Outer Limits 4x4 Board

We’re in the process of doing a bit of a 4WD upgrade. We’re getting rid of our 91 GQ Ti and my Suzuki Sierra (fully modded blah blah blah). I’m just not using the Sierra for what it is built for and can’t see myself in the future. The GQ has been great and is only mildly modded and suits our needs for a touring camping wagon. It is however getting on in years and my wife doesn’t like driving it.

We are leaning towards a a more mild 4wd that will be fine for our touring/camping vehicle. A GU is top of my list but they are a bit rare in the 15 – 20k mark which is our limit. Other vehicles on our hit list include the Prado and the Jackaroo. Both can be bought in this bracket with low kms and 2000 and later models. The Jackaroo I have had some experience with as my folks had a SWB and LWB one and have crossed the Simpson in them and done various other desert and touring trips in them

Are their any others people want to chuck in the ring. We don’t want something that is going to be unreliable or too small both of us are tall and we like to camp in comfort so we have well stocked camping equipment.

As a side note can either of those be modded to fit a 33 x 10 x 15 both in fitment but in reliabilty

Tough question as they are both great trucks, and have driven both on fire trails and mild offroad... for sheer cruising comfort, the 120 series prado won handsdown. The cabin was far more comfortable and quiet compared to the jackaroo, and 285/75/16 mud terrains didnt affect the power all that much (on 3.0l TD)

Not sure on the reliability of 33's on both, but have not heard of any disaster stories to date about either, aslong as they are fitted as part of a properly engineer lift kit etc. The bonus with a prado is u get 180 litre fuel capacity, bonus for long range touring

If your wife doesn't like driving the GQ, how will she feel driving a GU?

"Please consider" the NL Pajero - the last of the solid rear models. Well sorted by then, take 285/75-16 on Patrol rims with minor suspension lift. Many Pajs run this size (and some larger) without trouble.

The 2.8 diesel isn't as "sophisticated" as the Prado's diesel, but it's not as complicated as the Cat injection system some (all?) Jackaroos have.

I expect the Paj would have the strongest drivetrain of the three, and a 4wd mechanic once told me the Paj IFS has more travel than the Jackaroo - although I suspect the Prado could be the winner. Good LSD in the rear, front ARB is available, as are crawler gears if you're ever tempted again.

I would be tossing up between these Prado and Pajero. The Prado will probably "drive nicer" just about everywhere, comes standard with huge fuel capacity, but I have lingering doubts about Toyota's front end. I don't believe Jackaroos are common enough, so I'd be worried about service/repairs in some more remote areas.

Good luck,

Scott

-Scott- wrote:If your wife doesn't like driving the GQ, how will she feel driving a GU?

I think it is more that shhe just wants a new car

hadn't thought of the pajero. My folks used to have a Pajero many years ago and it was a great little truck. Might have a look. Cheers

keep the comments coming

+dj_hansen+ wrote: for sheer cruising comfort, the 120 series prado won handsdown. The cabin was far more comfortable and quiet compared to the jackaroo,

I don't doubt it, but I would expect the 120 series to be beyond the indicated price range. I'm also not impressed by how low the "second" tank hangs - but it may not be a huge issue for a tourer, particularly if you give it a lift. I haven't had a good look at the 95 series tanks, so I don't know what they look like.

Also consider the suspension changes you'll make, and what that will do to the Prado's ride quality. I'm a little suspicious about the load carrying ability of their "supple, long travel suspension." Are they just saying "soft"?

Scott

No mention of dual cab utes Grimbo........... not a candidate I'd be inclined to go prado from the above simply for spares out bush and tank range but the pajeros are a damn good truck too!!!

I'm looking at the same bracket at the end of the year. The 02 navaras are dropping into that range now and have the 3.0 td

grimbo wrote:The Jackaroo I have had some experience with as my folks had a SWB and LWB one and have crossed the Simpson in them and done various other desert and touring trips in them

I'd go the jack if you have a family history and have been reliable.

As said they are both good, but which has more accessories available in the used market too...

4.8' patrols now down to low $20k's!

Keep the GQ and spend the money from the zook into accessorizing the GQ to suit your touring tastes

-Mick- wrote:No mention of dual cab utes Grimbo........... not a candidate I'd be inclined to go prado from the above simply for spares out bush and tank range but the pajeros are a damn good truck too!!!

I'm looking at the same bracket at the end of the year. The 02 navaras are dropping into that range now and have the 3.0 td

Not enough room for me, I'm 6'4". When i have the seats in a comfortable position for me the back seat then becomes unusable as a seat.

Keep the GQ and spend the money from the zook into accessorizing the GQ to suit your touring tastes

It is setup for what we need but want/need a newer vehicle. Don't want to start having to fix things on the GQ. So far it has been good but the old domino effect will suddenly start I'm sure when things start needing replacing

I'd also point to the Pajero as an option. It's capable enough for what you want and reasonable value for money.

I wouldn't think there'd be a lot of difference between the Jackaroo and the Pajero so it's probably a case of best specimen available at the price...

what are the Petrol NL Pajeros like? And will a 15" patrol rim with 33 x 10s fit with what sort of lift?

Pretty good motor, the NL has the SOHC with less power than earlier DOHC, but better torque. Thirstier than the diesel (duh! ) but more economical than the Patrol petrol (less grunt, too...) The 92 litre tank won't do much for range, but replacements are available up to nearly 150litres, and there's room for a 60 litre auxiliary, too.

GLS models have larger front brakes, which require 16" rims. Lower spec models (GLX/"Escape") came with 15" wheels, but I'm not sure if all of them got the LSD. 33's should fit with 2" lift, which the Paj copes with easily. Factory alloys are available in 15x7 and 16x7, which will take 10.5" tyres, but lower spec models will probably need flares. I believe Patrol rims increase the track by 20mm (2x10mm.)

Cheers,

Scott

-Scott- wrote:Pretty good motor, the NL has the SOHC with less power than earlier DOHC, but better torque. Thirstier than the diesel (duh! ) but more economical than the Patrol petrol (less grunt, too...) The 92 litre tank won't do much for range, but replacements are available up to nearly 150litres, and there's room for a 60 litre auxiliary, too.

GLS models have larger front brakes, which require 16" rims. Lower spec models (GLX/"Escape") came with 15" wheels, but I'm not sure if all of them got the LSD. 33's should fit with 2" lift, which the Paj copes with easily. Factory alloys are available in 15x7 and 16x7, which will take 10.5" tyres, but lower spec models will probably need flares. I believe Patrol rims increase the track by 20mm (2x10mm.)

Cheers,

Scott

our glx has lsd rear...you can fit 38's with not to much lift..just ask hekta...
i would say gq coils in the rear and cranked tbars and 33's would be fine