Why does everyone want to make changes

[npca-stevenz]

Hi there everyone..I am looking at buying my first Patrol a 74 G60-h....been crusin through the disscusion board to get some tips and answers.The reason for me looking at the patrol in the first place is that I have heard they are virtually bullet proof as far as the running gear goes....this is where I get confused.....in the disscussion board I see so many of you wanting to change the motors ,gearboxs ,modify brakes etc etc.......I ask myself why...over here on the Westcoast of NZ we do some prity extreme 4x4ing ...which is why I am looking at a truck that will handle what I throw at it ..and survive...your thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated   Cheers Steve ps...curently drive a Holden Jackaroo

[npca-strausz]

There are a couple of major reasons why people over here in the States are looking for new engines, transmissions, etc. that will work with our patrols. The major reason is parts availablility. Since so few patrols were imported to the US between 1962-69, it is getting harder and harder to find parts for the original engine. Swapping the stock engine out for a us made one would make parts easier to find (at least for the engine). The reason people want new gearboxes is usually because they desire one with an overdrive or lower first gear. The first gear in the stock 60 series patrols is not very low and a lower one would be better for serious off-roading or stump pulling. The low final drive ratio, makes the top gear(3rd) inadequate for highway speed travelling, plus the rpm's of the engine at even slower highway speeds (50mph) are so high that the engine consumes large amounts of fuel. In my case I mostly want an overdrive so that I can get better gas mileage and actually travel a little more comfortably in my patrol at highway speeds. Anyhow that is the reasoning that I see behind swapping motors/transmissions out. Some people just want more power, but seeing how the stock engine is already pretty damn powerful, I don't think that this accounts for many people.

[npca-stevenz]

thanks for the feedback......can anyone tell me what they are acually like off-road....I hear a lot of stories from some of the older blokes in our 4x4 club but no one owns one any more....there is only one other in town that I know off...and his just sits in the garage....any pics of them in action would be great.just email them to.... griz1@xtra.co.nz ....and on a final note .I have to commend this web site....fantastic....keep it up.I will be a regular visitor for certain. Cheers Steve 

[npca-richard]

Steve, I think the best thing about the G60 is that they are basic. Newer 4wd's are probably more capable and comfortable but you're not going to want to risk taking them into places you'll happily take a G60. I use mine in the national parks in NE Victoria (AUST.) for day trips and to collect firewood. During winter the truck will get through some fairly muddy and rutted tracks (sometimes towing a fully loaded trailer) pretty well. I have had the original 3speed replaced (3rd would jump out on the over-run) with a Marks 5 speed. This change is a great thing to do. 1st gear is much lower and cruising (almost) a pleasure.   The G60 is hard on the kidney's and hearing but is a straight forward, basic, no bullshit 4wd that will let you enjoy your local bush without costing you a fortune. They also look pretty cool. Richard 

[npca-jeepy]

Everything that StrausZ explained is true and a reason I would want to make changes to a truck of this stature.  I changed my rear axle to a Toyota FJ-40 model since it is much stronger than the original front axle and can also have a locker installed.  The Patrol axle has no available aftermarket locker that I am aware of and I hve broken several axle shafts already.  The parts are much cheaper if I do break them and are certainly more plentiful.  All that together seemed like a reason for change... -Jeff