BreakawayOffroad4x4.com.au

Recently bought a 1996 Nissan Patrol Coil Cab Ute.
4.2l Diesel Engine (Naturally aspirated)
32 inch Mag wheels
King Springs (Raised but not sure how much)
Extra wide and extra long Tray
Nothing too fancy hear.

I attended (as a visitor) a Breakaway Offroad 4x4 club trip to The Springs 4x4 Park. I had a good time but noted a few things i needed to change on the vehicle.

The major item I needed to change:
The original owner wanted a Lower tray so he lowered the tray. Then he wanted to store the spare wheel under the tray, so he lowered the fuel tank. During the whole trip to the Springs 4x4 I was freaking out about the fuel tank and whilst it only had a few minor scratches I had no hesitation to remove the spare tire and raise the fuel tank again upon returning home.

Out with the tools, had to cut out two metal bars that prevented the Tyre resting on the fuel tank and I removed the spacers which was lowering the tank.

Here are some picks before, after and the spacers that I removed (100mm RHS)

What a difference it made. Last trip I was not at all worried about the fuel tank thus a stress free trip.

Now just have to sort out the spare Tyre.

I have now replaced all the bolts holding bull bar and tow bars with new high tensile bolts

One morning I noticed a little green radiator leaking on to the ground. I went searching for the source and found it was coming from the from of the Water Pump. I ordered a new water pump from Patrolapart and installed it a week later. The bearings in the old one were certainly not in good order.

Wow - what a difference raising the fuel tank made.

Good that you saw the leak and were able to replace the water pump before it failed completely on the road or out in the bush.

Great work. Looks like you are getting her sorted out nicely. There are always a few things like this to deal with when you get a new car.

Well got the Spare wheels sorted out now. I can secure up to three spare wheels if required.

This morning I had to fix the mud guards as they kept breaking the bolts. I am not surprised either as they were held with roofing screws. I drilled and tapped some M8 threads into the frame of the tray and install some M8 bolts.

Hi RegyRocky,

If it keeps happening, could you put in piano hinge and a chain to hold up the panel (mud flaps)? That way, if they get scrapped on rocks, they will easily fold up without damage.

It looks like you have been keeping pretty busy with all that. Looking good!!!