Looking at 2000 GU td42t wagon.

[Robo]

Looking at upgrading to GU towing capacity 3.5 tonne over our existing DA Maverick 2.5 tonne limit
I'm new to GU wagon and 4.2td so any and all pointers are welcome.
After reading Tony's maintance thread,maintance well and truely covered.
Tony, Ynot your the man :bigthumbup:

What should I be looking for ?
And or rather what do I not want to find !!.
Any up-grades to improve standard OEM if any?.

[mudski]

Pm timbo. He's got a real nice GU td42t up for sale.

[Robo]

Pm timbo. He's got a real nice GU td42t up for sale.

Thanks mate, he's in Melb and I'm an hr Nth of Syd.
to far away.

Humm,
So the good new is they seem to be perfect vehicles !! , no feed-back.
did I get towing correct? gm 3.5 t

[MudRunnerTD]

Yes the perfect vehicle. There are a number of turbo upgrades and intercooler upgrades to make them really boogy.

In standard trim you will easily move from about 65kw to mid 90kw just with a Dyno tune!! Add a pyro gauge and variable boost controller for the win. Start spending a little cash and mid 150kws is possible and above 200kw with some big coin.

If you can find a good one at the right price they are a keeper.

[threedogs]

That would be in manual guise I think, seeing your after a 2000 model chances are it will be high mileage.

A member here is selling a 4.2TD with plenty of accessories for a fair price IMO
it basically has the lot nothing to do or buy

[Robo]

Good stuff. Jut drove the 1 I'm looking at.

2002 very std vehicle.
265 thou klm on clock.
stronger rear springs.
inj pump wound up a little.
doesn't blow any somke, even cold, so the missus reported as I drove away.
stronger clutch.

needs tyres shocks and prob the usual some bushes etc.

What should be paying for this? private sale.

Can any one tell me if?.
tuff dog GQ 2" raised coils springs +200kg will fit this GU,
same for the Koni 2" shocks.
I have springs sitting in shed and new shocks on GQ.
It seems they are listed on ebay as both being compatible,suit both vehicles.

[threedogs]

just bear in mind everything else has done 265K, does $28 sound ok as
I have no idea with the GU 4.2 some are as high as $46K.
Change all your fluids and start again the proud owner of a 4.2 td

[MudRunnerTD]

Springs will be a little light but the shocks will be fine. If you have to the springs will go in but the GQ is a lighter car so the "HD" rating for GQ springs will be lighter on a GU.

Anything up to $30k is in the ball park although I have seen a couple for $25k or less.

[Robo]

Springs will be a little light but the shocks will be fine. If you have to the springs will go in but the GQ is a lighter car so the "HD" rating for GQ springs will be lighter on a GU.

Anything up to $30k is in the ball park although I have seen a couple for $25k or less.

Thanks fellers for the info.

I felt the t/dog springs were a little harsh in the gq for the driving we do.
That's why they were in the shed.
Their 2" rating is +200 kg constant load,this may be just right for heavier GU.
Can't hurt to try, just wanted to know if they would actually fit diameter wise etc.
in GQ these springs lifted Mav more like 3'' going by the figures its was supposed to go up by.

Past 2 experience caster angles were corrected with bushes.
I'm considering using drop boxes this time round.
plates are out of the question.
never driven GU with drop boxes ver caster bushers,
is the ride notably better with boxes?.
I have a press so bushes aren't a drama, right the first time is better idea.
know the lift should require 1 deg correction per inch lift.
weighting options before hand.
May-be baggier tyres to soften ride also, so plates and lift.
Humm, what to do.

[Robo]

Amendment.
superior plates or hybrid reads/sounds the good stuff.
will see.
depends what I can talk the boss into.
don't want the harsh ride again! or i'll need a cushion to sit on for other reasons

[MudRunnerTD]

If your on,y giving it a 2" lift then No caster correction will be needed. I would wait to drive it before committing to caster correction. If you can retain the Nissan rubber bushes they are much better.

Plate are crazy and drop boxes are my choice but really only come into play from 3". And Yes, Drop Boxes are markedly better that correction bushes or plates.

I run drop boxes on both my GQ and my GUIV and they are awesome.

[BigRAWesty]

If it's just a 2" lift drop boxes won't happen. There 3" and up..
So you have the choice of bushes or plates.
Or go a 3" lift..:D

If you are happy with the price jump I'd say. The gu 4.2TD are the pick of the bunch.
As MR mentioned a few tweaks and bolt ons and you go from mild to wild with awesome reliability..

[BigRAWesty]

If your on,y giving it a 2" lift then No caster correction will be needed. I would wait to drive it before committing to caster correction. If you can retain the Nissan rubber bushes they are much better.

Plate are crazy and drop boxes are my choice but really only come into play from 3". And Yes, Drop Boxes are markedly better that correction bushes or plates.

I run drop boxes on both my GQ and my GUIV and they are awesome.

Snap........

[nissannewby]

You can run the new superior hybrid arms with a 2" lift and the rear arm mount is in a drop box. If the boss allows it this would be the overall best option.

[BigRAWesty]

You can run the new superior hybrid arms with a 2" lift and the rear arm mount is in a drop box. If the boss allows it this would be the overall best option.

Did forget about these, but there is also the engineered arms to suit the 2" lift to stock mounts.

[Robo]

Yeap I agree boxes would/should only happen with 3".

Our old Mav was a exception to the rule.
it needed 3 deg caster correction for 2 " lift, had I checked caster soon as lift was done I may of installed boxes instead, but ya live and learn, normally.
I did the lift and 2 deg bushes and it oversteered still.
checked caster and it needed another degree still.
In the wet it was still dangerous, slipping around.
so I went back to lpg springs, that dropped nose an inch and steering now felt good spot on.
ya just don't know what your going to get sometimes.
And I did alot of measuring Mav+ trailer went to a 4x4 specialist shop gave measurements phone calls made (in front of me) and was assured these springs will do the job, car came back way to high for the trailer.
hence my asking alot of ? to get it right first time round this time.

It depends on what the GU existing rear springs and our trailers actually are and where we go from there.

Who's wife wants a 4x4 for her birthday Mine :bday:

Fellers again thanks for the help.

[Robo]

Did forget about these, but there is also the engineered arms to suit the 2" lift to stock mounts.

been looking at these different options for a while now, but thought it time to start asking the 4x4 enthusiasts their opinions and not rely on the sales man.

[BigRAWesty]

Springs are a tough one I give you that. Every brand seems to be slightly different..
I know my 2" ome kit gave me close to 60mm lift all round my gq.. Then some barley get the 50mm lift..

It is tough.. Imo if your towing a trailer with a wide variation of weights, go an aid. Something like a poly air bag.
I love em.. But need to get a set to suit the 2" lift..

[Robo]

If it's just a 2" lift drop boxes won't happen. There 3" and up..
So you have the choice of bushes or plates.
Or go a 3" lift..:D

If you are happy with the price jump I'd say. The gu 4.2TD are the pick of the bunch.
As MR mentioned a few tweaks and bolt ons and you go from mild to wild with awesome reliability..

Think the price could be a little better, given tyres, suspension, and recon ball joints are oem still.
will see next couple of days how it pans out.
might go for another look-see.

[Robo]

Springs are a tough one I give you that. Every brand seems to be slightly different..
I know my 2" ome kit gave me close to 60mm lift all round my gq.. Then some barley get the 50mm lift..

It is tough.. Imo if your towing a trailer with a wide variation of weights, go an aid. Something like a poly air bag.
I love em.. But need to get a set to suit the 2" lift..

yep have bags also now in GQ was thinking of keeping em also , $400 saved from memory.

[BigRAWesty]

Always go in lower, and point out those little things. I would..
But yea, gu TD42 is were its at..

And yea if there is nothing wrong with the current air bags swap em over.

I think your springs will be fine being 200kg+, should be close to Stock.
Your gq will be quite stiff though.
Keep us updated.

I'm not sure how much engineering needs to be done to legally fit the dropped arms? I know drop boxes can cause issues.
So if you are one to err on the side of caution then I'd be asking the local authorities, transport sa down here, not sure what they call it in nsw.

[Robo]

spoke with owner he recalled the feller that supplied springs for the rear recommended not fitting bags as something on diff housing had to be removed and couldn't go back if ya changed your mind!.
"I da know what" any thoughts.

According to feller that sold me tuffdog +200kg for Mav GQ these front springs are listed to fit GU also, but not the rear ones.
And koni supplier said so long as is the same set up 4x coil and not a mixture leaf coil they too can be swapped over also.
some good news, also confirmed by original suppliers.
cheers:groupwave:

[BigRAWesty]

Stumped by that quote with the air bags??
As far as I know poly air bags are a bolt in fit.. No cutting needed.
Even if the gu has the tower support setup I can't see why air bags can't be used??

[MudRunnerTD]

Air bags will go straight in. All 4 coils are interchangeable between the gu and GQ.

[nissannewby]

Robo when the guys say they will go straight in, the helper air bags normally just go inside the existing coil spring and this is basically what holds them there.

[Robo]

My thoughts exactly , air bags quote had me stumped also, but never owned a GU before.
I sorta cant imagine basically anything easier to fit than bags.

Is it possible the GQ rear springs are to light for given GU higher towing capacity of 1 tonne more.
I don't' doubt your experience just want all the info I can muster.
The GU existing rear OME coils from memory a alot thicker than what I have I think.
When I quoted the GU Part numbers the reply was "He must of been towing a very heavy caravan".
was told the GU shocks are heavier than my old OME shocks but GU ones are also listed for GQ.

Going to look further into front spring listing as ya all know spring weights vary when it comes to accessories fitted.
GU felt terrible to drive balance wise, completely std front-end with worn out shocks, and rear up-graded ( albeit OME is 5 yrs old).

Humm, I may just try replacing front springs only, all shocks and see how it goes for now.
Once confident the rest of vehicle is sound ,up-grades, lift caster correction etc on the cards.
explained to the boss about drop boxes and or hybrid arms and similar rear pick up to yota arms.
She to also thought the caster bush ride was harsh.
will see! lots a this and that floating around upstairs at the moment.

again fellow enthusiasts, thankyou muchly

[BigRAWesty]

I'd swap everything to start with..
If the rears turn out to be to lite the buy some new rears.
Imo I think they'll be fine.
When towing its not so much the extra support the vehicle offers, Its the ability to man handle 3T and stop it..
Gu brakes are leaps and bounds better than the GQ's, so can handle a bigger load behind..

[Robo]

Firstly the springs I have in shed are actually king springs not tough dog, opps my mistake.

took the issue of GQ swap to GU spring suitability up with supplier again.
He rang king spring (I assume) and got back to me.
As the supplier said they are listed for GU I wanted to know how the springs rate load wise for the GU.

Answer.
My FRONT's was for alloy bar and dual battery only in a GU.
so they should do for now to level car out.

My GQ REAR king springs are no good, as the GQ has a difference of 30mm in free height L&R.
and GU has only 10mm difference L&R.
so guess this unsettles the balance.
and then there's the lower strength for higher GCM to take into account also.

Answer for OME.
the existing rear GU OME springs are rated +200.
so this might be a fair combination for ride and strength we are after without fitting the bags.

looks like shocks and front springs only for now till we test it out.
if rear is not strong enough then bags and another test period.
but seeing as it towed a large van before , bags may not be needed.

so this looks to be least work and expense outcome one could possible hope for, for now.
cheers and:icon_driving:

[MudRunnerTD]

That's interesting. I can tell you that I ran a 2" OME GU lift in my GQ and it sat flat and sturdy. It also gave it a 3" lift overall. AB also runs an OME 2" GU spring in his GQ for a bigger lift (lighter car) and it sits flat.

[AB]

Thanks mate, he's in Melb and I'm an hr Nth of Syd.
to far away.

Humm,
So the good new is they seem to be perfect vehicles !! , no feed-back.
did I get towing correct? gm 3.5 t

I know it's a bit of a drive but there is a dozen people here who k ow the vehicle well though and can promise it's an honest car though.

Food for thought anyway mate...

[sooty_10]

As for the comments on fitting airbags, helper assist airbags go straight in the coil so no dramas (as already stated) my guess would be that whoever made the comment was thinking replacement airbags instead of springs, then I do believe you need to clean some things off the diff housing.

[Robo]

As for the comments on fitting airbags, helper assist airbags go straight in the coil so no dramas (as already stated) my guess would be that whoever made the comment was thinking replacement airbags instead of springs, then I do believe you need to clean some things off the diff housing.

That makes alot of sense, I didn't think of the conversion to airbag suspension only.
They are a poor ride anyway so I hear.

[Robo]

A QUESTION FOR YA.
I've read a bit about scan tool on here, GU is new to me and the scan tool jargon looses me.
I need to check its 14 pin right! , Have to make sure I purchase compatible unit.
Iv'e read here something like, 16 to 14pin converter and hooked up to my Iphone, or need nissan scan tool for gu200## etc etc I'm now sorta lost.
For a start Don't own a Iphone.

I see on flee bay large price differences.
don't want to waste unnecessary $$ on overpriced item
Just after a unit that does the lot, check ,and clear all codes if the need arises.
may be graphs I don't know thats why I'm asking for some help.
As I said GU is new to me
don't own a lap top, but if all I need do is buy a CD, load a programme and connect lead from computer to car then this is an option also,
(Missus would love a new laptop, any excuse would do, lol).
hand held & laptop humm what to do??.
can someone lay out my options in plane english please.


For 2002 GU TD42T.
Thanks a bunch

[nissannewby]

Not much to watch on a 2002 4.2 mate. I don't think they have an ECM to read. The 2002 is entirely mechanical, with simple electrics. You might be able to read charge and oil pressure but not sure.

[Bigcol]

scan gauge and scan tools are for the 3L
even the last of the 4.2's - 2006 it wont help / work / be at all useful

save your coin - just buy a boost & EGT gauge put them in a pillar pod - and bobs your uncle

make sure you don't over heat the 4.2, tis the ONLY thing that will kill them. give it a real good clean and flush in the Rad, check the coolant flow and the viscous hub.

cheers

[Robo]

Ok all good.
I need to rename thread.
We Bought a 2002 GU TD42T.

All good info thanks fellers.
so what/whos gauges are recommended?.

cooling system has bee done not long ago.
radiator was even roded out.

Missus has known the previous owner since she was a grasshopper.
so we are sure all's well.

Hopefully springs and shocks first cab of the rank.
stay tuned!!
cheers

[nissannewby]

Vdo gauges are good. But most gauges on the market will do the job.

[sooty_10]

I had VDO gauges in my GU ute, but when I changed to a wagon I got new gauges and got Auber Instrument ones. Digital and flexible, has alarm and max/min etc. Also quite economical delivered direct from USA. Check them out http://www.auberins.com they are about $90 a gauge with egt/boost sensors in the bundles.

[trekster]

Check out RLI's patrol that is coming up for sale soon, Very nice vehicle.

[sooty_10]

Oh and congrats on a great vehicle purchase. I loved my 2001 GU ute, now love my '98 (with '01 engine) wagon.

[sooty_10]

Check out RLI's patrol that is coming up for sale soon, Very nice vehicle.

lol.... did you read Robo's last post ;) We all do that from time to time, all good mate.

[Robo]

I had VDO gauges in my GU ute, but when I changed to a wagon I got new gauges and got Auber Instrument ones. Digital and flexible, has alarm and max/min etc. Also quite economical delivered direct from USA. Check them out http://www.auberins.com they are about $90 a gauge with egt/boost sensors in the bundles.

Had a look, me likey.
even has output for a accessory, say a extra fan, sweet.
also someone on flebay but over priced slightly.

same ebay seller has digital aero gauges that can read 4 temp inputs, and another gauge 12 inputs.
bit pricey gauge $+300A + sensor.
lead length may be the down fall.
Humm egt, intake, head and turbo all on 1 gauge.

[threedogs]

need pics didn't happen without pics,
you should know the ruleslol

[Robo]

Drove to Patonga yesterday very hilly drive.
Slow corners, steep grade acceleration and decel for next corner and repeat.
smiling from ear to ear :bananadancing:

Kept ome 2" rear springs +200kg constant .
and fitted my new koni front & rear shocks.
also fitted GQ + 200kg 2" King springs to front end.
Rides well,so this will remain till radius and panhards etc get the business.
better Pics to come.

[Robo]

Anything new I'll post in Robo's ride.
And Thanks again for the input Gents.