Advice on GQ

[johnnee]

Howdy,

I'm only new here, but hoping I can get some advice from you guys.

I've decided on replacing my current 4WD utility with a wagon. A GQ Patrol seems like it will fit in with my shopping budget and I have a soft spot for these vehicles. My intentions are to use the vehicle for long distance touring trips, but need some good articulation for when the going gets rough. The vehicle needs to be strong enough to handle corrugations and long hauls with enough gear for a week or so at a time.

Mods I'd do or look for already done would be a snorkel, cargo barrier, drawers, dual battery, muddies and suspension. Some of the things I can take from my current vehicle, like my 12v lighting, roof top tent, fridge, GPS etc etc...

My preference is for a diesel or turbo diesel, I believe the 4.2 has a better reliability record? I think from about a 92' model upwards would be alright and in my budget.

Can anyone give me some advice on what to look for once I start trauling the yards? Are there any models or model specs which are better or worse for my purpose? Any key issues with these vehicles?

Thanks in advance.

Johnnee

[Big Red Toy]

get one of the more upmarket ones with the extra lights in the front 1/4's. Most have probably rarely been offroad as they were more expensive. Also go the 4.2 turbo diesel, can't beat it for long trips.

[beretta]

I would definately be looking for something already turboed, I've got 89 GQ diesel without turbo and it is a bit gutless sometimes (it's done 440,000k's but), so try to find find one with this already done. Any other mods are so easy to do on a GQ it's not funny, and on this site you can get anything you want for your rig in the for sale area. Personally the way I look at it the less accessories the less offroading its done, if its loaded up with all the goodies, then its probably already had a belting offroad, but depends on what you're paying too. The only thing I have to worry about with mine is some bubbles of rust appearing in the sills of the rear side windows, I've heard that is common with the GQ's.

I think the first GQ's were 88's and the last were 98's, the later ones definately have a few more bells and whistles (interior), but I don't think they changed any of the running gear. Ah, the other thing I have learned from this site is that the earlier 4.2 diesels had tougher pistons that were more suited to turboing, not sure if that is right or not, someone else with some more tech knowledge than me would be able to tell you.

[marin]

get one of the more upmarket ones with the extra lights in the front 1/4's. Most have probably rarely been offroad as they were more expensive. Also go the 4.2 turbo diesel, can't beat it for long trips.

Didn't think they came from factory as 4.2 turbo diesel, they are all aftermarket? only 2.8 turbo's?

[bogged]

Aussie import by Nissan GQ never had a 4.2 Turbo Diesel... they are all aftermarket.

check my sig for a list of shit off my site to check when you are lookin to buy..

[J Top]

They come as a Safari with a factory Turbo after 96.
J Top

[bogged]

My intentions are to use the vehicle for long distance touring trips, but need some good articulation for when the going gets rough

People used to travel the outback in FJ Holdens. You dont need stuff all articulation for outback travelling if thats the long distance travelling you mean...
others travel outback in troopys with stuff all travel..

What do you call long distance travel?

[johnnee]

Thanks guys,

Bogged, I guess everyones idea on long distance varies Mine would be sydney to camerons corner type of thing, up the cape, across to S.A. But, I still want something I can hit the local tracks with confidence, thus requiring some articulation for that purpose. Things with a degree of difficulty like (reminicing here) Calabash Rd, Porters , Menai , Lithgow, ..... you know.

So really an all purpose vehicle, probably just tamed down a bit for more comfortable touring.. I'd say a capable tourer is what I want to achive.

What.. no factory turbo 4.2 diesel GQ's :(

By the way, whats the RX spec?

[bru21]

remember too that maverics are cheaper and that ford badge is one firm pull and through before the mates come over for look see

cheers

welcome to the gq fraternity

bru

[johnnee]

Bru, working on it

In my online hunting, im noticing a hellavalot more 2.8td gq's than 4.2s. Whats the story? Are the 2.8's gutless or do ok lugging around that much weight? Any relliability problems? Anyone driving a 2.8td and are really happy with it?

Still determined to head towards the 4.2 engine but after some thoughts.

[bogged]

Are the 2.8's gutless

Test drive one, you will run away at a fast pace.

or do ok lugging around that much weight? Any relliability problems? Anyone driving a 2.8td and are really happy with it?

no.

Still determined to head towards the 4.2 engine but after some thoughts.

Stick with your plan, hold out, buy what you want, you may have to wait, but it will be worth it..

[Daisy]

Only thing i was happy with a 2.8 was the fuel economy.

Thats it.

Power etc is good when left alone. No big tyres blah blah. It'll be fine if you just leave it alone, no big lift or tyres or any unneccessary weight.

Towing. maybe a HD clutch but thats $$$$

TOM

[ludacris]

Build your truck up for the trips out to the local tracks and just add swaybar quick disconnects for touring.

[johnnee]

Re the 2.8, I had a feeling that might be the case - thanks again for the advice.

The quick disconnects sounds like the way to go also.

I will wait till I find my td42.