Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Awesome bud !!!

I did Berakah with Rob and Dirk in December, that machine walked over the obstacles. Only thing is suspension is still standard if I'm not mistaken.

I am looking forward to seeing it in more action soon !!

Yip, still has standard suspension! - For now, it will serve me just ok. In time, I will slowly do some mods (bash plates, roof rack, rock sliders, drawer system, suspension, etc)

Part of my project

what was the mileage

Congratulations Mark
Now I hope I can make it on 27 Jan so I can meet both man and machine

Also consider joining the Nissan4x4 club. It is unbeliecable good value for money if you parttake in but some of the events

Alex

MDG wrote:I will slowly do some mods

Congratulations with the "acquisition"....my first modification will be to upgrade the suspension - the rest can come later....

Hi George

Many thanks!

I thought the Patrol suspension is pretty sufficient!

What are the advantages of a modified suspension?

Hello Mark

The standard suspension will serve you well in most conditions. What I saw in more extreme conditions e.g. when were at Moegatle early in 2012 the Patrols with standard suspension took a real beating and all of those that went with us lost their rear tail lights due to inefficient departure angles - you need to lift the body. Then also, when you start adding other mods e.g. aftermarket bumpers, roof rack, winch, dual battery, fridge, etc, etc - guess what need to carry that additional weight.....the suspension....a friend of mine fitted TJM XJS full kit (heavy duty coils) to his Patrol and never looked back in terms of approach, departure and break-over angles...also road handling, stability and driving experience increased dramatically...

Also seen this on another friends Prado 120 - had standard suspension on and he struggled when we were playing the Kalahari dunes. He fitted OME and that Prado is a different beast now...

Obviously you can also fit bigger wheels e.g. 285/75/16 to increase clearance and this will definitely help, but that does not help if you add weight to the vehicle by adding aftermarket stuff...I also saw this when upgrading my HB's standard shocks with Camils - mush more angle clearance - obviously only gained ground clearance when I fitted bigger wheels....

Hopes this clarify my point of view...

Hi George

Many thanks - great informative information! Will start saving up! Haha

Excellent - have a look at EFS as well as Tough Dog - these are cheaper than the TJM and OME ranges and carry a 3 year 100k km warranty. When you have decided also remember to ask about caster correction - with the added height it might be necessary do do that as well....

Congrats Mark , you were looking for a Patrol for a long time , I am sure this one was meant for you and will give you years of care free travelling.

Shalom