Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hey all I'm in the very early stages of looking for a Patrol to buy.

I've set a budget of about $5000 for a stock example, plus more for
mods.

I'm looking for some advice on what to look for, common problems and which engines to avoid. Coming from a cruiser my patrol knowledge is very low.

In my price range, it seems the 4.2 carbi petrol is pretty common. Is this a decent engine? How are they on fuel? Are they reliable? Do they take well to gas?

Also most examples have over 300000km.

I'm trying to avoid 3.0l petrol models and 2.8 diesels, only because they just seem too small for such a large wagon. Am I wrong in assuming this?

Also it needs to be a wagon and coil sprung!

Thanks

mike

few things.
http://www.gqpatrol.com/buyingagq.htm

Gq tb42 is a good engine ok on gas as long as the cooling system is good otherwise they tend to crack the head, But fuel wise not so go i get 30ltrs gas per 100km or 20ltr petrol per 100km on 35s auto 39 diff ratio with smaller tyres and maunal i think you could get better. Check for rust in the chassie seen a few that i think the body was holding the chassie together.

don't be put off by a 3.0L gq...they are actually a good rig...they need a few more revs than a 4.2L as they have less torque, but they go hard if you push them a little bit...i have no issues turning 35's on or off road...only downside is the carby...they don't like being on steep hills for too long...but they are easy enough to convert to efi or even turbo them if you want good power.

It wasn't that long ago that I picked up a 4.2 petrol wagon. Got it cheap enough and it was in really good condition. Sadly, fuel useage killed it for me. Wouldn't get enough range to do any decent outback touring without two long range tanks.

I've now just gone and bought a TD42 model. Let's just say it would fit into your budget with some room for a few bits and pieces.

I really regret all the money I spent on the petrol wagon. Now I'm going to pull all the good bits of the petrol and try to get some money back when I sell it.

Save yourself the same problem. Look around until you find a neat diesel then bargain hard for it and stretch your budget a little if you need to. They are out there. I've been looking for one for nearly 6 months before this one popped up for cheap enough.

My brother has a 3.0lt petrol and picked up an old VL wagon for a carton of beer, got ripped off I reckon, and we put the efi RB30 in it. Goes like a rocket, it is a shorty though.

i know of a diesel wagon for $5000 if anyones keen

Davo812 wrote:i know of a diesel wagon for $5000 if anyones keen

I am (and thanks for the PM) But its a little far away for me!

thanks but!

mike_nofx wrote:

Davo812 wrote:i know of a diesel wagon for $5000 if anyones keen

I am (and thanks for the PM) But its a little far away for me!

thanks but!

Don't be soft.....


ROADTRIP!!!!

I sent mine from Canberra to Sydney for an engine rebuild and it cost me only about $200. So don't be too put off by ones that aren't near you. If you find that unbeatable bargain 4.2 diesel, then you really don't want to let it go by all for the sake of a phone call to a transport company. And you shouldn't have any trouble getting a mobile mechanic in the area to go take a look at one for you if it isn't local to you.

I'd definitely say go the diesel, even if you have to look a bit longer. You will like it a whole heap more than you'll like a petrol one.
I get 650kms from 80 litres when running diesel conditioner, but I have turboed and intercooled mine.
I get 550-600 without the conditioner.
Bear in mind that mine is an auto, and the auto trans is on its way out, so might have done even better economy with a good transmission.

wait out for the diesel i have both... my diesel is currently being ute chopped and turbod was getting 550kms to 80 litres of diesel on 35's round town... have just bought a petty carbi is a grouse car for 3k but uses too much fuel.. mind you if its just for the odd bush bash close to home.. thena petty one would be fine

I'm not exactly sure that the diesel is right for me tho.

What I will use it for is going to work and back (100km per week).

It will be used offroad every 3-4 weeks on fairly challenging tracks. I usually go to yalwal which is 1 hour each way for me on road and spend about 4 hours off road.

Every 4-6 weeks it will be taken on family camping trips which are no more than 3 hour each way trips.

I don't do any long distance touring. I only did 25,000km in 2 years with my current 4x4 (turbo diesel 105 cruiser) And any road-only trips or every day errands are done in the wifes falcon.

Also the thought of ever repairing or replacing diesel pumps or injectors scares me $$$


I like engines which are cheap and easy to fix (had a Sierra, loved it for this) so the 4.2 carbi does sound very appealing, as does it's lack of electrics.

I'm not sure wether the km I travel would even justify an LPG conversion but if I did go down that path (if I can't find an already converted one) am I correct in assuming that it makes more sence converting a carbi model over an efi for simplicity?

I mean, is it not worth forking out extra for efi if it's going to be run on gas anyway? While I'm on the subject of LPG, where do they place the tank on GQs, boot or under the back end?

Thanks!
Mike

My next question is automatic or manual?

Does one have lower gearing than the other?
I've only owned manual 4x4s but the autos do sound appealing for off road work. BUT is the manuals 1st gear lowe than the autos? As it has 5 gears opposed to 4.

Is there much variation in fuel consumption?

Thanks

mike_nofx wrote:My next question is automatic or manual?

Does one have lower gearing than the other?
I've only owned manual 4x4s but the autos do sound appealing for off road work. BUT is the manuals 1st gear lowe than the autos? As it has 5 gears opposed to 4.

Is there much variation in fuel consumption?

Thanks

the whole point of autos offroad is that the torque converter allows slip in low gear, effectively lowering your gearing further without riding the clutch as a manual would have to do.

so effectively autos have lower gearing in that respect.

thehanko wrote:

mike_nofx wrote:My next question is automatic or manual?

Does one have lower gearing than the other?
I've only owned manual 4x4s but the autos do sound appealing for off road work. BUT is the manuals 1st gear lowe than the autos? As it has 5 gears opposed to 4.

Is there much variation in fuel consumption?

Thanks

the whole point of autos offroad is that the torque converter allows slip in low gear, effectively lowering your gearing further without riding the clutch as a manual would have to do.

so effectively autos have lower gearing in that respect.

Spot on. I think if he was to read the multiple threads on Manual/Auto pro's and cons he'd get the answer he was after, however for on road work, a petrol auto Patrol would be somewhat worse for economy, as are "most" cars. It is also important to have your auto kept serviced and in good nick in order to reap the benefits of the box.

Well I am now a patrol owner!

1990 gq, petrol carbi'd auto. Completely stock and never been off-road (not 'proper' off road anyway) $4000. Has had a $2000 auto service last year with receipts.

Pics up soon, along with a slow build up in members section.

Mike


Oh yeh, now landcruisers suck and patrols are awesome cause I own one.

Do most patrols come with factory rear sway bar disconnects?

How can I find out what model (trim level?) mine is?

alot of earlier ones did.. that hilux looking hand brake is it... need to be dead flat for it to work... id just take it off...