Limited Slip Diff

[Tiny Howarth]

How do I know if my Nissan Patrol 4.2TD 4 X 4 1999 has or not a limited slip diff

[ricster]

Since 1998 when the GU shape Patrol graced us with it presence. The 4.2 Diesel GU Patrols were only brought in for 2 years here in SA, and was replaced in 2000 by the 3.0 turbo diesel GU Patrol.

The limited slip diff was only available on the Patrol GU Pick up/bakkie, and on many of the GQ shape Patrols.

The GU station wagon ( from 1998 ) was and still is fitted with a difflock. So.... to answer your question.... nope you don't have a limited slip diff. Just be careful with that difflock if it is still working properly. Ensure it is engaged properly ( dash difflock light must glow permanent.... not flash ) before you subject it to any obstacle you are trying to get over or through.

[Tiny Howarth]

Cedric, thanks for this, much appreciated.
I downloaded a PDF workshop manual from the internet, as i want to replace all drive train oils and engine oil, below are the grades they recommend, would this be correct for my Patrol 4x4. 4.2 TD GL

Front and rear diff API GL 5
Manual Transmission API GL 4
Transfer box API GL 4
Engine CCMC PD1 i am not familiar with this ???????

[Kagiso II]

GL 4 oils in the gearbox & transfer case -- and GL 5 in the diffs front and rear is correct [even for the Hard Body]

For engine oil oompi strongly suggests CALTEX DELO 400 [even though your's is not the turbo .. ]

[Peter Connan]

Tha above is all 100% true if you have an official, local Patrol, but if it is by some freak chance a grey import, it might not be.

If it has a diff lock, it should have a switch somewhere on the dash above the centre console, and if you look at the rear diff from behind and underneath the car, you will see the actuator. It is situated on the pumpkin, and has wiring and two small vacuum pipes leading to it.

If it doesn't have that, it has an LSD...

[ricster]

Peter has a point there..... chances are very small though, but stranger thing have happened....haha. On your centre console where the plastic of the gear lever covermeets the vertical plastic where your cigarette lighter is, and basically on the left of the cigarette lighter there should be a switch. If there is a switch, then park on some grass or sand, put the Patrol in 4L, and switch that switch on. Look at the dash cluster ( bottom left below the speedo ) and an orange light should either flicker on/of/on/off a few times or glow permanent. If it flickers for more than about 15 seconds then GENTLY move forward moving the steering from left to right for a few meters. You can do it in reverse too. if the light continues to flicker, then it means the locker is not locking in, which can be a variety of issues. check that all the rubber vacuum hoses are attached to the actuator and the "air canister" ( in the engine bay, passenger side by the fender and firewall.... looks like a black canister ) and on the solenoids near the "air canister".

let us know!!

[Tiny Howarth]

Thanks all, i will check the diff out when i get to the vehicle, bought it over internet, in storage Cape Town, should get to her middle to end Sept, then take the trip home to Walvis Bay Namibia. Cheers

[Tinus lotz]

Speak to frans in the cape he can give your patrol a once over before you hit the sand ....

[IanT]

Cedric, sure you would know better than me as you have one of those dead slow diesels, but was that not the location on the GQ not on the GU models

[ricster]

I found this pic on the net of a GU that has same layout as mine.

photo.JPG (406.81 KiB) Viewed 3210 times

Don't know what that thing between the difflock switch and the cigarette lighter is though