Before buying a 4.2 GU diesel...

[nigeljarvis]

What should someone buying a 4.2 GU diesel know before the purchase?

Is anything going to need untimely replacement?

Which models (if any) should be avoided or sought after?

What are the best mild mods someone can and should do to further improve offroad ability? (I've heard transfer low gear is a bit high and should be changed for a lower gear set. What about the suspension set up? etc.)

Do all models have a limited slip diff in the back diff?

Which things fail more regularly & need to be looked at closely (eg. mech. or body etc.)?

Thanks in advance, Nigel

[4by]

Firstly at least your buying the right vehicle.

The rest depends on the type of 4 wheelin' you want to do. All have a LSD which apparently is indestructable and better than the cruisers.

Mine has a 4" lift, some exhaust & engine mods, winch, rear drawers, snorkel, (must), HF gear, etc......
I do general off roading and holiday trips.

To go more hard stuff you need to get something like Roly's old wagon.

I had a 3.0L but wouldn't go back. The electronic gadgets and cost of maintenance in too much for me. 4.2 is renound to be bullet proof. Only major common fault is blowing 5th gear as apparently you shouldn't tow in 5th. But even paying for a box repair you have a fairly reliable 4x4 which have known to travel 500,000k.

Hope this helps a little.

[Not For Highway Use]

The early GU 4.2 were non turbo. Very cheap these days and a good turbo and exhaust about 4K. The later GU that have factory turbo's have pistons and injector pump more suited to the turbo's. I had a larger impellor fitted to my factory turbo but didn't get around to the exhaust. This will make a big difference to the output. They all run 4.1 ratio's so if you fit 35's a set of 4.6 ratio's helps heaps.

[morkz]

Is anything going to need untimely replacement?

yeap exhaust go 3" with no muffler and give it a slight tune, cost about $1000 all up best money spend will also improve economy.

Which models (if any) should be avoided or sought after?

I think all models are good just try and get yourself a turbo diesel motor anything pre 03 wont have an intercooler however you can always add one at a later date.

What are the best mild mods someone can and should do to further improve offroad ability? (I've heard transfer low gear is a bit high and should be changed for a lower gear set. What about the suspension set up? etc.)

Mods.
1. Exhaust and tune which i have already mentioned about $1000
2. suspension 2-3" lift will accomodate upto 36" tyres most brands are good, KONI seems popular OME are again quite good just dont go rancho
3. tyre size 33"
4. transfer gears arent really necessary unless you run 35" tyres with standard gearing. personally i went to 4.6 ratios and it was much better.

Do all models have a limited slip diff in the back diff?

Yeap so if u put a locker in put one in the front first. rear LSD is bloody awesome.

Which things fail more regularly & need to be looked at closely (eg. mech. or body etc.)?

Only problem with 4.2 GU is about 5th gear however some dealerships are still doing warranty on these. Other than that i dont think there is much else that can go wrong with them they are fairly basic motor been around for years and good for heaps of Km's

I hope this kinda helps out,,,

also are in the LROCV club?[/quote]

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