New GU Owner

[npw112]

G'day guys.

I have just picked up a 1998 GU 4.5 manual on duel fuel as my first 4x4 to see if I like it before jumping in the deep end on a more expensive rig.

It has done a few kms (433,000 ) but looks to be well maintained.

Has a 2 inch lift, Nissan factory bullbar, spotlights and 33 inch mud tyres with Dynamic steel wheels.

It has so far run me 6k including the second hand muddies and Sony A/V head unit.

I plan on using it on the weekend to tow my 15 foot tinny, go on camping trips and enjoy the local tracks here in Canberra with some mates.

I am building a a recovery kit including a recovery hitch for the tow bar (I know not to use the tow ball), recovery ramps (ebay maxtrax), snatch strap and shovel. I also plan to get a 12v air compressor which will run off the Anderson plug in the boot.

Anything else you guys would recommend?

Would be keen to tag along with local fourm members out bush to learn a thing or 2.

Cheers - Nick

66973

[Dhuck]

Welcome to the forum mate.

[LostBenji]

Welcome Nick.

Well, she aint no virgin, got plenty of kays on her. I will list some ideas in no particular order other than the first one:

Get the motor checked over well along with all critical systems (Suspension, diff's, Transfer case, gearbox &steering). No point in going bush if it is fragile.
The factory Ally bars don't inspire much faith when compared to the steel options but with some smarts, can be modified to be a little stronger and more functional legally.
Mud tyres are best left for the mud, definitely not highway. A second set of rims with Road/Terrain boots for normal stuff, Muds for trips away.
Plan any engine mods wisely, you have the TB45 donk that responds well to forced induction. Example, extractors would not be a good investment if turbo on cards.
Fuel consumption is biggy most of the time, start with mods to improve this like zorst, air filter and snorkel (facing forward) along possible ECU mods but keep the above comment in mind.

[threedogs]

Hi mate and welcome to the forum,,,enjoy

[npw112]

Welcome Nick.

Well, she aint no virgin, got plenty of kays on her. I will list some ideas in no particular order other than the first one:

Get the motor checked over well along with all critical systems (Suspension, diff's, Transfer case, gearbox &steering). No point in going bush if it is fragile.
The factory Ally bars don't inspire much faith when compared to the steel options but with some smarts, can be modified to be a little stronger and more functional legally.
Mud tyres are best left for the mud, definitely not highway. A second set of rims with Road/Terrain boots for normal stuff, Muds for trips away.
Plan any engine mods wisely, you have the TB45 donk that responds well to forced induction. Example, extractors would not be a good investment if turbo on cards.
Fuel consumption is biggy most of the time, start with mods to improve this like zorst, air filter and snorkel (facing forward) along possible ECU mods but keep the above comment in mind.


Thanks the info mate.

I bought the car with the intention of keeping for about 6 months and then either upgrading or deciding that a 4x4 isn't for me so the high KMS aren't really of concern. Also the truck isn't a daily driver. In saying that you don't buy an 18 year old 4x4 with 430,000kms without budgeting for a few things to break lol.

I am going to get a compression check, cooling system pressure check (car came with a huge alloy radiator :) ) and battery test done before taking it out bush.

Will also be changing the oil and filter, air filter and all fluids in the diffs, transfer case and gearbox.

I will have a look into the bullbar mods.

Car came with a set of stock wheels with pretty much brand new HT tyres. This is what I will be towing my boat with etc. I will save the muddies for trips out bush.

Not planing to do any mods as I don't see myself keeping the car for too long.

Cheers

[Touses]

If the 4x4 bug gets you, you will stay got! Welcome and enjoy.

[blocko05]

Hi Nick and welcome to the forum mate. thanks for the pic. We love pics

[LostBenji]

If the 4x4 bug gets you, you will stay got! Welcome and enjoy.

+1 from me on that one, the bug WILL bite.

[jay see]

Hi Nick and welcome to the forum mate. thanks for the pic. We love pics

And its not white........ Welcome aboard.

Looks like it's got a saggy bum?

[Clunk]

G'day Nick, welcome aboard mate

[growler2058]

G'day Nick welcome aboard mate

[4bye4]

G'day mate and welcome to the forum.

[npw112]

Thanks for the warm welcome fellas.

[Mrme4u]

Welcome to this great forum

[Bigcol]

welcome to the forum mate

nice looking rig that - red, goes faster.......?

[juzzs8]

welcome mate. nice lookin rig!