Hi from the big smoke

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fh2014
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Hi from the big smoke

Post by fh2014 »

Hi everyone, am from Auckland but often make trips to Rotorua and Taupo - where I plan on having some fun in this '93 nissan terrano I have picked up. You guys have a very good community going here and have found a lot of useful information :) .

Any tips for a beginner 4wder or Terrano much appreciated - and yes I know how to use search but it doesn't always work right - like using a map compared to locals knowledge :wink:
Plans are to lift it a bit, and fix the god awful steering. Who sells the idler braces I keep hearing about and are they the solution? And what shocks to use with the lift?
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mike
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Re: Hi from the big smoke

Post by mike »

The more you mod the more you will need that idler brace. So do that before you need to replace the idler arm, like I didn't do :roll:

The 42nd traverse from ohwanga, which bypasses national park, will be opening soon and that is always a good trip, very scenic and great for standard vehicles, but as always best to go with two vehicles or be self recoverable.

Welcome aboard.
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Ant
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Re: Hi from the big smoke

Post by Ant »

Welcome, There are a few very good clubs around.
Come down to Manukau 4wd club meeting in a couple weeks. Heaps of trips on the go all year round from easy farm trips to the most extreme. Really good bunch of guys down there.
92 LWB Safari TD42
95 4.5L Cruiser, AKA "Thirsty"
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stovanovich
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Re: Hi from the big smoke

Post by stovanovich »

Mate. Your terrano is a ready to go machine practically out of the box. I wouldn't bother messing around with lifting etc until you've actually gone out driving it, you'll be surprised where it'll go standard.
What is your primary reason for wanting to lift it? I run 32 x 11.5 on factory Safari rims with just minimal guard cutting & slight torsion cranking The safari rims are light enough that my 32s weigh as much as 31s on steelies (to help prevent CV damage). I would start with some decent rubber first.
Image

Idler arm brace is Definitely a good idea, I went through 3 idler arms before I bought one of Tomsoffroad on here (dunno if he still does them but perhaps flick him a PM) I now haven't bent one in ages but still carry a spare idler arm + spare center link to be safe.

Get yourself a boost gauge & EGT and look into sourcing an intercooler / upping boost & fuel (This will help you spin the rubber)
Bighorn intercooler's work great and are pretty easy to install (you'll see a few guys around here that have done it.
Image

Also a final note, replace that factory tow hook on the front ASAP, it may look strong but I assure you... it isn't :D

Where abouts in Auckland are you?
Te Rino
'92 Nissan Terrano | Intercooled TD27T | 33 x 10.5s
Build Thread: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=42742
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"Hubs In, Caps Off"
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lax2wlg
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Re: Hi from the big smoke

Post by lax2wlg »

Welcome

Good advice from stanovich.

fh2014 wrote:idler braces I keep hearing about and are they the solution?


Yes an idler brace will prevent the idler arm bending.
I have an idler arm brace if you are interested, prof. made. Also have a spare idler arm I can throw in just in case. Will post up a pic.

Regarding the rest of the steering system... you may have read about the '2wd steering mod + steering box idler mod.' Its certainly a bulletproof system for lifted applications with front lockers and taller tyres - but as stan points out - the factory system holds up quite well with minimal torsion cranking (ie operating at flat angles). If doing this I would carry a complete tie rod assembly as a trail spare, as the design of the factory setup can cause the powered wheel to toe-in quite violently at full droop. You can always upgrade to the heavy duty setup later.
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fh2014
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Re: Hi from the big smoke

Post by fh2014 »

Very helpful information thanks guys! Main reason I thought about the lift was the terrano seemed like one of the lower if not lowest 4wd trucks on the road, just a poor assumption it would seem. I will have to take it out and see what it can do as is :)

As I purchased it it has 31s all round, ATs on the front and MTs on the back (look cheap however) and the standard 15" tri-spoke wheels. Can 32s be fit without any lifting? Second reason for wanting to lift (only 50mm springs, body later if I get more into it) was for fitting 32s but if that doesn't need to be done that's a bonus saving. And alright so if I lift it I will end up snapping tie-rod ends? haha.

Seems like that idler arm brace is the way to go, PM sent. Cant imagine they are difficult to fit. This will not protect the steering if the truck is lifted however?

Will have to check out the Manakau Club and that transverse track mentioned. As long as someone can tow my amateur-ass out if I get stuck :mrgreen:

EDIT -- Im on the North shore, have farm land access in Taupo and Rotorua
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stovanovich
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Re: Hi from the big smoke

Post by stovanovich »

Yep 32s can fit with no lifting, I am running standard springs in the rear with just a little tweak in the torsions to even everything out. The bigger rubber definitely gives you more height.
I do have some new springs about to go in which are only to give roughly 30-40mm of lift.
The only thing I did to fit my 32s under was about 25mm worth of guard trimming and folding to help with when at full lock.

Don't talk about those Tri-spoke wheels too loudly or Lax2Wlg will be after them ;-) they are perfect offset for running the bigger rubber If I didn't already have my safari rims around I would've tracked some down.
Te Rino
'92 Nissan Terrano | Intercooled TD27T | 33 x 10.5s
Build Thread: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=42742
Image
"Hubs In, Caps Off"
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stovanovich
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Re: Hi from the big smoke

Post by stovanovich »

lax2wlg wrote:Good advice from stanovich.

Stovanovich*
And technically i'm only regurgitating the same info you bestowed onto me :lol: mixed in with some other bits I've learned over the past while myself.
Te Rino
'92 Nissan Terrano | Intercooled TD27T | 33 x 10.5s
Build Thread: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=42742
Image
"Hubs In, Caps Off"
johnny262
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Re: Hi from the big smoke

Post by johnny262 »

Wouldnt happen to know the offset of the tri-spokes guys?

Ive got 15x7 Surf alloys on my Terrano with +8 offset and hoping to squeeze on a set of 32x11.5 Buckshots or Bighorns, am I better off running a negative offset or will I get away with it?

I should mention its got 2" lift rear springs and about 1.5" torsion lift, and will most probably do body lift sometime in the (hopefully near) future
Cheers
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