Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

I noticed that my left coilspring top brace started to tear. I previously also had the same problem with the right side which I repaired. I also found on the internet that this is a bit of a flaw in the GU design. Is there anyone in the RSA that manufacture braces. Would prefer to buy/support local rather that importing from Aus.

I think Peter Connan makes a tower brace, but I think a body lift is also needed, but I'm sure Peter will jump in if I am wrong.

ricster wrote: ↑15 Feb 2021 09:01 I think Peter Connan makes a tower brace, but I think a body lift is also needed, but I'm sure Peter will jump in if I am wrong.

Correct on all counts.

@Peter - what is the minimum lift needed? & can this be something you include in the kit? Cost all in with spacers?

What is the reason for the bodylift?

If I look at the Aus brace it fits inside the existing one, so no bodylift required. Please correct me if I'am wrong.

My problem with the bodylift is that currently I just clear my garage door (5mm spare).

There are several different braces sold in Australia.

The one I make is similar to the Superior Engineering one, and bolts across the top of the two coil towers.

But the brake and fuel lines run over the right-hand-side coil tower, and the body lift is needed so as not to crush them. I think one could get away with about a 10mm lift. I will be able to include the spacers in the kit but will need to have a good look at a few Y61's to determine whether I will also need to supply longer bolts.

However, if yours are already starting to tear, fixing it will be a body-off job, and as such it may be best to fabricate something similar to what this guy did:

That could be done such that a body lift is not needed, and looks super strong.

Chukkie wrote: ↑15 Feb 2021 10:29 What is the reason for the bodylift?

If I look at the Aus brace it fits inside the existing one, so no bodylift required. Please correct me if I'am wrong.

My problem with the bodylift is that currently I just clear my garage door (5mm spare).

I had the same problem.... I had the best solution to that problem. I built myself a new 7500mm deep x 6500mm wide garage with a 2465mm high garage door. I can now load my roofrack with RTT onto the Patrol in the garage from the Franklin hoist suspended from the roof trusses.... It makes life sooooo much easier. So there is never problems only solutions....

Thanks for all the responses.

@Peter What is your opinion on these: https://www.partsman.com.au/boss-coil-t ... -gq-gu-wag.

@ ricster: Building a new garage is just not an option. Firstly funding & secondly the municipality will not allow any more buildings on my property as I am already over the allowed %.

Thus I must look at alternatives.

Those react all the force the standard coil towers can't handle into two little M8 bolts, as a shear load, and at a relatively short lever arm.

As such I don't think that they will help all that much.

Also, they sit between the springs and the towers, and as such they will also raise your car by the plate thickness, which is probably between 5 and 8mm. So if you really only have 5mm, you will already be in trouble.

I don't like welding on chassis, because it is impossible to repair the rustproofing inside the chassis afrer welding. But since you already need to weld to repair the issue, I honestly believe adding a strap from the edge of the spring tower to the cross-members in front off and behind the axle.

They need not be nearly as substantial as the ones in the video I linked earlier to be a hell of a lot stronger than that bolt-on solution.

Thanks Peter
You gave me a lot to think about and I need to make some serious measurements before I decide on the way forward.
Really appreciate the time in answering my questions.
Will update on my progress.