1999 April,
Nissan launched a turbo-charged version
of the 4.2 litre diesel engine in its cab-chassis (ute) GU Patrol.
Firstly there are two versions of the chassis,
one with coil suspension (and disc brakes) front and rear as in the
station-wagon version of the GU Patrol.
The other retains leaf rear springs and rear drum brakes
which are cheaper and seen as more rugged by some (certainly in ride quality).
Secondly, the vehicle can be had with
the naturally aspirated 4.2 litre diesel (91kW at 4000rpm, 272Nm at 2000rpm)
or the turbo (114kW at 3600rpm, 330Nm at 2000).
It is interesting to compare those figures with
the 2.5 litre turbo diesel in the 1999 Land Rover
Defender
and Discovery (101kW at 4200rpm, 300Nm at 1950rpm).
Incidentally, one or two Nissan owners have been blowing their (GQ) diesels
for a while.
Nissan already have a 2.8 litre turbo-diesel in the wagon
but it seems the 4.2 litre turbo will find its way there too.
www.4wdonline.com/Nissan/Nissan.html
Above: ST (red) and DX (white)
ST interior
There is little doubt that all-coil suspension will deliver a better ride,
and quoted wheel travel of 220mm front and 240mm rear (unladen) deliver
better traction offroad, than the leaf-sprung option for the back-axle.
Transmission is by a five-speed manual gearbox
and two-speed, part-time-4WD transfer-case.
The latter is chain-driven with
"a non-backlash mechanism which comprises a sub-gear
with one more tooth than the outer gear which is tensioned
by a dish spring to maintain chain tension".
Four wheel drive can be selected while moving
if the manual free-wheel hubs are engaged.
The transmission has also been strengthened:
"First, second and fifth gears are shot-treated
and bearings are reinforced for improved durability and
reduced [noise]. The gearbox casing is strengthened for all GU models".
The cab in the GU ute is larger than in the previous model based on the
GQ Patrol with an extra inch or two
in leg room and cabin width, and +4" in headroom.
The more luxurious `ST' model gets power windows, central locking,
`moquette' trim on the two seats, and power radio antenna.
Apparently "Australia accounts for over 80% of the worldwide sales
for the Patrol Cab Chassis",
many going to farmers and to mining companies,
and Nissan Australia are hoping for sales of "300 per month".
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