Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Hi guys,

After seeing all the awesome modified cars in the GQ thread, Ive decided that my initial idea of keeping mine stock standard isn't gonna work for me, I want to mod mine too!

So, can you guys help me with putting a list together of what I should do, and in what order? Baring in mind that the budget is very very limited, so each mod will need to be carefully thought out, and then probably saved up for a bit each time.

My plan is to use the vehicle as an overlanding car - as much gravel road etc travel as possible. I might take it on an actual 4x4 trail/play place once or twice, but definitely not often.

So far Im thinking of first lifting the suspension a bit, and then maybe second, to get some proper tyres (Im a BFG AT fan, but was thinking maybe I should try MTs with this one).

What do you think?

And then just for fun, heres the blank canvas to work from:

M/T tyres is very good to use on the Patrol.

Lovely GQ

Lift the suspension, snorkel (good price at 4X4 Direct!!!). Your tyres seems good for now!!!??? Also keep an eye on the second hand market, you get very good deals there! The rest of the stuff will only make it look nicer and enable you to enjoy it more!The next I would do is fitting a roof rack! my .

Enjoy "pimping" your ride, it is the best after actually driving it off road

Muddies are always nice to have, but I'm thinking that if you want this sweet GQ for overlanding more than trails, then the A/T's might be a better choice. Fuel consumption ( I think) will be a fraction better on A/T's than on Muddies.

I agree with the suspension lift. I wouldn't do more than a 2" lift, as its for touring more than trail blazing. Rod (Overlander on the forum ) still has a std GQ and does just about everything the other guys do with the suspension lift. Thereafter tyres will be nice touch. Then a roof rack to load many jerry cans for petrol....

As jy die 2" lift doen en 285/75R16 (of 33"R15) bande gebruik gaan jou Patrol baie beter offroad kan ry.

You guys are funny....best all terrain tire is a mud terrain tire....lol. ... it also looks the part....for now i will do suspension snorkel bumper and roof rack finish those tires first and remember those steel chrome rims tends to crack on you so thather look for a set of gu steelies

If the use is going to be for overlanding, I would start inside the troll, Duel Battery system (I have used National Luna for years with no problems) Next I would build a packing system (don't buy one off the shelf they are bloody expensive and generaly not what you want!) I would build in a water tank into this system (it can go behind the back seat, you can buy them at Makro) then yes go for a second hand roof rack to load camping kit, RTT??? and fuel lights spare tire ect. Now you are ready to go overlanding! You can add the tires, suspension lift, replacement bumpers at a later stage. That GQ will take you where you want to go stock standard

Those standard rims are bad news. They tend to crack just where the web joins the rim. I would at the very least get them LPE'd (Liquid Penetrant Examined), or just replace them straight off. I would recommend staying with 15", and then (now or later) fitting 32" x 11.5" x 15"s. This is the largest size that will fit without having to modify the mud-flaps.

The rest of the mods depend on how many people will be travelling in the car, how much you pack and whether or not you tow. This determines what you need in terms of roof racks, packing system and so forth. A fridge is a great overlanding device, but if you do, make sure you get a decent dual battery set up as well. And so is an awning.

Before you go to the Moremi, make sure you get a snorkel installed. And before any heavy trials, you might want to look at some rock sliders.

Better suspension is great, but perhaps less important than any of the above.

Hi Graham

Great looking Patrol tou have there!

Like Peter said, start whith what you are going to use your Patrol for first. Fuel is very impostant when overlanding, so if you dont have a sub tank it will be very helpfull to get one.
Sounds like those rims are problematic and you dont want a rim failure in the middle of no where....
Roofrack is a must for overlanding.
Snorkel next.
Suspension is a great upgrade for offroading, but not a must.... many other Patrollers still have standard suspension and go everywhere.
The suspension upgrade will also help if you are going to carry alot of load when overlanding so keep that in mind too.

Ekstra's in order for overlanding and then trail

Rock sliders
Roof Rack - with table
Dual battery - monitor (National Luna, HCDP, C-tek)
Bullbar for all the donkeys
2inch lift
Snorkel
Diff protector
Bash plates x2
Drawer system
Gull wings
Kitchen
Awning
Work light
LED interior lights
LED Headlights
LED spotlights

Other extra's
• Long range fuel tank
• Seat covers
• Cargo Grid
• Stecca solar controller
• Solar panel
• Water tank with pump
• VHF radio
• Winch
• Rooftop tent
• fridge freezer