ecconomy is great from the 2.8 in my opinion.

The went the 2.8 because i looked for 2 months for a nice low kay reasonable price late model 4.2D but they just dont seem to be available. So the 2.8 fit the bill. Tows bikes well. Im running 275 rubber which is 32" i beleive and a 2.5" mandrel exhaust...
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Post by Daisy »

Oh and did i mention that it gets worse when u run 33's or 35's

35's are a real pig to drive with the 2.8

Same goes for the 4.2. BUT you have the added advantage of changing gearings to the 4.3 or 4.6s to suit 35's WHEREAS the 2.8 is limited at 4.6 and goin from 31's to 33's will see the ratios changed from 4.6 to 4.8 then theres your limit. unless you want to source 5.1 gears from the artic trucks or locally if you can find them and since the pinon :?: is fairly small its not that strong ive heard of people breaking them.

I was lucky in my path.. a 2.8 being removed for a 4.2 and still retain factory gearing for the 35's i plan to get and useful as well for the 36 swampers sittin in my garage.

TOM
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DBW
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Post by DBW »

Tom just out of interest,

Does the 4.2 mount to the same gearbox?

What sort of mods or whats needed to swap to a 4.2?
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Post by Daisy »

DBW wrote:Tom just out of interest,

Does the 4.2 mount to the same gearbox?

What sort of mods or whats needed to swap to a 4.2?


4.2 doesnt mount to the same gearbox. The gearbox you speak of that resides behind the 2.8 is the same gearbox used in the nissan 200zx's :shock: with transfer case attached to it and its alloy.

The wayyy heavier 4.2 gearbox weighs over 150kgs with transfer case can be sourced for anywhere between 500 to 1500 for a good box.

Other than that. Theres not much mods or needed to convert the driveline over except radiator.

Shafts from memory may be the same, but im gettin some 4.2 shafts to be sure and if they are the same I'll let u know.


Pretty much a bolt in and go - electrics if im RIGHT they shoudl nearly be the same. with minor modificaitons to get going.

Will keep u all posted of my progress after my 4.2 is rebuilt.

TOM
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Post by JK »

Good luck Tom. I'll be reading your progress with interest! :cool:
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Post by DBW »

Same here.

Hey Tom, whats your plans for all the 2.8 Gear that you rip out??
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Post by DBW »

Coke, just to add..

Filled up this morning, i did a trip up to the central coast on the weekend and driving through the city each day to and from work and it returned 11.25litres / hundred.
JK
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Post by JK »

I have been keeping figures for my truck for the last 12mths (it's an engineer thing... :roll: )

Naturally Aspirated 4.2, 200K on the clock. Driven sensibly (I seldom speed)

In stock form (no lift and 31s) I was averaging 11.5L/100k over a distance of 10,000ks. This included a good mix of commuting, offroad and a little towing.

Since then I have been running a mix of 33s and 35s plus the 4-5" lift and a fair mix of offroad, around town, highway travelling and towing averaging 12.6L/100k (corrected for the larger rolling diameter) over a distance of 15,000ks.

Yep the Nat aspirated 4.2 might be a slug but a very bloody economical one. :cool:
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Post by Daisy »

DBW wrote:Same here.

Hey Tom, whats your plans for all the 2.8 Gear that you rip out??


It'll go in the for sale section unless someone wants to make an offer for the driveline with a burnt clutch.

Other than that shes in good nic.

TOM
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