View Full Version : You Ba-utie
So as it turns out, one of the conditions that I negotiated with the Minister of War and Finance that underwrote my coming to live in china for several years was that upon my return I would be purchasing either a new Cruiser or Patrol ute. http://www.tour-oz.net/forum/images/smiles/icon_cool.gif
After having a drive of my brother's Troll when we were home on our summer hols and going a little ways to putting it through it's paces I started mooching around Carpoint etc to get a bit of a feel for what ball park I'd be playing in when we are due to come home this time next year.
Not having any intention of making a purchase you can well think it's strange that I am now the new owner of a twin to my bro's '06 coil cab http://www.tour-oz.net/forum/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif
With only 34000km's on the clock and a stack of extra's it was too good to pass up. So an RACQ inspection was arranged and negotiations entered into and with a lot of kind help from my family the handover took place late August AFTER my return to China :o
It's kinda strange to get used to the idea that I've just bought a vehicle that I'll not get to drive for almost one year. http://www.tour-oz.net/forum/images/smiles/icon_neutral.gif
My Bro has gracefully volunteered to baby sit it for me til my return and I'm sure that his neighbours will be quite surprised to see another Troll almost identical to the one he currently has when it takes up residence at his house. http://www.tour-oz.net/forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.tour-oz.net/forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif
Best of all I know it couldn't be in better hands to be looked after for the interim until we return home for good next July.
I've got a list of mods and upgrades to further improve it (of course) but so far she has the following.
Duel batteries.
Electric breaking control for caravan or trailer.
Glind shower.
L'range fuel tanks.
TX4400 GME UHF
Bull Bar
IPF spotties
Side Steps
Canvas hard top canopy with auxilliary wiring and switches.
Water tank (not yet installed)
3 inch exhaust and dump pipe
Dyno'ed turbo (up to 11psi)
I have also already purchased an Engel 75L combo fridge/freezer to keep the beverages cold and meat frozen ;)
Here are a few piccies:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k205/griffo79/patrol/phpP5VkKp.jpg
DavidJHardy
11-09-09, 12:25 PM
luke, when you come back to oz for good and are doing your year of hunting/traveling around aus, i want to be in that poo-trol and kill some animals with you for a trip:)
very nice ride mate, i'm sure you see some country side in her!
comagutsa
11-09-09, 12:57 PM
nice ute there ...the patrols are better than the cruziers imo :)
Very nice ute mate, I bet you're keen to take that on some big hunts.
matt willey
11-09-09, 01:29 PM
Good on you luke just need to fatten it up with some big chunky off road tyres mate, I like that colour as well.
Thanks boys.
Don't worry Matt... the mods list is looooooooooooooong ;)
I'm talking 4 inch lift, lockers, winch bar n winch, adjustabe shocks, rtc dampner, BFG muddies and much much more :D
Tomalophicon
11-09-09, 02:11 PM
Is that a coil or leaf-sprung version Luke? Nice ute.
tenterfield hunter
11-09-09, 08:35 PM
nice luke..very nice....some good times to be had there..brett
aussie.rum.pig
11-09-09, 08:43 PM
sorry mate but it's just a pootrol lol only if it was a mighty hilux or cruiser u would be on the right track
Been there done that... Patrol's eat Lux's for breakfast ;)
aussie.rum.pig
11-09-09, 10:13 PM
Been there done that... Patrol's eat Lux's for breakfast ;)
bring it on mate my lux is feeling like a snack and a pootrol wood go down just fine lol
LOL now now boys play nice!
Looks like a nice pick up mate, solid trucks, cant beat a coil sprung ute.
Aussie.rum.pig: sorry to say mate but Lukes got you covered everyday of the week and twice on sunday. Its the IFS that lets all the new duel cabs down.
aussie.rum.pig
12-09-09, 01:51 AM
LOL now now boys play nice!
Looks like a nice pick up mate, solid trucks, cant beat a coil sprung ute.
Aussie.rum.pig: sorry to say mate but Lukes got you covered everyday of the week and twice on sunday. Its the IFS that lets all the new duel cabs down.
yes the IFS are sh:t .... but dont bag the solid lux's out i have put many pootrols to shame lol by the way luke it's not a bad looking truck .... will be nice when it's all done if u do it up like your old lux's .... but then i guess it would have to be a lux to look good
DavidJHardy
12-09-09, 09:11 AM
A.R.P. - i agree with you;) LOL
WHY LUKE! WHY! Another one lost to the dark side :(. Toyotas all the way mate.
Like I said... been there done that and I now know better ;)
And unlike the comments and accusations some have leveled at my previous vehicle (PUK! :P) this one was no hairdresser's car:
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k205/griffo79/outback%20lux/frontquarter.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k205/griffo79/outback%20lux/rearquarter.jpg
which one Teal? My the old white lux or the new troll?
which one Teal? My the old white lux or the new troll?
ozbowhunter 15
20-09-09, 10:07 PM
Not a bad ute
quick question do the Patrol utes have the super touchy accelerator that gives you whiplash everytime you hit the tiniest little bump when your trying to go slow in 1st gear across a paddock or have they changed it since 2003 ?
I can't say I noticed that when I drove my brother's a few weeks back.
Besides often just idle revs will get you where you need to go if you're wanting to go that slowly.
EcoMuse
20-09-09, 11:18 PM
One of, if not THE, single best base unit for an offroad/touring weapon IMHO. Cant wait to see the finished product.
Nice truck luke. I test drove one last time I was looking for a new work ute, it was unreal, duno what happened though, I ended up in a bloody FORD!:confused:
Oh, Clemo, Clemo, Clemo http://www.tour-oz.net/forum/images/smiles/icon_oops.gif
You cant beat the old land cruiser fj40's. There the real deal no plastic bits to brake and electric's to fail.
Having said that out of all the new 4wd's i would rather the patrol's.
Nice looking rig will be the goods when you get all the bits on your list for it.
Well, even though in August when I bought the new bus we weren't intending to be back in Oz before July of this year, we made the trip home for Chrissy to spend time with the family.
I got to drive the ute and inspect it with a fine tooth comb and it all confirmed that I made a great buy.
The mods have started already after I picked up lockers (front and rear), ARB air up kit and an Ironman winch bar.
My bro and I wasted no time and put the bar on on Christmas eve.
Here she is with the new bar on.
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k205/griffo79/patrol/P1040888-cropped.jpg
The canopy was also removed in prep for modifications when we come home.
Then I had to consult the rest of the accessory and mods list (especially after the better half told me "if we're going to do this we should do it well and not on the cheap"... OH YEAH!!:P) and so well, the bank balance copped another flogging a few weeks back and I ordered a heap more goodies.
FRONT X" TOUGH DOG SHOCK ABSOBERS GQ/GU
REAR TOUGH DOG ADJUSTABLES X" GQ/GU
GU PATROL UTE X" COILS - FRONT
GU PATROL UTE X" COILS - REAR
PANHARD ROD FRONT
PANHARD ROD REAR
GQ/GU RADUIS ARMS
RTC STR DAMPNER
MONSTER WINCH 12000LB 12V
IRONMAN ROOF TOP TENT - INC ANNEX
IRONMAN INSTANT AWNING 2M x 2.5M
MAXTRAX SAND TRAX PAIR
My bro's going to drop it to the workshop in a few week's time for the susp lift and winch to be fitted along with the lockers that I purchased back in December when I got the bullbar. :D:D
Roll on July so I can come home and go have some fun!!! :P:P
Gotta give a huge thanks to Ash at Coastal 4x4 in Hervey Bay (http://www.coastal4x4.com.au/)for his help with all the gear and his great prices ;) and of course to my bro for helping me out while I'm in dispose in China :D
moose2367
26-02-10, 06:59 PM
Probably should get some Firestone Coil Rite airbags for the rear too, you will need them when it's loaded. Much cheaper from the USA, Michigan Truck Springs, $150 posted compared to about $375 here.
Cheers
chris1986
27-02-10, 01:47 AM
nice choice. coil cabs are the go.
PSEPete
27-02-10, 08:12 AM
She will look sweet as when it is done Luke.
you going to put some new treads on it?
Cheers boys.
New rubber for sure mate... let's just say an 'upsize' is definitely on the cards after the suspension lift :P
Thanks Moose, I'll look into them for sure.
DAVESMISSION
02-03-10, 12:42 AM
wooooooooo hoooooooooooo. good to see the Boss of the site is a Nissan man. GQ/GU are the best 4x4's ever made. might have to go wheelin together some time mate.
Lifted, locked and loaded with new Mickey T treads.
http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/griffo80/Patrol/LUKESTYRES002.jpg
http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/griffo80/Patrol/LUKESTYRES001.jpg
http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/griffo80/Patrol/LUKESTYRES003.jpg
The fun switches:
http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/griffo80/Patrol/lukesGU002.jpg
http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/griffo80/Patrol/lukesGU003.jpg
An addition for helping Toyota's out of the easy bits:
http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/griffo80/Patrol/lukesGU004.jpg
The drawers I designed and had custom built by ORS:
http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/griffo80/Patrol/lukesdrawers002-1.jpg
Sliding bench I designed.
http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/griffo80/Patrol/lukesdrawers003.jpg
http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/griffo80/Patrol/lukesdrawers001.jpg
3 days til I pick it up. :D:D:D
moose2367
24-06-10, 08:09 AM
Noice, Did you find some DX seats yet? I'll have a look today for some, we just wrecked a DX ute, postage might be a problem though
awesome looking ride mate, should do you good. That sounds like a perfect buy
Noice, Did you find some DX seats yet? I'll have a look today for some, we just wrecked a DX ute, postage might be a problem though
Cheers boys.
Yup, got a DX 3/4 seat thanks Moose :)
It's sitting at my sister's place awaiting installment next week.
curvemeister
24-06-10, 12:09 PM
nice set of hoops your shod with mate , how much the mickey's set ya back ? looks like they'll rip n grip alright and looks they'll be fairly quiet on the road with the closer tread spacings toward the centre line .
im running Bridgestone dueler A/T's at the moment , good on the road , good in the sand , but finding the limitations of em on the greasy clay been running across recently , tend to slick up with a bit of rain sitting on top .
And from the pricing i checked not looking forward to the $270 odd per tyre replacement costs of em , have seen mickey's , but more offroad orientated for $130 , but that tread pattern looks the goods
You don't want to know how much if you're thinking $270 is a lot :o :(
I was going to get the BFG K2 Muddies but there were none available in my size in the country and they would not have arrived from OS in time for my cape trip on the 3rd of July.
I came away $45 per tyre cheaper though, so not too bad as I did buy 6.
Was recommended to get the Mickey T's and have heard good things about them.
moose2367
24-06-10, 01:40 PM
Yep, $270 would be cheap, my mate just bought some 285/75/16 Wrangler MTR's for $390ea, might try some Nankang Mudstars next, made in the same factory as Maxxis
I had Maxxis Bighorns on my Lux... good tyre.
moose2367
24-06-10, 02:21 PM
We sell them(Nankang) here at work, can get 5 x 35inch with black sunnies for about $1600, tempted when the funds permit
rhysieboyy
24-06-10, 02:24 PM
im being a bit lazy as it was probably posted a few pages back but is it a 4.2l?and they patrols are an awesome i got a mate with a gq ute with a arb turbo and 35' simex's and it will light the wills up with ease and when it hits boost loves to get a little bit sideways.good luck and i hope you enjoy it luke
rhys
DAVESMISSION
20-07-10, 03:50 PM
she's looking good buddy. when ya get back ya better post up some flex pics and put some miles on her. Go the Nissan! GQ/GU = best offroad weapon EVER made!!!
Here she is in use (or resting at the end of a day of hard work at least).
http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/griffo80/DSCN1208-edited.jpg
Couple of action shots:
http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/griffo80/DSCN1195small.jpg
http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/griffo80/DSCN1196small.jpg
http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/griffo80/DSCN1197small.jpg
And here she is all clean and tidy:
http://i827.photobucket.com/albums/zz195/griffo80/P1010988small.jpg
A few more mods and additions to make in a few weeks time and it'll be spot on.
willow1
31-08-10, 07:53 PM
nice truck mate many good times too be had in that i bet
Ta mate... good times have already been had and many more on the way ;)
hey luke looks good what are your thoughts on the Mickey T treads.
I've only put 5500km's or so on mine so far but they have handled everything Cape York could throw at it with absolute ease. From bitumen, sand, mud, gravel, clay, rocks you name it they ate it up and didn't miss a stride.
I was after BFG Muddies but could not get any in the right size into the country before my Cape trip so settled for the MT's. At around $50 a tyre cheaper, that was not such a bad thing though - especially as I bought six (and you don't want to guess the price!) :o
willow1
31-08-10, 08:03 PM
mate your almost makin me want a nissan
willow1
31-08-10, 08:05 PM
but my lux wouldnt be too happy with me though whats a rig like yours go for these days mate?
I paid just under $40K for it ( '06, 4.2 St, TD with only 35000km's) and have spent a LOT more on it since. ;)
willow1
31-08-10, 08:13 PM
i bet you have mate
You got her set up real nice Luke.
I've got plans to get a D22 Navara.....just hope the wife agrees with those plans.:rolleyes:
willow1
31-08-10, 08:25 PM
mate howd you find the roof top tent ? i was considering getting one of those myself
That's the clincher mate ;)
willow1
31-08-10, 08:31 PM
good too hear i will have to do a few mods to my next one then will be updating just before next tax time
mate howd you find the roof top tent ? i was considering getting one of those myself
In a word? Fantastic!
5 mins to set up, maybe 7 to pull down and soooo easy and tonnes of room inside.
The only draw back to them that I found was that you're stuck in the one place once you've set up camp... but as I said, with such a short set up/pull down time that's really not a biggy. Perhaps another is packing up in the wet, but a tarp on the mattress on the inside soon fixes any dampness that might get onto it and it's not a drama.
If you have a lift on your rig, you may need to look at a ladder extension.
Combine it with an awning such as I have and you're looking at a really good, easy to use and quickly set up camp.
As you can see I have the tray drawers, slide out 80L Engle and the Drifta camping kitchen so it's been deliberately chosen to fit together and function as a unit to make life easier out bush.
Less time setting up and packing up the better IMO... (in other words, the faster I can get set up and then sit down with a cold beer at the end of the day the better) :P
Hope that helps a bit mate.
willow1
31-08-10, 08:33 PM
sounds like you've got it all sorted out mate good one
Not so much, it's still a work in progress and the last trip I did showed up a number of things I want to change (in a few weeks time she's a go)... I think every time you go bush you learn something about your gear or your vehicle that you can improve on.
I put a load of time into research, spent a LOT of time thinking and planning what I wanted and had a few top blokes help me out with it all (especially my bro (Thunda), my father (Bassett) and Ash from Coastal 4x4 in Hervey Bay (Qld) - see my sig). Their input, experience and advice helped me no end and I'm sure they got very sick of all my questions :P
willow1
31-08-10, 08:43 PM
have fun with the future developments of your truck then mate theres nothin quite like getting out in the bush and getting amongst it have a good one
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