Offroad-Express

Decided the time has come to pass U571 to pasture or to another young buck and move to a Safari. Have spent more $ on my front end in the last three months then I care to admit too, + my own time in labour
I know so much about Terrano's but sweet FA about Safari's and would like all advice. I have two boys under two , two partime daughters , a dog and a handbrake who packs everything so I am thinking LWB. Is this an option if set up correctly in that it won't turn out to be a f***ing big whale stuck in a mudhole. Do LWB come with factory difflock and PTO winch( it will need it)? Throw it at me guys, I want to make the right choice as I will be using it for years to come. Already thinking major height adjustment, min 35" tyres and lokkas.
Al

Al, LWB will allow you to lift a LOT easier, so 35's won't be a problem, and you will get a little more of that all needed diff clearance on the old girl.

I would assume that the LWB would still have the pto option from factory, but if not, just make sure it has the pto plate on the gearbox in case you want to fit one later.

As for factory diff locks, they are quite hard to get as it is, but you might be lucky. You could always go to a dealer with a list of specs and get them to look in Jap land for you.

What year are you looking at? I assume you would be going turbo, but are you staying with the GQ, or GU?

Yeah been thinking about a turbo as I will miss the immediate power of the V6(it's got shit loads). But they remain a little outside my price range for now. Thought I could buy a GQ(what's the difference between GQ & GU) and fit a turbo latter when I can afford it. What do you think?
Al

HI Al,

Why? I realise you said you have spent to much on your front end, but after doing all you've done to your U571.

So... why not SAS your Terrano as you were going to, keep your peppy V6, all your armour, body lift etc. It also creates something a little different - bit like Steve & his Mu

And remember a Safari will need to have 35's to follow your terrano on its 33's.

My 2c

NJ

I hear ya, I hear Ya, BUT, I am looking at $5000 min to SAS it. I also have to replace the rear axle as well as the front due to extra width. Then comes new suspension all round, extended brake lines etc, etc. Then I have to iron out all the "teething problems" that will cost money, look at steves last few posts about the MU(no offence Steve). I feel buying a safari and spending the money there would be a better investment. Someone would still be getting a good truck out of U571 and have room for more mods. Just seems a natural progression. I agree with you about needing to use 35" to follow U571 on 33" tyres.
Al

Fair enough, was just checking

So if your used to a Petrol V6 like me then hopping into a non turbo Safari is a Big shock!. off road touring, not so noticeable, they have 'enough' torque but when it comes to spinning 33's etc, its a bit of a battle.

Thankfully they can take a turbo, well the earlier the better for the TD42's, they are a stronger version. Typically PTO's winchs are on the earlier ones as well. Try and find one with a turbo already on it, it's money you don't have to spend.

But there are heaps of guys on here to help with Safari's, good luck.

Al,
the GU are the new shape Patrol, nice, but pricey.
Fitting an aftermarket turbo is ok, but these can be pricey too, but its always an option.

From memory (which isn't that good), pre 93 engines were more suitable for turbo's as they had heavier pistons, so might be worth keeping in mind.

I would like something a little different like a SAS'd mid 90's swb Bighorn, but have always seen it in that if I go factory beam axle, all the hard work is done.
No worries about finding the right spring rates, suspension geometry, and if something breaks, it doesn't have to be custom made.

Dont go for a petrol version. A chev LT1 has more power, is lighter and has better fuel economy. And thats a 700r4 onto the patrol transfer case. You could probably get even more KM/L out of a manual, but the auto is so much better off road. Reguarding the locker, I'm not sure, but patrols come with a factory LSD in the rear.

If your going that big with a LWB safari have you considered an 80 series cruiser? twin factory lockers, turbo diesel, plenty of room and it doesnt have those ground anchor diffs!

Mike

mike wrote:If your going that big with a LWB safari have you considered an 80 series cruiser? twin factory lockers, turbo diesel, plenty of room and it doesnt have those ground anchor diffs!

Mike

BUT IT'S A TOYOTA

Mike you are now banned form commenting in this thread F***ing toymotor owners. How rich you think I am, I got a hanbrake and anklebiters.
Al

If you do want to be different.....
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 885400.htm

And its still a Nissan

Al, you going low roof I hope?
You looking at trading in, or paying cash? Might be worth keeping an eye out on the Turners site for fresh imports.
You going 2 sets of tyres? 35's will make you cry with the power difference, and you'd probably need 36's to get the same diff clearance you have now I'm contemplating going for 35's next, as my diffs are hitting everything but I might wait for DB to put his on to see how bad they will be without the hairdryer.

go for the safari and never have to pay for broken parts again.
ive had 3 safari s and never broken anything, iv had my current gq for 2 years done some very tough trips got a few dents on the way but never broken anything. they may be heavy and slow but they are strong and reliable . they are getting very cheap now, ive seen them go for $3000 and under. about the cost of fixing a toyota or isuzu diesel.!!!

albundy wrote:Decided the time has come to pass U571 to pasture or to another young buck and move to a Safari. Have spent more $ on my front end in the last three months then I care to admit too, + my own time in labour
I know so much about Terrano's but sweet FA about Safari's and would like all advice. I have two boys under two , two partime daughters , a dog and a handbrake who packs everything so I am thinking LWB. Is this an option if set up correctly in that it won't turn out to be a f***ing big whale stuck in a mudhole. Do LWB come with factory difflock and PTO winch( it will need it)? Throw it at me guys, I want to make the right choice as I will be using it for years to come. Already thinking major height adjustment, min 35" tyres and lokkas.
Al

There are lots of LWB safari's with winchs,when driving round I'd see more with winchs than with out(elect + PTO)getting one with winch is no probs,diff lock is alittle harder still quite a few with locker but dont always have winch.
I pad $5000 for mine with elect winch(auto),diff lock,saggy front springs like most, in average/good condition(no turbo)good thing is very thing works.
I fitted 4" EFS springs/shocks,second hand 33",refabed the winch/assabley back 4 1/2 inches(only sticks out about a foot now )basic service work,recovery gear which puts me about $6700 now.The plan is to get fully set up with 35's for 10K.

I'm trying to get a small groub togeather this sunday,your more than welcome to join in,you could have a drive see what you think.

Shane

021338855

Keep it coming interesting topic thus far. Wondering now if I am doing the right thing Might take you up on that offer Shane, I'll call saturady night if that's OK.
Al

sat fine,should have a idear who's going by then,was looking to go ashley river track?but sounds like the river is quite high and that was before the rain today,know of any good local tracks?

Shane

Hey all

Al, if you make the decision to 'upgrade' to a big hippo... (now i'm in for it) let me know when you decide to part with the teranno, ill be interested, saves me bashing us the shiny surf.

Cheers
Andy

Al are you feeling sick we will miss your rebuilds we know you want to buy a surf good to work on lots of part when out 4x4ing and you will join a great team cheers cromcruiser

Your now banned from this thread as well
Al

Took a pic of the whale to day,well try and up load





No 44 gal drum but we all have to start some were

Shane

i offrad with nuts in his grand road hes insane so finds wots weak fast lol . panhard rods r weakas stearing arms r as well he has a 19 91 4.2 nonturbo lwb.and its a weppon 6 inch factory lift and hes putting another 30 mm pf lift in as wel as 25 mm body lift has a slip dif and is putting slip in the front better option with lwb . as for winces hes going for a hydrolic faster for challenges and easy to install pto is too bulky and to slow . eletric as back up is ok we go places that we shouldnt get thru but the low down grunt seems to get us thru just abt all the time

2 have a look at the truck i was talking about ill make a new pic album called nissan safaris