Ohh Ollie! You've done it again!

[stevemc181]

[QUOTE=Morville;535434]

Maybe we can lure Harry and Wilma along.....(saves us carrying a chainsaw )
Congratulations Steve on the new vehicle, it looks great.

Sorry boys, not this year, we are going to Europe and England in May/June.
Would love to come and see Steve's turn to drag a pumpkin and also pushing another one.
Peter

Bahahahaha, she is already lifted slightly and diff top hats will be coming soon for attacking it with more gusto!
Enjoy your trip overseas, we thought about heading to the USA this year, but bought a new Patrol instead. I am planning a 6 or 7 week adventure to an as yet undetermined location around August/September. I need to be in Brisbane for a wedding, so may duck up to the Kimberley and then down to Alice and across the Simmo.

[stevemc181]

Yeehah! Trip to the powerlines to test her out???

Jeez, I wouldn't want to get her dirty!

I don't mind the power lines if it's not mud, but I hate mud! Love it at the time, but I hate the clean up afterwards.

Sat-Nav is all fixed now, called Nissan and they took it in straightaway and fixed it, as I suspected, the installer hadn't wired in the handbrake switch correctly for the GPS and hance locked me out of a heap of functions. This one comes with the

[stevemc181]

A couple of pics below showing the rear diff and axle housing lamination. (Welded on sections on the bottom of the axle housings left and right) This was a necessary part of the GVM Upgrade to 3505kg as it exceeded the factory axle specs and the load analysis shows the strengthening is required

[Nab]

I didn't know they modded the diff. I have never heard of Patrol diffs breaking, only the top rear suspension mounts.

Another thing I remember about Patrol ownership, whenever I did any rock hopping or serious low range work, I always locked the front hubs in manually with the tyre wrench. If you don't, sometimes, if you get stuck going forward and try to reverse back (hubs in auto position) they would unlock then relock after spinning a little (maybe 1/4 turn). But if neither front wheels turn the drive won't engage to them. Only happened once to me, not a common occurrence but I locked the hubs every time after that.

That was a 1999 model, not sure if they have the same hubs (probably do haha!!!).

[stevemc181]

I didn't know they modded the diff. I have never heard of Patrol diffs breaking, only the top rear suspension mounts.

Yep, part of getting the 3505kg GVM upgrade approved when it increases the axle load limits. I could have gone to a 3300kg GVM without the need for the diff laminating, but quotes I received were around the same money anyway. I guess at least this way, I know I've got the rear end strengthened to sustain some additional loading.

Yep, not sure on the auto hubs, but the 4wd system is ancient compared to the super select, hopefully no flashing green or orange dash lights though.

[Nab]

Yep, part of getting the 3505kg GVM upgrade approved when it increases the axle load limits. I could have gone to a 3300kg GVM without the need for the diff laminating, but quotes I received were around the same money anyway. I guess at least this way, I know I've got the rear end strengthened to sustain some additional loading.

Yep, not sure on the auto hubs, but the 4wd system is ancient compared to the super select, hopefully no flashing green or orange dash lights though.

Haha the only flashing lights in a Patrol are the indicators!

[Richie-Rich]

Laminated diff? Wow.

Yes replace the auto hubs with the Manual hubs. Stronger and easy to use, plus the auto hubs will disengage in reverse!

Whens the maiden powerlines run?

[stevemc181]

Laminated diff? Wow.

Yes replace the auto hubs with the Manual hubs. Stronger and easy to use, plus the auto hubs will disengage in reverse!

Whens the maiden powerlines run?

I can just engage the auto hubs manually, that will solve the disengaging momentarily in reverse problem.

Powerlines Run? Good Lord! I wouldn't want to get it dirty
Its been awhile since I've been away camping though, I might have to rectify that soon. I've been out of action for nearly 8 weeks due to some surgery on my foot, but she is getting back to normal now. So hopefully a couple of more weeks and I can get a shoe back on and walk normally

[Nab]

I never had any issues after I started locking the hubs manually. I took it to some serious tracks with front diff lock and it always came back for more. Manual hubs just make it easier, and there is no need to explain to the nice policeman why you have a wheel brace alongside your seat...

[Richie-Rich]

The Manual hubs are actually a heap stronger.

The other great option is a spartan or detroit front auto locker. This also requires the manual hubs.

[stevemc181]

I can't believe I still haven't had a chance to get offroad in the Patrol yet! (Had a few health issues that need attending to) I'm currently in the middle of modifying an ORS drawer system to suit my needs and am having the below 3" Turbo back Manta exhaust system with a high flow cat fitted today. Hopefully it will make a noticeable difference to the power output. I noticed the factory system has two cats one after the other, can't be very good for flow?

It's looking like the Troll's inaugural trip will be up to Karijini and depending on weather, onto Rudall River area for an explore. I'm expecting a distinct lack of clear track if I try the run to Hanging Rock, I don't think too many people do it over the years, so will go and have a look if it isn't wet!

[stevemc181]

The 3" exhaust has made a hell of a difference to the general drive-ability of the Patrol. I've only had a chance to do some short runs, so will see how it feels over the next couple of weeks and make a decision on a Remap or Chip etc. I also have a Tillix manual boost controller on the way, as the ECU controlled boost in these is less than ideal. https://www.tillix.com.au/product/bo...l-zd30-di-crd/ This should smooth out the boost curve and get rid of a known turbo lag issue these have between 1900 and 2100 RPM.

I only did a short 20km run yesterday after picking it up from the exhaust shop, but I took it on the hwy and tried the Torque Converter lock at 100kph, and she seemed much happier and didn't sound like it was labouring in the wrong gear, so some definite improvement there. The Turbo is also spooling up much quicker from a standing start, so I'm a happy camper again.

[stevemc181]

Well I was happy with the exhaust until it started leaking at the dump pipe flange on the way home! Prick of a heat shield to remove to get to it unfortunately. WTF is it with the lack of quality of workmanship these days? I even mentioned to this guy that I was sick of having to get rework done nearly every time I get something fitted, and he assured me he would do it right first time!

[grhyso]

he assured me he would do it right first time!

Famous last words

[nj swb]

I even mentioned to this guy that I was sick of having to get rework done nearly every time I get something fitted, and he assured me he would do it right first time!

Sounds like the last time Dominos saw any of my money. I explained I'd been disappointed the last few times with poorly made / sparsely topped pizzas, and the man on the phone assured me he was the manager, and this pizza would be perfect.

Being young, and foolishly trusting, I didn't check in the store. When I got home, it was probably the worst pizza I'd ever seen - about a third had little more than sauce and a little cheese.

The chain has lost me for life.