Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

How easily does / should the lever slip out of 2H and into 4H when moving at a slow (20 - 40 km/h). I really battle to move the lever out of 2H, eventually after 4 or 5 attempts does she eventually give way. My old 2.4 1-tonner slid out effortlessly - so I am assuming that something may not be 100% aligned or properly lubricated maybe?? Any ideas? Once in 4x4 there is no problem shifting between 4H and 4L, and the whole 4x4 transmission seems to work fine.

Hi Tony

I found it took some practice when I just got my Trol - especially if it wasn't used much.

In the beginning I came to a complete stop, put the car in neutral and only then it would go into 4H. Mine got better the more I used it and is now totally smooth and will go into 4H without any problems.

Below 40 you should be able to just move it back into 4H with one firm but smooth movement.

Did you buy new? My Troll was 5 yrs old with 118000km when I got her, and have put another 45000km on top of that. Granted, I don't use 4x4 often enough myself - but I really have no idea how much it has been used by the previous owners it may be still not properly worn in. The car did not look like it had been used at all for major offroad driving when I bought her. So maybe a little running in is all she needs. Thanks. WWW

Nope - also second hand but my Km's were much lower - I am only now at 115k Km's.

I would suggest you try shifting between 4H and 2H a few times on a quiet dirt road and see if it doesn't get better if it gets used a bit.

I agree with David.

When I got mine at 210k km, it was still a bit tight. Now (260k), and only from use, no adjustments or anything, it is perfectly smooth.

I firmly beleive a Patrol needs to 4x4 (and have the diff lock engaged) at least monthly, otherwise it starts sulking.

Which means that I am about to start running into trouble myself, but I have promised my Trol a whole week and a half of (almost) constant off-roading very soon. Starting next Saturday, in fact.

What a boytije !! Time, Time, Time, that's the problem with most of us - but a week of continuous offroading.... where are you off to, it sounds like bliss!

Mine has 256 000km on and i have to shift to N in the auto box before i can succesfully go form 2H to 4H or even 4L , and back form 4l to 2H i have to stop dead and go back into N again and believe me this trol sees 4L a lot as i try to go out and paly with it at least one weekend a month

Same rule applies to the difflock on theses vehicles - if you dont use it you loose it

Tony, I am getting married at Kubu Island on Sunday, then on through Moremi, Savuti and Linyanti to Chobe. Can't wait anymore.

Driko, according to the manual, you need to stop and go to Neutral or Park with the auto box when changing between low and high. Even with the manual, I stop before going from low to high, but will change from low to high on the move, but with gearbox in Nuetral and foot on the clutch.
However, 2H to 4H and back should be possible on the fly as long as you are feathering the throttle.

Pete , gongrats on your big day coming up , may you guys just experience blessings in both your mariage and your trip

As for the shifting , yes im aware of the fact that i have to stop and go to N or P to shift into 4H or 4L but as you say should be able to go between 4L and 4H when feathering the throttle - might be able to but have tried it once or twice and no succes so i just stop when i need to change but having an Auto i really dont have a proble trvelling between obstacles in 4L so i now just go to 4H for speed on sandy climbs or 2H when im out of the trail

Well done peter, you've chosen a superb place for a honeymoon I wish you and your bride a lifetime of happiness. I hope she never gets jealous of your relationship with your troll!!