popular td42 convertion, whats really involved?

[DilboBaggins]

Hello again guys, so I got a rd28 patrol (99 model) with a busted balancer. Anyway, so ive got my mindd set on a td42t convertion. I have read heaps and heaps about it but for such a popular topic, theres not much info out there considering. (If someone knows of a thread please post below) id like to gain as much info as I can about the topic, like things that wouldn't be asked normally like will the rd28 exhaust fit? Would the airbox have to be moved? Do I have to change any running gear?
Do I need to change the radiator? I know alot of use have done this before, please let me know if you had troubles with changing it over ect. Thanks heaps fellas

[Family4x4]

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?29187-TB42e-to-TD42t-Conversion-Lots-of-pics!

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?28933-EFI-to-Diesel-conversion

These 2 threads should help.

[sooty_10]

I've done the same conversion, I used a complete donor vehicle though so had lots of TD42 bits, so off the top of my head you will find that exhaust is not worth trying to fit, probably could cut and fit somehow but more effort than it's worth, and you should upgrade to a 3" anyway for the TD42t.

I replaced radiator, it was easier and looks more factory. Airbox is the same, lid is different but could be utilised if needed.

You will need TD42 gearbox and crossmember, Tcase is the same but there is some swapping of either flanges or driveshaft's required, again I used the TD42 stuff, including swapping diffs as I found the 4.6 too much with 33's.

You need to move the drivers engine mount forward, I used a factory mount plate from Nissbits and had it welded, others simply plate the existing RD28 mount to make it work.

To get the tacho working I used the TD42 dash cluster.

You will also need the accelerator cables/linkages etc from a TD42 as the RD28 is fly-by-wire.

Anyway I used the information in the threads that are around and it wasn't too complicated, I also sent my wiring harnesses off to Killa Kustom Kables to splice the looms as I couldn't be bothered trying to decipher that.

[DilboBaggins]

Doesnt seem too hard I guess, but I think its gonna be hard for me to source a doner car :/ and we have room issues for vehicles at the moment. Was it hard to register? Did you need an engineer cert for moving the engine mount? Cheers

[happygu]

Here is a couple more for you .... just using the search feature in the top corner......

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?29390-TD42-in-a-GU-replacing-a-RD28&highlight=rd28

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?21001-TD42TI-into-a-RD28T-Need-a-few-questions-answered-please&highlight=rd28

[sooty_10]

Here is a couple more for you .... just using the search feature in the top corner......

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?29390-TD42-in-a-GU-replacing-a-RD28&highlight=rd28

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?21001-TD42TI-into-a-RD28T-Need-a-few-questions-answered-please&highlight=rd28


http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?29187-TB42e-to-TD42t-Conversion-Lots-of-pics!

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?28933-EFI-to-Diesel-conversion

These 2 threads should help.

As stated there is plenty of information already out there in regards to the conversion, the other threads on this forum and the service manuals available here are really all you need to get started and then you will sort out the rest.


Doesnt seem too hard I guess, but I think its gonna be hard for me to source a doner car :/ and we have room issues for vehicles at the moment. Was it hard to register? Did you need an engineer cert for moving the engine mount? Cheers

Most people aren't lucky enough to have a donor car, I was unfortunately lucky enough to have my '02 TD42t coil cab written off thanks to a Mercedes running a red light in Melbourne :( So I managed to get a cheap one back from insurance.
As for registering it I had no dramas, a simple new vehicle registration inspection and engine number change at Vicroads. I didn't need anything engineered and good luck trying to notice any moved engine mount. Different states requirements may be different.....

[DilboBaggins]

Thanks heaps for the info! Just gotta save up abit and hopefully ill find a doner car :)

[DilboBaggins]

Is there some sort of adapter plate I could use for the gearbox? Or anyway I could use the rd28 gearbox for the td42? Cheers

[sooty_10]

Is there some sort of adapter plate I could use for the gearbox? Or anyway I could use the rd28 gearbox for the td42? Cheers

Don't know if it is possible, but it is a weaker and smaller gearbox and not worth the headache trying to make adapters IMO. Some things aren't worth cutting corners on.

[DilboBaggins]

Seems fair enough, but a friend of mine knows people running a 6.5lt chev v8 with the 3.0lt gearbox. Apparently that bolts straight on to that engine

[macca86]

Zd30 (3 ltr diesel ) and td42 gearboxes are the same box the rb30 (3 ltr petrol) and rd2:8 box are the same and are smaller and weaker than the other boxes

[DilboBaggins]

Thanks for clarifying, its gonna be a big job as im slightly inclined with tools, but ive got a few people willing to give me a hand :) ill just keep reading all I can about about it. Dies anyone know the going price for a wrecked gu td42t? Thank you all

[sooty_10]

Seems fair enough, but a friend of mine knows people running a 6.5lt chev v8 with the 3.0lt gearbox. Apparently that bolts straight on to that engine

The 3L uses a completely different gearbox to the 2.8. I'm not 100%, but off the top of my head I think the 3L has the same gearbox as a td42, just need to modify the bellhousing or use a TD bellhousing.

edit: haha just noticed this had already been clarified :)

[DilboBaggins]

So itll be cheaper to sorce a 3.0lt gearbox if I cant find a doner car. Cheers guys