A Patrol's life as Moms Taxi

I've just bought a 1999 4.5 Y61/GU1 with just over 200000 on the clock, and I suspect she (Attila) spent much/most of her working life as "Mom's taxi". Although Attila is by all accounts in very good condition it is possible that the previous owner at some stage forgot what the little gearshift was for; may have driven around for years with the front hubs locked; and rested their weary feet against the clutch pedal whilst diving. Given this, what surprises may be lurking below the surface as a result of the drive train not having been properly used and cared for.

I would be most grateful for a "heads-up" on this one.

Hubs locked in by themselves not that big an issue on tarmac, only if the little stick is in 4wd on tarmac
problems arise. you would have snapped something by now. {wind up} Foot on the clutch pedal tends to glaze plates
I think. Put it in 2wd I reckon you should be ok. Stick may have been shifted for roadworthy

Might be worth having the hubs serviced, or do it yourself (basically just a clean and repack of grease). Worst case scenario is that the seals in the transmission bits between the transfer case and the front diff have perished, the only way to know is to get on the dirt, put it in 4wd, and go for a drive to get it all hot. Then look for any weeping fluids.

Poor thing... you make sure you give it some love!!!!

I have replaced all oil's from top to bottom and am slowly making my round the car re greasing and checking as I go.. although my rig looked well looked after I have found so may small details that could get expensive.

Front hubs now need doing next!!!!! fun.

On the farm my GQ had its fronts locked since birth for a good 250,000k's.
Bitty and dirt roads. Sure it used more juice but never hurt the hubs or diffs.
If you had an LSD or auto locker fitted I would think twice about long K's on bitty.


Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

I think you'll be right on the hubs being locked - its ok to be in 2W with hubs locked - but if she'd been in 4wd on bitumen/hard surfaces you would know about it! Main thing I would do is service all the bits the standard garage/dealer service doesn't do. And just check it over thoroughly for things that don't feel/sound right.

Thanks for the info so far. Had Attila up on the ramp and checked all the seals. Must say no wet spots or sign of leaks. The greased areas are more difficult to assess to I guess the best thing to do is give the drive train a good steam clean and then a hard work-out and then put her up again to look for the obvious.

I agree with every one else, as long as it hasnt been driven on the road in 4wd you should be right, Just check the seals to the transfer case as well as the hub opperation and potentiall clean and re-grease them

Some of the old landcruisers, in the user handbook they actually recommended locking the hubs in periodically for a certain amount of miles as part of the maintenance on them. Won't hurt it at all.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BigMav

Some of the old landcruisers, in the user handbook they actually recommended locking the hubs in periodically for a certain amount of miles as part of the maintenance on them. Won't hurt it at all.

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And I think this was my parents reason due to the work ute being a 70series.
It would keep the diff and gears well lubricated and run everything in.


Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

Could drive the cruiser hubs locked no probs, transfer case angaged,no probs but never ever engage them both on the tarmac.
if you have trouble dis-engaging, just reverse for a little bit to get the pressure off the drive line.
back to your Patrol, do as Aussie is doing, change ALL THE FLUIDS when funds allow. then you'll have a reference point for
service intervals. Still need those fuel prices please???
Also while you have it up on the hoist grab a large screwdriver and check all bushes.