Ideas for new products / designs

[1MadEngineer]

Hi Guys,
Well for those that don't know me, my name is Greg and i do contract engineering and design work for the 4wd'ing industry. I love my nissans and always seem to concentrate on designing trick stuff for them, I designed things like the 'superflex arms' and the GU rear chassis brace ( http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?7696-GU-Chassis-Tower-Brace-design ).

But its time for something new i reckon! Can i get some ideas or inspiration for some things you guys might need? or an area on the vehicle that could use an upgrade.

Thanks
Greg

[97_gq_lwb]

I was thinking a winch mount cradle that easily adapts to front and rear and maybe a rear bracket in the back of the car to hold it in until you need it.

[Thirsty]

A decent underbody guard

[oncedisturbed]

shovel / jack mount with generic mounting, underbody kits, storage "boxes" to replace rear trim and make use of wasted space?

[Finly Owner]

Ok,a real one to test you.

An affordable lift kit for leaf sprung MQ/Mk Patrols, that are more road driveable than shacle extensions. Yeah I knowabout lifted spring that eventually sag . I was thinking of like a lift block that fitted onthe bottom of the chasis, replacing standard mounts.

[1MadEngineer]

thanks for the ideas guys thats great! Please keep them coming. I have added those ideas to my list of jobs and have already started sketching up some stuff.

[nissannewby]

either a bolt in or weld in A frame kit for the rear of a patrol possibly triangulated. A hinged wheel carrier for the rear of ute ( something that swings down to make placing wheel on/off carrier easier) with a well designed hinge system which makes it easy. A high steer knuckle for GU diffs. And I would like to possible spring over my girls leaf sprung gq but am finding it hard to find info about doing this so possible some sort of high steer set up for them. Also I have been pondering something lately- do the upper and lower rear control arms on a patrol work in relation to each other eg if fitting a long arm set up should the upper arms be lengthened proportionally?

[Punderhead]

Upgraded hinges that allow you to have a decent spare on the rear without creaking and groaning all the time!

Cheers!

[1MadEngineer]

either a bolt in or weld in A frame kit for the rear of a patrol possibly triangulated. A hinged wheel carrier for the rear of ute ( something that swings down to make placing wheel on/off carrier easier) with a well designed hinge system which makes it easy. A high steer knuckle for GU diffs. And I would like to possible spring over my girls leaf sprung gq but am finding it hard to find info about doing this so possible some sort of high steer set up for them. Also I have been pondering something lately- do the upper and lower rear control arms on a patrol work in relation to each other eg if fitting a long arm set up should the upper arms be lengthened proportionally?

I did a bit of development work a while back on the rear suspension and A frames. After a heap of measurements and testing I designed the 'Long-Arm Kit' which replaces the lower with longer flatter links. This setup allowed us to run shocks with ~18-20" of travel, which is a HUUUUUGE amount of flex at the tire, and this was still running stock upper links and panhard. The other advantage was the reduction in diff steer and anti squat. Running this setup, they climb amazingly well and allow you to 'power-on' while off camber without the rear trying to jack up and tip you over all the time.
As for high steer knuckles for a GU, I am sorry to say its not really economical. Most owners can't or won't justify the upgrade and honestly there are other things most should upgrade first. Economical and reliable diff strength should really be addressed first IMO.
In regard to SPOA I personally wouldn't recommend it, not that its a bad thing, but a well setup SPUA can be amazing if done with some intelligence (and still be legal) eg: look at the rear ends of the jeepspeeds, they drive at 100mph through the desert and jump 15 feet in the air.

I hope that helps answer a few questions.
Greg

[nissannewby]

Awesome info cheers for taking the time

[taslucas]

Hi mate, how good are you with electricals? A kit to move the tcu on auto GQs higher up (like behind/in the glovebox) would be a big seller.

Or a kit to move electric window switches away from the door, maybe into centre console.


Gas strut kit for the bonnet.



Lucas

[Thirsty]

Hi mate, how good are you with electricals? A kit to move the tcu on auto GQs higher up (like behind/in the glovebox) would be a big seller.

Or a kit to move electric window switches away from the door, maybe into centre console.


Gas strut kit for the bonnet.



Lucas

Awesome idea with the electrics mate, Might have to have a look into that myself.

cheers