Mods for an 04 4.2TD GU patrol for big towing weights

Submitted: Monday, Feb 01, 2010 at 19:56
ThreadID: 75682 Views:5694 Replies:4 FollowUps:2
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My mate is planning to go walkabout next year with the family and 3t van in tow.

I guess if he had to buy a Datto at least he bought the best one so now he just wants to mod it up for a big lap.

He has looked around the Patrol forum but was hoping some of you lot who tow big vans with the 4.2TD might have some must do's that he hasn't yet heard of.

It's a factory turbo diesel manual running 33's. it has a 3" dump and pipe plus a K&N filter. The suspension has been done in as far as the springs and shocks have been upgraded and he knows a set of airbags will probably be needed to keep it level.

Specifically he wants to know if the cooling system needs a hand. He has also heard that the back doors are suseptable to cracking with heavy AT tyres on the carrier over corrugations.

Anything specific to this vehicle is of interest.
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Reply By: Outbacktourer - Monday, Feb 01, 2010 at 20:17

Monday, Feb 01, 2010 at 20:17
Sounds like he has heard of most of the weaknesses.

There was also a problem with 5th gear in the 2000-2001 time period (I think).

He should also keep an eye on the rear spring towers and don't put too many PSI in the polyairs.

OBT
AnswerID: 402152

Reply By: Trevor R (QLD) - Monday, Feb 01, 2010 at 21:24

Monday, Feb 01, 2010 at 21:24
Sounds like your mate has it under control as he seems aware of the "common" problems. He could spend heaps on the cooling system to only prolong the inevitable so I would suggest just adding an EGT and lighten the right boot when the gas temps get up there. As mentioned, the spring towers have been a problem for some people but I haven't come accross this yet with my 4.2's and they are loaded beyond a joke most of the time. The rear barn door on one of mine has just cracked recently after nearly 400 000km but I only run 265 75's which is a bit annoying if you ask me (no real solution apart from a replacement rear bar Big$$$$).

Look into the K&N filter if he plans on dirt driving, I feel they let too much dirt through. I have one of their filters sitting in my shed from experience.

Cheers, Trevor.
AnswerID: 402164

Follow Up By: Member - Duncs - Monday, Feb 01, 2010 at 22:42

Monday, Feb 01, 2010 at 22:42
I will back you up Trevor on the K&N filter.

The only expert advice I will accept on this is a friend of mine who is a diesel mechanic who trained on and 30 years late still works on some of the worlds leading earth moving equipment. They have conducted tests on all kinds of filters, looking at airflow and filter efficiency.

He reckons the K&N type will stop any bricks that might get sucked into the engine. They are popular on race engines which always have a clean filter and get rebuilt regularly.

Try to get specifications from them as to particle size. The paper filters are typically 5 micron. I have heard of test results that show the after market filters are usually around 20 micron.

I know it sounds like he said she said but this guy has been in the game for a long time, does not sell filters but will only use good quality paper.

As for the overheating problem I have this observation. A couple of years back I loaded the GU with 5 people, and gear for 6 weeks away. I hooked on the camper with push-bikes, boogie boards etc., and set off to drive from Broken Hill to Ballina. At 10am as we passed through Coonabarabran it was 42 degrees. Travelling north along the Newell I had to watch the temp gauge but still managed to sit on the speed limit 110 in those days. I was slowed by the rising temp needle as I passed through the Nandawar Range. I was down to about 60km/h but the corners had me down to about 40 anyway.

That day I did 1550 km in 16 hours and 10 min. Not bad on a 42 degree day in a car with a known overheating problem. Don't get me wrong they do overheat but it can be controlled with careful application of the right foot.

Duncs
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Reply By: joff1 - Tuesday, Feb 02, 2010 at 11:39

Tuesday, Feb 02, 2010 at 11:39
Thanks guys, I will pass it on.
AnswerID: 402242

Reply By: Member - Roachie (SA) - Tuesday, Feb 02, 2010 at 12:43

Tuesday, Feb 02, 2010 at 12:43
Best mod........... 6.5 V8 Chev diesel....... I love mine..... ;-)
AnswerID: 402250

Follow Up By: Trevor R (QLD) - Tuesday, Feb 02, 2010 at 14:02

Tuesday, Feb 02, 2010 at 14:02
hahahhahaa
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