New Adelaide owner queries steering/handling, cooling, heaters etc and service agents

[Jonesy_sa]

Hi guys,
Picked up my ’89 Maverick TB42 carby/gas last night. Fun experience in the terrible weather Adelaide has had and considering my daily driver is a Toyota Starlet 2dr it felt quite large. ;-)

I have a couple of questions:
Steering/Handling: It pulls quite hard to the left and has an odd neutral zone between left and right steering. It feels awkward as you flic between either turning direction in a straight line. Can anyone recommend a steering suspension specialist in Adelaide that KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING to insect and provide a quote on any work?

Cooling – where does your temp gauge sit when easy driving. I think either the gauge or sender unit might need replacing as this didn’t get above ‘c’?

Heaters – on all settings I seem to have allow of air exiting at the feet. I placed the dial on ‘Demister’ only but found considerable heat at the feet and very little at the window. Is this normal?

I live in Adelaide and would be interested in the following:
A mechanic or service centre that knows the TB42 well, LPG service centre, suspensions steering specialists. I am not looking to looking to modify or spend lots of $$$ however if I get stuck and need to use someone it would be nice to know who is reputable and affordable.
Sadly a couple of days before I picked it up some rats got in and ate the washer bottle etc – is there a cheap dismantler in SA or is Gumtree and eBay my friend?
cheers

[threedogs]

with the steering check tyre pressures and check your steering damper
Try Patrolapart for a new washer bottle [Vendor]

[Jonesy_sa]

with the steering check tyre pressures and check your steering damper
Try Patrolapart for a new washer bottle [Vendor]

Hi Threedogs,
Yes that was first on my mind when I collected the vehicle. Stopped in at a servo on the way home and put 40psi in all 4. I have searched and found a number of threads with others complaining of the same issue. I believe a fix was 'cone bearings' or shimming and one chap mentioned Safe-T-Steer sold a kit to correct the issue in Patrols. Most however took their vehicles to truck steering/alignment specialists to be addressed not to your local Peddars.
I’m not too sure about the damper and will need to check a service manual for that particular part and location. Most of my experience is older British and early Falcons.
I haven’t received a response from anyone regarding SA technicians so I might see if there is a 4x4 club or Patrol club in town who can make recommendations.

[MudRunnerTD]

before you go to Safety steer (i have one) there is a fair bit more to tick of first bud. How much lift does the car have? it sounds like a Caster problem not a camber problem. got any pics of the car.

[idiot 1]

hey jonesy where in Adelaide are you. nisscommercial Lonsdale has new washer bottles. if your south of the city I may be able to look at steering for you. I have a 4.2 efi gq. . also access to a hoist and workshop. but will need to pay. mabarack at somerton pk is a good workshop he does lots of 4x4 work. not sure about northern suburbs but think there is one in holden hill in industrial area near grand junction rd.

[Jonesy_sa]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the posts. I have attached a picture, its an older one but all i have on me. She looks allot cleaner in the photo, a good cut and polish is in order - very oxidised. The only thing I know works well is the alarm – when my manual turns up I will have a thorough going over everything else.
I do not believe there is any additional lift over standard. I am located Western Suburbs but will travel for a technician thats priced well and knows what they are doing.

Supercheap has a special at the moment so servicing the cars. Is there any preferred brand of oil for the TB42?
In other cars I use Shell HX7 without dramas and their lubricant finder recommends:
Helix HX7 K 15W-50 ($35.99 for 5lt). I use a different HX7 in my other car so they are compatible.
maverick.JPG

[idiot 1]

manual says sae 20w/50se 8.2 litres or better for engine oil. manual gearbox sae 75w/90 GL4 3.9 litres . transfer case same as gear box 2.2 litres. front diff sae 80w/90 GL5 5.4 litres.rear diff same as front unless it is LSD.2.1 litres

[threedogs]

Take up idiots 1's offer of putting it up on a hoist , then you can check the lot, bushes, uni's ,
plus easier to put a few pumps of grease in here and there. Could even be a shagged steering damper.
I think its never been serviced on a regular basis and in need of some TLC which you'll get rewarded for
once you give it a good going over

40psi might be a tad high for around town I use 40 for hwy only 35psi around town is fine

[Jonesy_sa]

Vehicle purchased in '91 by my father. Looked after quite well however the last 3 years it became a work vehicle then sat for a number of months. Most of the little things, to my knowledge, popped up in the last year.
Currently I'm learning to tile to try and fix the bathroom then the cars number one on the list. My partner and I are keen on the Flinders Ranges.

Like most toys you never stop tinkering - once its running and handling reliable It will get a cut and polish, rear sliding windows removed, air diffuser for the roof rack, upgraded CB….. ;-)

[threedogs]

you'll love the flinders ,
yeah sort your Patrol bit by bit
BTW tiling is the pits like painting IMO