Offroad-Express

I currently have a MWB Landcruiser BJ73 and I'm thinking about trying something with coilsprings like a GQ Safari or 80 series Landcruiser.

But the SWB is probably a bit too short compared to what I have now, so with the long wheelbase are they going to be too long for places like Rallywoods? Will they get stuck on tight corners and get beached in other places where a SWB or MWB wouldn't?

Get behind the wheel of one mate. Everyone is different so opinions vary.
They are a pretty big piece of kit to be throwing around offroad, but plenty of people do it and it wouldn't be that different coming from a MWB surely?

Also if you don't need the back seats SWB's can be reasonably roomy.

the patrols in aussie 99% are lwb,

Come up Rallywoods and come for a ride in my LWB low-top.

It will be fine. I only ever had issues with mine in the slippery forest, broke two indicators on trees because I misjudged the front corners and the position of trees. Be aware that you will spend a fair amount of time as a recovery wagon and don't go out with zukis because they can't tow you fat ass when you get stuck

The only time I had trouble was towing a jeep up to the donut hole and its wheels were off the ground in the ruts. Did hit the last corner a few times rather hard when towing it but only dented the front guard. And that poor bastard that I towed at Costa Plenty, well Reece and then the other wagon on road tyres that had no place in being allowed on those tracks, but that is what happens when muppets run trips. That Mu spend about 200m with its wheels of the ground in ruts. I that Abbo was going to lose the plot at that guy.

CLUMZ1 wrote:Come up Rallywoods and come for a ride in my LWB low-top.

Funny I think you live 1min from me...

curly12 wrote:It will be fine. I only ever had issues with mine in the slippery forest, broke two indicators on trees because I misjudged the front corners and the position of trees. Be aware that you will spend a fair amount of time as a recovery wagon and don't go out with zukis because they can't tow you fat ass when you get stuck

The only time I had trouble was towing a jeep up to the donut hole and its wheels were off the ground in the ruts. Did hit the last corner a few times rather hard when towing it but only dented the front guard. And that poor bastard that I towed at Costa Plenty, well Reece and then the other wagon on road tyres that had no place in being allowed on those tracks, but that is what happens when muppets run trips. That Mu spend about 200m with its wheels of the ground in ruts. I that Abbo was going to lose the plot at that guy.

Hey mate I remember talking to you at rallywoods years ago. I used to have another bj73 with Holden v6. I remember your lwb did really well.

Taz wrote:Get behind the wheel of one mate. Everyone is different so opinions vary.
They are a pretty big piece of kit to be throwing around offroad, but plenty of people do it and it wouldn't be that different coming from a MWB surely?

Also if you don't need the back seats SWB's can be reasonably roomy.

Yeah the lwb looks pretty heavy, I wonder what the weight and wheelbase is like compared to an 80 series?

I think my mwb landcruiser is probably quite a bit lighter than a safari because of the fibreglass roof and smaller axles etc

I've done quite a lot to my BJ73 like 13bt swap, bar work, bushes, rebuilt head and radiator but I keep thinking I'd like something with coils.

Slideways wrote:I've done quite a lot to my BJ73 like 13bt swap, bar work, bushes, rebuilt head and radiator but I keep thinking I'd like something with coils.

Why? If it is doing what you want and you know where it is at mechanically you'd be just as well to keep it.

There are all sorts of figures thrown around for weights. From memory they are supposed to be around 2300, 2400?

Have a look at patrol4x4.com There is heaps of info on there about all their strengths and weaknesses as well as some sweet Kodak moments

I don't have a Saf but my LWB Playdoh gets about ok... Just need to watch its rear quarters.. tends to slap into banks... But that may be my suspension setup. .... Sometimes I would like to run a shorty...And then the LWB comes in handy...To each his own

GVM of a LWB low roof safari is 2,595kg at factory.
Coil springs are a heap more comfy I think. As for the physical size you would properly be surprised at how close your current wagon is to that of a Safari, I certainly was when I compared one to my Bighorn

I have found the long wheel base helps in hill climbs and as i said i have been around woodhill and rallywoods and had no issues.

stinky wrote:I have found the long wheel base helps in hill climbs and as i said i have been around woodhill and rallywoods and had no issues.

And on really steep drop offs, the long wheel base don't tend to try and back flip on you

Slideways wrote:

CLUMZ1 wrote:Come up Rallywoods and come for a ride in my LWB low-top.

Funny I think you live 1min from me...

Pm sent

Put coils under the Mwb

Go on just start cutting up your middy, it'll be fun

the saffys may be bigger and wider but most of it is because the wheels stick out from the body(most do).
I had a mwb cruiser before the safari and while yeh the cruiser was waaayyy harder riding at the start after I had played around with the leaves I managed to get it riding pretty good.
Reckon you should try and find someone that knows a bit about leaf springs and see what you can come up with. you'd be surprised how well you can get it to ride

patrol4x4.com is a good forum but have a look at nissanpatrol.com. Personally I prefer that forum.

Just my 2 cents

If you want info on strength/weaknesses mechanically, either of the oz sites are good, or search here. If you want the info on the off road capability/suitability, there is no point looking at an oz site, and those questions have pretty much been answered by those that have driven Rallywoods in a LWB

I've been thinking about the option of putting coils on the front of my BJ73 but with the cost and hassle of certifying (my 3rd one) is why I'm leaning towards something with factory coils.

But in saying that I've been reading about OME dakar leaf springs, apparently they are really good. My current ones have plenty of height but they are just so harsh offroad.

Still contemplating a GQ... kind of puts me off that the standard fuel pump can't supply much without needing big dollar spent on it compared to the boost compensator etc on my BJ73 13bt (but also needs a turbo rebuild).

So many things to think about!

coxsy wrote:the patrols in aussie 99% are lwb,

But the tracks aren't as tight nor hard core all day. The trucks here are set up for long distance touring with a little 4wding thrown in as you go. My swb safari (in NZ) was a machine in tight spots but I still managed to ding it, you always will doing grade 5 shit. I own the LWB over here and love it too. You can fit so much shit inside them, and I love carrying shit I have done grade 5 stuff with it here and get the same dings so go figure. It all comes down to driving experience/style and how much you give a shit for your panel work. Nissans are pretty easy to straighten out, I have done it many times hey boys , Jamie has probably gone broke without me ! What I love about the lwb is they do steep hill climbs easier and safer. My lwb unloaded with 33's weighs 2495 kgs. 93Ti TB42e.

Al

After 5 years and a few winch challenges in an FJ40, I've now got a pretty well set-up LWB Hi-roof Safari. I've found I can still do the same tracks but have to take more time and care. Not suitable for winch challenges - but entered it in the Westport Challenge. MUCH nicer to drive and very robust. I towed a caravan to Westport (with a set of 35in Silverstones in the back) - drove all except one of the tracks (we ran out of time) - then towed the caravan home again. It's also done all the tracks around Dredgeville, Lake Daniels, and Reefton. And also driven all the Winch Challenge tracks in Marlborough as a "test" vehicle. Not fast - but very capable! So I'd strongly disagree with the title of this thread....

Yep you can fit a lot of stuff in them like wardrobes and 3 seater couches mine is as much a moving van as anything

depending what you want to fit in the back the later model (1992+ ish) swb models have much better rear seats that are a little further back and more comfortable if you need passenger space. My old man is greedy and has one lwb for work and a swb for play and loves both, you can fit so much gear in and on the lwb!!
Like previously mentioned most the aussie ones are lwb, also easy to fit 35" tyres under the lwb, although not that much harder for a swb.

I have seen lwb go really well around nz and have been out climbed by them several times. I guess have a think at what kind of wheeling you will be doing most of!!