Grumpydfart's bush ute build - palya!

[GrumpyOldFart]

Got this 2004 4.2 TDi DX ute from a remote indigenous community. 120,000km but its had a hard rough life!
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/08/59.jpg

Found a 2004 ST wreck that I could get some bits off to fix up the interior. We now have centre console, bucket seats & carpet. Soon to fit power windows and central locking. Found out that the 2004 DX utes don't have any spare bits in the wiring loom, so cut out the dash loom from the wagon.
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/08/60.jpg

There was a bit of the bush under the mats.
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/08/61.jpg

[GrumpyOldFart]

Next was the suspension. I was a bit over hitting the bump stops over most bumps!
She was a bit low
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/08/62.jpg
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/08/63.jpg

Some new 2" coils in the front and some 2" parabolic leaves in the rear soon cured that
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/08/64.jpg
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/08/41.jpg

She sits a bit higher now
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/08/65.jpg
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/08/66.jpg

[93patrol]

very nice what sort of plans have you got for it? other than a pod on the back

[happygu]

Starting to clean up well.

If that is your workshop, you're Lucky Bugger, not GrumpyOldFart......

I haven't had leaf springs for a while, but the new ones look lighter duty to me, and I hope that they will hold the weight OK for you when you load it up. You can always add another leaf easy enough if you need it though.

Mic

[GrumpyOldFart]

93patrol
We are setting it up for remote area travel. We work part time in remote communities and also go exploring. It will tow our caravan on good roads but we leave the van when we hit the rough.
Where we usually go we leave the van at The Rock.
Here are a couple of photos of where we work!
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/08/67.jpg
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/08/68.jpg
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/08/69.jpg

[GrumpyOldFart]

Happygtu

Mic
The parabolic leaves I have are rated for full GVM, probably equal to a traditional 9 leaf pack but a lot better ride and flex. Transit vans and a lot of trucks have had parabolics for years!
My stuffed spring pack
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/08/40.jpg

The workshop is a leftover from when I used to run a fleet of country taxis. Was better to do my own servicing...at least I knew it was done!

[happygu]

Great looking country

[Yendor]

The ute is looking good mate.

Luv your office.

[TPC]

What do you do for work that takes you into those area's?

[GrumpyOldFart]

TPC
We were managing Papulankutja (Blackstone) remote community store for a few years, but now do relieving for Store Managers and Community Advisors.
If you can't find Blackstone in WA it is about 95km west of Surveyor Generals Corner (SA, WA, NT border intersection)

If you saw Outback Truckers, I was the bearded bloke complaining about the ice cream!

Dru

[Parksy]

Parabolics are the bees knees for leaf sprung vehicles. I was going to change my old landy springs to these as people have commented saying it almost converts the vehicle to a coil sprung feel.

[DX grunt]

Well done on the purchase and your build. Is your Patrol spring at the front and leaf at the back?

Rossco

[GrumpyOldFart]

Rossco
It is a coil front and leaf rear, supposedly a higher GVM than an all coil ute.
I still can't work out Nissans reasoning behind the towing capacity.
My ute is 2500kg but a later 3ltr is 3500kg?
It maybe because mine can carry more so the GCM may be the same in the end??

Dru

[GrumpyOldFart]

Spent today playing in the pod
Managed to get the Outback drawers from my Cruiser to fit
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/08/82.jpg

And still had room for the Engle on its drop slide
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/08/83.jpg

[GrumpyOldFart]

Bit out of sequence, but a couple of pics of putting the pod on
Still attached is our Jayco Swan camper that we towed from Adelaide to Brisbane and back
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/08/84.jpg
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/08/85.jpg

[DX grunt]

Rossco
It is a coil front and leaf rear, supposedly a higher GVM than an all coil ute.
I still can't work out Nissans reasoning behind the towing capacity.
My ute is 2500kg but a later 3ltr is 3500kg?
It maybe because mine can carry more so the GCM may be the same in the end??

Dru
My towball is 2.5k too. I've been told I can upgrade it to 3200kg, by putting on a new towbar and airbags - but it then has to go over the pits.

In WA, you have to fill out a form, requesting permission to do the mods, then, if they approve the mods, you do them, then put it over the pits and hope it passes first go, otherwise it could be quite expensive.

I'm seriously considering this coz I want to tow a decent van whilst I'm spending my kids inheritance. lol.

Rossco

[GrumpyOldFart]

Rossco
I was considering that, but there are a lot of vans out there under 2500kg with plenty of room. I've been looking at Jayco Expanda, Windsor Rapid and Paramount Duet. The beds fold out of the ends so a 17' van is 17' of living space.
No shower and toilet cuts the weight down and you can have a Coleman portable shower and a portapotti, saves on water as well.

Dru

[DX grunt]

Rossco
I was considering that, but there are a lot of vans out there under 2500kg with plenty of room. I've been looking at Jayco Expanda, Windsor Rapid and Paramount Duet. The beds fold out of the ends so a 17' van is 17' of living space.
No shower and toilet cuts the weight down and you can have a Coleman portable shower and a portapotti, saves on water as well.

Dru

Thanks. About 6 months ago I nearly bought a 31 footer, but found out my Patrol was 'too light' and with the mods and fully loaded, I'm pretty sure it would have been overweight anyway.

I've lost a fair bit of interest, but am monitoring the 'Nomad Scene', lol. I've still got 10 tax returns to go and want to be debt free before retirement.

My goal is to take a 4 year pay cut to 80% per year, and spend the 5th year - my last year of employment - soaking up the sun, 'on the house'. lol

Rossco

[threedogs]

Having a wagon the boys put on the 3200T on mine ,as no point making 2 towbars 700kg apart.
Looking good grumpy btw

[GrumpyOldFart]

Just noticed after a fair bit of rain overnight the LH pod door hinge seemed to be full of water?
If I opened it high it dripped inside the pod about 3/4 of the way back
Opened horizontal, no drips but I presume the water stays in the hinge.
Any ideas? silicon spray the hinges, can't for the life of me see where the water gets into the hinge unless it's at the ends.
Seem to remember reading about a rain diverter above the hinge ends?

Dru

[GrumpyOldFart]

Not much happening in the cold wet weather we are having here!
Ordered the Ctek 250s Dual battery charger and a 130ah battery today.
So will have to fit that soon.
Also have to decide an a solar panel, looking at 2 to fit on each side of the roof slope between the Rhino rack rails,
Or thought about roof racks on the cab roof.
Should only need about 80-100 watts out

Still have winch, spotlights, UHF, HF to fit

[Cuppa]

Seem to remember reading about a rain diverter above the hinge ends?

Dru

Mine has a plastic 'gutter' above the door, but different doors to yours (Rosscos).

[GrumpyOldFart]

Mine has a plastic 'gutter' above the door, but different doors to yours (Rosscos).

Might be worth a try, I've seen some plastic extrusion for wall board edging that might do!

[GrumpyOldFart]

OK, had some good days so got a bit done.
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/54.jpg
Put the Warn 9000 out of the Yota in
Had to flip it and rotate the gearbox and the motor
But got it in.
Finally worked out why my winch always worked opposite to the labels on the switch.
Some bright spark who originally fitted it at ARB wired the armature wires backwards,
I swapped them and presto, winch goes in the direction the switch says!!
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/55.jpg
Engel in on its drop slide, had to trim 20mm off the drawers to get it in.
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/56.jpg
Those drop slides are fantastic, makes it easy for the wife to get my drinks!
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/57.jpg
130AH battery fitted and wired
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/58.jpg
Control panel and Ctek charger/isolator/solar.
the Ctek is a great idea, I get 13.4V or so from my start battery and the
Ctek ups it to 14V to fully charge the house battery. Can also charge the start battery
from the house or solar and isolates the start battery from discharging when it
reaches 13.8V.
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/59.jpg
ARB compressor mounted beside the drawers
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/60.jpg
Better idea of layout

More to come, solar panels, LED lights, underneath drawers, etc....

Dru

[threedogs]

Looking good and solid sensible accessories too, well done
From living and working out that way, I found you relied on your
gear 100% and failure was not an option.

[GrumpyOldFart]

Got a bit more done
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/96.jpg
Some plywood, screws, cutting, glueing, swearing and presto.
Two drawers for the compartment under the box.
Fits recovery gear, tools & similar.
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/97.jpg
Cut some big holes in my guard and fitted a new Nissan snorkel.
The 95mm was OK but was worrying cutting the 111mm one.
Got there in the end, but you don't need fat numb hands.
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/98.jpg
The Clearview mirrors arrived today, secondhand from a guy in Perth.
Make seeing past the POD easier and when I hook the van up they extend 100mm.
They have 3/4 normal mirror and 1/4 convex mirror.
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/99.jpg
Started trying to get the power window, power mirrors and the central locking out of the ST dash loom.
Will then make my own loom up...I hope!


That may have to do for a bit as we have got a couple of weeks work at Warakurna Roadhouse on the Great Central Road.
Just past the turnoff where the ute came from!
Will be a good shakedown run for the accessories fitted so far.
still wondering whether to run the split rims and skinnys or put the 15 x 8's on?????
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/100.jpg

Dru

[ANDY_M]

Good work bro, the power windows will be tops!

[GUtsy ute]

Just noticed after a fair bit of rain overnight the LH pod door hinge seemed to be full of water?
If I opened it high it dripped inside the pod about 3/4 of the way back
Opened horizontal, no drips but I presume the water stays in the hinge.
Any ideas? silicon spray the hinges, can't for the life of me see where the water gets into the hinge unless it's at the ends.
Seem to remember reading about a rain diverter above the hinge ends?

Dru

Hi Dru,

Check the hinge isn't cracked,as mine did and eventually failed.

It's a one piece plastic one and I have replaced both sides.

Not good if the hinge fails when you are remote.

Nice build you're doing too.

Looking forward to some more pics when you get a chance to put them up.

Cheers Gavin

[GrumpyOldFart]

Gavin
was up on the ute roof (putting some signs on the front of the pod) and happened to look at the hinge on the open pod door.
There was some cracks in the silicone joining the hinge to the body & door!
Cleaned up with some metho and nice new coat of silicone and I think my leaks are fixed.
Did solve most by drilling holes in the bottom corners of the door.
Seems that the water was filling the door frame up and when I opened it the water ran back up the frame and dripped out of the hinge to door join.

Dru

[GrumpyOldFart]

Did a bit more on the ute
Time is getting on, leaving Tuesday!

Did some measuring and looking and reconed if I cut the loops off the 265's will fit where the 235's where.

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/120.jpg

yep they did! perfect fit

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/121.jpg
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/122.jpg

Another view of the drawers filled with the stuff I might need!!

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/123.jpg

With the new wheels, looks better than the splits

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/124.jpg
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/125.jpg

Spotties all fitted and wired up.
Had Narva 225's before but threw them away in Alice Springs after they fell apart for the 5th time
bought the Lightforce and no more problems. 600km of corrugations tests products!

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/126.jpg

Back view with both spare fitted and some stickers

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/127.jpg

And the most important bit thanks to ThreeDogs

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/128.jpg

So this stage is nearly there, will fit the solar panels when we get back.
Just need some spare filters and off we go!

Dru

[TPC]

All looking good, have a good trip, how long are you there for?

[DX grunt]

I love your drawers. lol.

Can you please tell me the measurements, type and costs of materials? Pm or brove sharing would be appreciated.

Rossco

[GrumpyOldFart]

All looking good, have a good trip, how long are you there for?

At Warakurna Roadhouse for two weeks, then Alice on the 14th for some more chemo. By then they may have found more work for me? If not back to Strath.

[GrumpyOldFart]

I love your drawers. lol.

Can you please tell me the measurements, type and costs of materials? Pm or brove sharing would be appreciated.

Rossco

Rossco, do you mean the drawers under the pod?

If so
The LH one is 2070mm x 450mm x 115mm
The RH one is 1570mm x 450mm x 115mm

I was going for 12mm ply but seems there was supplier problems so went to 15mm
Bottoms are 2070 x 450 and 1570 x 450
I used structa floor yellow tongue for the runner it's nylon and slides easily
You are limited to about 120mm high in the box so I cut the sides to 100mm x 2070mm and 1570mm then the cross pieces to fit 100mm x 420mm. All glued and screwed, predrill all holes and countersink.

I put some wood blocks on the outsides that just cleared the edge of the opening.
On the inside I measured the gap and cut wood blocks to fit.
Whatever you cutoff the blocks double it and they go on the drawers as guides and stoppers.
I pulled the drawers out till the back was resting on the last alloy crossbar the screwed the blocks on through the drawer sides. You can use a piece of fencing wire to hold the outside block in place, put the drawer in position then screw. Cos you won't get a hand in there. Inside ones are easier!
The two handle looking bits are to hold the locking rod in place, I don't trust the alloy angle to hold 50 or so kg in! Just cut the bar a couple of mm under the width of the box, not the opening.

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/129.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/130.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/131.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/132.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/133.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/09/134.jpg

Forgot cost.....
Sheet of 15mm ply $40ish
If you don't have a circular saw Bunnings or the like will cut for you, about $1 per cut.
Stainless screws I had but about $30 for a couple of hundred
Waterproof Aquadhere $? Haven't bought in years.
Bar for back I had but maybe $10

Dru

[DX grunt]

Thanks heaps.

Yep, the drawers under the pod.

I can't quite see the bottom lock, but does it have the bar that attaches to the lock and goes across from one side to the other? Mine does, so I'm guessing I might have to make my drawers a bit smaller.

Rossco

Edit: FENCING WIRE!!!! Are you a cockie? lol

[Cuppa]

Rossco, bear in mind that GOF's drawer spaces may be slightly different dimensions to yours, his being an Obeico Pod, & yours being a Rosscos.
Consider also the plastic boxes & rope solution - saves a fair bit of weight.

[GrumpyOldFart]

Rossco, bear in mind that GOF's drawer spaces may be slightly different dimensions to yours, his being an Obeico Pod, & yours being a Rosscos.
Consider also the plastic boxes & rope solution - saves a fair bit of weight.

Plastic boxes were my first thought....until I gave up looking for something 450mm x 120mm.
As Cuppa said, and I didn't realise, you have a different make of pod. Might change things.

Dru

[DX grunt]

Plastic boxes were my first thought....until I gave up looking for something 450mm x 120mm.
As Cuppa said, and I didn't realise, you have a different make of pod. Might change things.

Dru

I didn't realize they were different, either. Oh well, food for thought to get me started. Thanks.

[GrumpyOldFart]

Made it to Glendambo for tonight. Fantastic food!
Nothing fell off yet, nipped all the wheel nuts up and got at least a flat out of all!
Air on gave up! Seems my local regassed it with some new shit hn10 or something. Not suitable molecules are too small. Only takes 1/3 of the normal amount of gas so when a little leaks out it's all over. Evaced and regassed with R134A in Port Agutter now too bloody cold.
Need cruise control, it pulls well and sits on 2500rpm at 110kmh with no dramas, just hard to keep my foot backed off!! Saw 145 passing a road train but I won't admit to it. Too used to driving my non turbo1HZzzzzzzzzzzzzzz in my Cruiser!?!?
Anyhow,having fun and will be at rip off rock tomorrow:driving2:

Dru

[GrumpyOldFart]

Just an update on our travels.

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/10/26.jpg
Shot of the LED lights at night.
I can see perfectly to pour 2 bourbon and cokes!

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/10/27.jpg
On the way to Glen Cummings Gorge.
Only 11km but 45 minutes crawl

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/10/28.jpg
The gorge just to the left of Glen Cummings.
Easier to get to but a bit smaller

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/10/29.jpg
A Nissan Patrol ute and pod in its element!
A view facing away from the ranges.

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/10/30.jpg
Leaving the first gorge.

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/10/31.jpg
Driving into Glen Cummings Gorge

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/10/32.jpg
View out of Glen Cummings Gorge

Got good articulation out of the parabolic leaves in the rear, also a smooth ride.
Only thing that has fallen off is my long handled shovel...somewhere on the Great Central Road after Docker River. Might find it on the way out?

Dru

[Mickus]

Hey GrumpyOldFart that country side looks awesome, I bet the rock is hard on the tyres. What sort of rubber will you run on it?

[GrumpyOldFart]

I will probably rum Bridgestone Dueller A/Ts only cos I do a lot of bitumen to get here. Most long term vehicles up here seem to get 20,000km out of tyres! The clinic troopies run Cooper ST Maxx with no problems. The Police are trying Mickey T's and hate them, they prefer Goodyear Wranglers but still only cet about 10,000km out of them. The Police have problems with OWHS in that they must run manufacturers pressures and they do high speeds on shit roads.
I run my Duellers at 40 front and 50 rear and keep my speed under 100, usually 80. Higher speeds seem to leave the rock standing up from the front tyre running over it ready for the rear to get cut up by it! Hence the Police getting 10,000 km out of tyres.
Going off road there is no substitute for careful driving and tyre placement. Any tyre will get staked or slashed! I killed a near new tyre on a sharp rock hidden in a sand dune.
So pick what suits majority of your driving and drive to the conditions.

Dru

[GrumpyOldFart]

Left Warakurna Roadhouse today. Had a good trip out until just after Docker River! Must have found a sharp rock or something in the soft sand. Next thing I know is ute all over the road and blown tyre flapping noise!
Bugger....took it slow, only 1/2 hour to change, but think it is a bit beyond a puncture repair!!!
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/10/51.jpg
A couple of plugs might fix it?

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/10/52.jpg
Yours truly changing tyre!
Bit of damage to the mudguards. Have to get the hammer out when I get home.

Dru

[GrumpyOldFart]

Was in the N.T. And as you would, had to see how the troll & pod handle 130 kmh!
I can report that we survived launch and re entry and had no dramas cruising at 130!
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/10/78.jpg

[GrumpyOldFart]

Weeeeell
Got home yesterday arvo after a three day drive and head office rings......
"Where are you?"
I say "Home why?"
They "how soon can you get back to Warakurna Roadhouse?"
Me "I can leave tomorrow but have to get a set of new tyres fitted first."

So 1 night sleep in my own bed and back on the road again.
Only got 4 new tyres, it is near impossible to find any tyre dealer with a set of 6 tyres in stock.
Am trying out the Bridgestone Dueller 697's in 265/75R16.

Dru

[Cuppa]

Am trying out the Bridgestone Dueller 697's in 265/75R16.



I will be very interested in your assessment of those tyres Dru. They are what I have & my eventual intent is to use them similarly to you, but you will click up the miles on yours long before I do on mine.

Cuppa

[GrumpyOldFart]

No wuckers Cuppa, will keep you posted.
At the moment we are spending the night at Marla.
Should make it to the Road House tomorrow.
Started with the tyres set by Bridgestone at 38F & 40R
Felt like I had to push it all the time...went to 40F & 46R and it drives lots better.

Think I have a cooling problem. In today's heat (high 40's) and a crosswind I fought to stand up in, we started climbing the temp gauge if I pushed over 100kmh. The needle only went from its usual spot just on the left edge of the waves to just on the right edge of the waves.
Think I might have to pull the radiator and clean it. Also recon a diesel tune up is in order as I might be over fueling a bit under load. I think that will do the same.

Dru

[GrumpyOldFart]

OK, tyres
Had a good trip in on the Great Central Road, most was 90 to 100kmh.
Some bloody rough bits on the NT side around Docker River.

The Bridgestone Dueller AT's handled OK.
They are not as stable as MT's on loose dirt. Tend to want to find their own tracks, so it all feels a bit loose.
If you do turn though the square edged tread seems to dig in.
They are no worse than any other AT tyre I have driven high speed on dirt. Although I seem to remember a set of Toyos that train tracked dangerously, so bad in fact that The tyre dealer refunded and supplied other tyres. My other test of tyres is to go off the bitumen edge gently at speed, good tyres will hardly notice the transition from bitumen edge to dirt and back. Great tyres will let you hang on the edge with ease, the AT Duellers do this with ease. With the Toyos I had you could have easily lost control.
MT tyres bite through the soft dirt better and give you a more stable ride.
I can handle the loose feeling without a drama and prefer the better ride on bitumen of the AT's.
Not to mention the longer life! Goodyear MTR's I have would be lucky to see 30,000km.

Hope the above helps

Dru

[GrumpyOldFart]

Well, just got the news today.
They have appointed managers for the roadhouse.
So were outa here on the 30 Nov.

Maybe back home or..........

Dru

[GrumpyOldFart]

OK all, fuel economy.........

Over 15,385km traveled I have averaged 17.35l/100km.
Best I got was about 15l/100km being a granny cruising at or under 100kmh on a day with no headwind:icon_driving:
Worst was about 21l/100km pushing 110kmh plus and a bloody strong headwind (had to piss downwind that day!)


Pod is lightly loaded and some 5000km plus of Sandy dirt roads in 4wd high thrown in. Also Melbourne to Adelaide then to Brisbane and back to Adelaide towing a Jayco Swan Outback (1700kg) sitting on 100kmh. The Jayco didn't seem to make any difference to the fuel economy nor did the change from 235/85R16's to 265/75R16's. Just did a quick 1600km round trip to Alice and back for another dose of chemo. Better than Adelaide!

Will try to find a decent diesel tuner and see if that makes any difference.

Finishing here at Warakurna Roadhouse on the 30th November after we have trained the new managers. Then off to find a caravan (unless head office have other plans for us!). Looking for a Windsor Rapid, like the 2 bed idea. Was great in the Jayco but too hard for me to set up. And you had to set it up to get inside. At least with the Windsor a roadside lunch, brunch or snack stop is easy...just open the door and step in! We are trying to find one that is somewhere we haven't been!?!

Remember..
You don't stop laughing because you get older,
You get older because you stop laughing!:hpfredgeorge1:

Dru

[DAV30]

How do you find the parabolics after all this travelling ?

[GrumpyOldFart]

I must weigh the ute so this info makes sense.

Unladen they gave a bit of a thump over big bumps as the heavy leaf contacted the rest!
Now with a bit of a light load the heavy leaf is only 10mm off the rest so not noticeable.

They are not as good as coils in ride comfort, but not far off it much better than a multi leaf pack (empty it still rides nice and smooth). Far more articulation and flex and good over corrugations. You must have very heavy duty shocks though as they have a lot of rebound. I would say better load handling than coils, better manners than a 7 or 9 leaf pack. Only problem, not for me though, is that Westralia Springs don't do a GVM upgrade only max GVM.

Jayco on the back did not seem to make any difference but that was only about 180kg ball weight.

My only drama is I think they went too heavy on the front coils so after weighing I will ring them and swap for lighter ones. Front crashes a bit on bumps and corrugations, not enough give.

Dru

[DAV30]

thanks for the info ill have to check them out

[GrumpyOldFart]

A couple of photos of the ute I'm getting parts off.
Not a great deal left!
4.2 engine has no head and is rusted in the bores
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/11/94.jpg

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/11/95.jpg

Bit of a storm rolling in!
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/11/96.jpg

Dru

[Cuppa]

Nice pics Dru. Amazing what you can find laying around in the outback.
I know where there is a huge diesel generator in perfect running order out Birsville way, but would need heavy lifting equipment to retrieve it. I also heard of islands in the Buchaneer archipelago east of Ardyaloon (aka One Arm Point) at the tip of the Dampier Peninsula above Broome where there are complete abandoned townships with their own generators, street lights, houses, shops etc etc. Just not economic to retrieve the stuff.

[GrumpyOldFart]

A few more photos of our Podtrol's excursions.

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/11/113.jpg
On the way up the Rawlinson Range behind Warakurna Community.

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/11/114.jpg
More of the track, just a few rocks

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/11/115.jpg
Must get a new windscreen!

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/11/116.jpg
Still going up and up

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/11/117.jpg
Nearly there, just a few hundred meters to go

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/11/118.jpg
The end is in sight

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/11/119.jpg
The cairn on top. Bit hard putting another rock on but we did it!

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/11/120.jpg
View of Warakurna Community from the top

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/11/121.jpg
Fantastic views on the way down

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/11/122.jpg
No problems for a Podtrol with Bridgy Dueller 697's aired down to 20 front 30 rear

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/11/123.jpg
Low second and just let it walk down…easy peasy

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/11/124.jpg
Bumps? hard to hold the camera still sometimes

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/11/125.jpg
Much better down the bottom

We are out of here tomorrow. 900 odd km trip to Alice Springs for some more chemo then back out to Warakurna for a short holiday! We seem never to gat enough time off to visit any of the other communities around here. So coming back to see friends at Wanarn, Blackstone, Tjukurla and of course Warakurna.

Have fun cos we are

Dru

[GrumpyOldFart]

Know what you are saying Cuppa
There is a truck load of GQ wrecks out here, but too expensive to get out (about $1000 per vehicle to Alice Springs)
Most, if not all of the wrecks are in the communities where even if you have a permit for the Great Central Road you can not enter. You can't get a permit to enter the Communities.

I may be able to be bribed by the GQ mob to do a parts run, but I'd need a tough trailer for the bits!
And lots of burbon after:cheers:

Dru

[Cuppa]

That’s a cairn & a half!

[GrumpyOldFart]

Travelling out yesterday, just got past Docker River and we got stopped by a local for a quarantine inspection!
Lucky for us there were no carrots on board..........

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/12/11.jpg

:smileyvault-cute-bi

[Stropp]

If there were carrots would you have looked like an ass?

[Cuppa]

Love it, keep them pics coming, especially the quirky ones like this. Pretty tame eh?

[threedogs]

They say in the south Simpson there are wild Ostrich
roaming around about 20,000 of them, Can anyone confirm this??

[GrumpyOldFart]

Threedogs

I can't use "phone a friend" but I will ask the mob for you.
Don't know how to describe a ostrich though.....weird white emu?
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/12/14.jpg
Not like this one. Taste good though!

Dru

[GrumpyOldFart]

This one is for Cuppa

We haven't bought jocks or knickers for a while now.
Have this secret location where we found an underware tree!

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/12/15.jpg

Dru

[threedogs]

Got a Photo like that when working on the Ghan line in early 80s
I'll put pic here when I find it.
Tried heaps of tucker when living up there but missed out on the emu

[GrumpyOldFart]

Another one for Cuppa

A bit of bush sculpture
Or
101 uses for a dead camel

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/12/17.jpg

Dru

[Cuppa]

Now that's a cairn & a sculpture rolled into one! :)

[threedogs]

Here you go Grumpy was about 30 k south of Marla bore on the Ghan line circa 1980,
full set of feathers back then and fit as a fiddle

[Sir Roofy]

here you go grumpy was about 30 k south of marla bore on the ghan line circa 1980,
full set of feathers back then and fit as a fiddle

have,nt changed much except the hair

[threedogs]

When I see all that camel bone all I can think of is Knife handles[scales].so much camel bone

[Cuppa]

Ok, can’t ignore it any longer .................. What does ‘palya’ mean?

[GrumpyOldFart]

In Ngaayatjarra language palya has a lot of meanings but all similar to OK or good.
It is sometimes used for thank you but that is stretching it as there is no thank you in their language.

Dru
On the road again
Coober Pedy tonight

[TPC]

In Ngaayatjarra language palya has a lot of meanings but all similar to OK or good.
It is sometimes used for thank you but that is stretching it as there is no thank you in their language.

Dru
On the road again
Coober Pedy tonight

You should get a "coat of arms pizza" from Johns pizza there, made with Kangaroo and Emu and bloody tasty.