Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hi all
Im looking around for a second hand 2003 3.0ltd
can any one tell me if the auto is any good for towing (i have a camper trailer) and how do they rate off road.
Have you had or know of any problems thay have.
Or should i just stick with a manual!
cheers
Ando

Hi Ando, Welcome to the forum.
Yes, the auto is good for towing. A camper trailer won't be an issue.
Biggest issue is remembering that it has to go where you drag it. Mine weighs in at around 1000kg and I haven't had any problems dragging is in High or low range.
The auto is good offroad. You can lock it in gear for hill starts.
Its easily modified to have a manual converter lock (Thanks to Chaz) If you want engine braking as good as a manual.

Get a EGT gauge if you intend on towing a lot. It can save the engine.
Valuable info on Patrols can be found at patrol4x4.com.
Grenade stickers are available there too to keep bogged and others happy

I agree, the autos are pretty good. Mine is a 2002 and I have a manual torque converter lock that I built for it. If you are going to tow, make sure you look into that as they really hunt in and out of lock when towing in O/D. You also might want to look at a set of reduction gears if you get bigger rubber.

Ok cheers for that
ye planing 6" and 35s and diff ratios to sute
what is involved in setting up the converter lock
also thanks for the welcome i dident know about that forum

I have an auto Patrol and im really suprised how good it is, tows my camp trailer good and is just good all round... obviously not as good as a manual if you are bogged etc but I just avoid getting bogged!!

I thought the auto's had a little more torque than the manuals when I test drove and was planning on buying a manual and but im really happy with mine

The converter lock is relatively easy to do at home. The components would be available from any auto parts shop.
Checkout Chaz's patrol pages for info. http://www.chaz.yellowfoot.org/Patrol.htm
He's also put a lot of work into preventing ZD30 engine failure.
Dawes valves probably are best sub i$100 investment/mod you can do to your motor.