Patrol Questions....

[topcat]

Let me just start off by saying thank you to everyone who has messaged me and welcomed me on the forum.

I'm trying to do my homework and figure out this rare bird I just caught The more I discover the more questions that come up. I won't flood you with too many right off the bat but maybe you could answer a few:

1. Ok so I have the 1968(69?) KG60 Hardtop; how easy is it to remove and re-install the hardtop? I've only seen a couple of pictures in which people do it so I'm thinking it maybe a pain in the arse (unlike modern Jeeps). I'm guessing the seals are probably quite shot, so if I do remove it, I will need to get a new seal. Anyone make those?

2. OMG, help! Ok, that's not a question Where might one perchance acquire parts for this beast? I have only begun scratch the surface but the elusive search continues. Currently, I am just trying to get an oil cap for this P engine. Even trying to get an extra key copy made garnered me a few strange looks from the locksmith.

3. I would love to get this rig running with the stock parts but availability may push me towards a modern conversion. What's everyone else running? Engine/Tran/Suspension

Any help you can give would be extremely helpful. PM me and I can give you my email address if you want to talk offline.

Thanks again

[RiverPatrol]

The hard top is not that difficult to remove, but it helps to have a friend or a skip loader. Unbolt all of the bolts between the tub and the top, and the bolts along the windshield frame. Then the top should lift off, after probably breaking the seal loose. The seal should still be okay, because it isn't exposed to any weather, and it isn't glued. Its just the rubber sticking to the metal seal that needs to be broken to lift the top off. The seal should easily be reusable.

Finding parts? It depends what you need. Ebay is one source, this forum is probably your best source. Auto parts stores will just give you that same funny look that the locksmith did. Finding stuff for your Patrol will never be as easy as a Jeep, or even a Land Cruiser, so get those thoughts out of your head right now. Patience is a requirement, and making friends overseas.

Having original keys made should be possible, if you find the right locksmith. Ask the guys at the parts counter at your local Nissan dealer where there classic Datsun customers go to get keys made. There are still guys out there that do it.

Good questions. Welcome to the madness.

[4x4bob]

I have a question about the front axle on the l60 , How many degrees can you tilt the front axle before the camber/caster becomes an issue , thanks

[moore_rb]

I have a question about the front axle on the l60 , How many degrees can you tilt the front axle before the camber/caster becomes an issue , thanks

The Patrol only has about 1.3 degrees of positive caster and 1.3 degrees positive camber, so if you tilt the front diff forward one degree, you are basically eliminating all caster, and reducing camber by about 25%...

The camber reduction is not a super big deal, but as camber reduces, you will want to dial in more toe-out to compensate, and to help prevent inner tire wear.

you might get away with zero caster, especially with wide off-road tires, but tread carefully... If you tilt it forward more than 1 degree, then the caster goes negative, and you will decrease the ability to maintain straight-line stability, plus you'll increase the risk of developing the dreaded "death wobble".

When I did the 4" spring-over axle conversion on my 66 Patrol, I limited the forward tilt on the front axle to 1/2 degree - this allowed me to basically put in another 1/4 inch of toe out, and the truck was still driveable... However, the front driveline angle was still pretty slight , and I was going to have to fabricate a custom CV joint driveshaft for the front.

The BEST way to do it is to set the pinion angle, and then cut the welds on the steering knuckle, and turn the knuckles to reset the correct caster angle, then re-weld. Obviously, this is a "For experienced fabricators and welders only" type of operation...

[4x4bob]

Thank you very much for the info that helps alot. I swaped the shackles and put them in front witch tilted the axel back just above center witch gave me good clearance for the shaft and knuckles, but im not sure how it will drive but i will be taking your advice on the tow and try to make it driveable , Thanks again it helps so much to have some helpful advice .