Possible clutch damage after towing

[Winnie]

Crxp! I'v done it in the past, just to test the 4WD and I've even done 40km/h on bitumen like that.
Ok, it's obvious I have a fair bit to learn about 4WD'ing with GQ Patrols.

Small amount is fine but don't make it a habit. Don't stress mate.

[Rock Trol]

Crxp! I'v done it in the past, just to test the 4WD and I've even done 40km/h on bitumen like that.
Ok, it's obvious I have a fair bit to learn about 4WD'ing with GQ Patrols.

Locked hubs and in 4WD? For how far? They don't just break instantly. Normally the gearbox locks up after a while and you can't change gears. A mate who works for the RAA told me they get a lot of service calls from people who hire 4WD's (Troopies) as they drive them out in 4WD and come to a grinding halt somewhere down the road. The service guys just jack a wheel up and it releases the tension. If you are driving on the road and this happens just get a wheel on the dirt (or median strip) and pressure will be released.

[dom14]

Hi dom14, I don't think reversing in low range with the hubs unlocked will damage anything. I do it all the time! I doubt there will be any uncontrolled spinning of front diff as the transfer case splits power 50:50 on both ends so if rears aren't spinning it will be constant power to the front. You also won't be revving the guts out of it either.

Do you know what type of flywheel your Patrol has? The symptoms you described sound like a dual mass flywheel that's leaking oil from the buffers onto the clutch. Happened to a friend a few years ago (GU 3.0 litre). No drive and burnt smell yet the engine was fine. If no DMF then maybe the rear oil seal as suggested previously.

Hi mate, I can't say for sure whether it's DMF in it. I reckon it isn't 'cos I heard somewhere a while ago that GQs didn't come with DMFs, but GUs.
I don't know whether it's true or not.
I think I'm about to find out.

I always thought I have no business touching the 4WD(low or high) without engaging the hub locks.
Well, it sounds like I need good crash course in 4Wd'ing.

Here I'm attaching the photos of the 4WD gear lever and the sun visor 4WD instructions.
It says not to engage the 4WD H or L without locking the hubs, yet I've been advised I can do it safely.

I may be confused here. Help me guys!.

[Winnie]

You don't have to have the hubs locked, but you won't have the front wheels turning under power unless the hubs are locked.

[dom14]

Locked hubs and in 4WD? For how far? They don't just break instantly. Normally the gearbox locks up after a while and you can't change gears. A mate who works for the RAA told me they get a lot of service calls from people who hire 4WD's (Troopies) as they drive them out in 4WD and come to a grinding halt somewhere down the road. The service guys just jack a wheel up and it releases the tension. If you are driving on the road and this happens just get a wheel on the dirt (or median strip) and pressure will be released.

Ok, cool. Thanx mate. I didn't make a habit of it. I reckon I've done it couple of times in the past. It went smooth, except when taking turns, obviously 'cos there's no diff between transfer box & gearbox to match the wheel spinning speeds.
BTW, when we use diff locks to get out of a bogged situation, aren't we stressing the diff and gearbox?
Does that mean the diff lock should only be used as a last resort?

[dom14]

You don't have to have the hubs locked, but you won't have the front wheels turning under power unless the hubs are locked.

Ok, cool. Obviously I learnt something valuable here. I can use 4L without locking the hubs to reduce the stress on the clutch and gearbox.
I think I'm also beginning to understand the purpose of the transfer box as well.

[Winnie]

Ok, cool. Thanx mate. I didn't make a habit of it. I reckon I've done it couple of times in the past. It went smooth, except when taking turns, obviously 'cos there's no diff between transfer box & gearbox to match the wheel spinning speeds.
BTW, when we use diff locks to get out of a bogged situation, aren't we stressing the diff and gearbox?
Does that mean the diff lock should only be used as a last resort?

Not really, when you are on dirt tracks or gravel roads, it's easier for the wheels to spin at different speeds, so if turning with diff locks on, the inside wheel can lose traction pretty easy, which is a good thing.

[Rock Trol]

Air/vacuum/electric Diff locks - If the ground is slippery or soft then there is no problem. If the ground is harder (dry outback road) then don't have it on. You only put them on when you see an obstacle or trouble ahead.

Auto lockers - when the pressure builds up they unlock (one side) to release the pressure.

[dom14]

Air/vacuum/electric Diff locks - If the ground is slippery or soft then there is no problem. If the ground is harder (dry outback road) then don't have it on. You only put them on when you see an obstacle or trouble ahead.

Auto lockers - when the pressure builds up they unlock (one side) to release the pressure.

Cool mate. I was thinking about modifying the diff to get diff lock effect for back wheels(manual switch), as I'm planning to head off
for a long trip, solo.

I have no idea how to install an auto locker for a GQ. I'm guessing it's a professional job and probably an expensive job as well.

[Winnie]

I would not bother for that trip, the factory Nissan LSD is the next best thing to being locked.