SWB GQ what to look for

[Andy_B]

Hi everybody,

I looking at buying a "new" 4wd. Recently I only thought of getting another LandCruiser (probobly a MWB) or a Rangie. However, neither met my specification.

I wanted a SWB, coils, and preferably diesel so the GQ/Maverick popped into my head.

So I was wondering what should I look for when browsing at a SWB GQ. Are the diesel good motors, what about diff's, and gearboxs. I was just wondering what the general info is on Patrols because I know nothing about them.

Thanks

ANdy

[turps]

Look for the same things in a SWB as you do in a LWB. They are pretty much identicle.
Motor are pretty tough. I have 470 000km on a TD42 and I havent had any problems with the motor. Gearbox are also pretty good (I just aint good on gearboxs, but others have a good run). Diffs are pretty good to. There are alot of guys running 35's with not many problems other than CV's get abit more stressed. But still the take a fair bit of abuse before they break.

Rust wise they are pretty good even the old ones. They all (with very few exceptions) will have rust in the side rear window frames. But you can buy new aluminium ones from some where (I may have some for a SWB for sale soone with new felt).

If you need some other stuff to check out for. Check www.gqpatrol.com.au This site is owned by BOGGED and lists alot of things that are worth checking for. When you read the list some may feel that a GQ is a death trap or a bad buy. But not many GQ's will have all the problems listed.

[Tangles112]

Mate,

I believe you have made the perfect choice for a 4x4.

The GQ Shorties are brilliant. My mate had one, and the only thing that stopped it was the Brisbane floods a few years ago when it got swept away over a bridge.

It was written off. A year later, we have seen the same car driving around, so someone obviously bought it from auctions, and fixed her back up. They are great vehicles, and tough as nails.

If you're lucky, you may even be able to get one with a factory diff lock in the back like my mate had. Even if you get the standard LSD, it's like a locker anyway. The GQ and GU LSD's and supposedly some of the best in the biz.

My other mate had one with a 3 inch suspension lift, and a 2 inch body lift, and 33 inch muddies underneath it. He sold it to get back into drag racing. I took him out in my GU, and he nearly cried he was so upset he sold his shorty. He's scrapped his drag racing plans to sell his ford falcon and buy another shorty

Everyone I know swears by them. The diesels take well to bigger turbos, and they are extremely strong blocks. If you bust one under 400k, you're doing something pretty stupid.

Good luck with the quest for a shorty mate. Lets us all know how you go.

[Doggy]

I love my shorty. Have you thought about the safari shortys. I have had no troubles with mine yet

[muddymav]

i have a shorty
its an 88 model swb diesel
best thing i done was lift ot and fitted decent tyres but all in all there awesome,the td42 it getting a bit tired now blows a little smoke (BLACK not BLUE) so its only unburnt fuel the engine has done 542,067 k's so far and has never been touched, not bad aye.
youd be happy with one only dissapointing thing is lack of space but ya get over it.

[Tayls]

If you ever find a decent SWB diesel, let me know too. Been looking for awhile, hard to come by. All the ones that have come up aren't in the best condition.

Basically if your gonna go for a diesel, be prepared to have a patience and a lighter wallet.