My Arabian Nissan Patrol 1997 Y60 (GQ)

[RMP&O]

Yup . Exhaust system should be done by Saturday. Then it'll be taken to Sohar city, 1200-1300km to the north, for the rest. I would miss it . My cousin still insist to make around 400-430hp naturally aspirated with durability in mind. I just wonder how can it be driven on very slippery mud during monsoon season! If the power is insane enough I might shoot for 37" tires next.

skibum, do you have any build thread?

Should rock in the mud if you have the tread to handle the slop. Or just chain it up!

HP is what you want in the mud as well as the sand so I am sure it will be better with the new engine in just about anything and everything. I would go the 37's, buff up the axles a touch and grin ear to ear every time I drove it!

I am sorry if I missed it earlier in the thread man but what other stuff have you done to the Patrol? Cal CVs or any axle upgrades? Axle re-gearing? Brake upgrades? Steering upgrades? Suspension looks mild, about like my 80-series. Using any Y61 parts on the truck? I know the Y61 steering box is better and supposedly the axles are beefier too. Mostly you use the truck in the desert, sand, mixed terrain and some mud in the rainy season right? But not much in the way of rock crawling or slow technical stuff?

By the way I spent a bit of time recently studying the 80-series Cruiser vs the Y60 Patrol suspensions recently. They are nearly the same but Nissan did it slightly better. In particular with the tie rod set up on the front axle and the shocks being behind the rear axle rather than in front like it is on the 80-series. Amazing how similar the suspension designs (as well as steering) are though!

Cheers

 

[G_E_K_O Expedition]

Hi Rmpo

I own both the Y61 (crd 2008) and the 80 (hdj 1993). Toyota almost copied Nissan regarding the suspension setup. I love my 61 a lot. It has a lot of advantages. But the 80-serie win in term of suspension.
- The 80 has longer front coils / longer shocks. The front travel on a Patrol is not as good as on a 80 (up to 13" of travel in front with a +6" lift without changing the original attachment and with seated coils).
- The front arms attachments to chassis on the Patrol is not a very good design ( pin + mushroom bushes) compared to the eye style on the 80 (allow unrestricted rotation).
In real life, the Patrol transmit more shocks to the chassis from the front axle when driving on irregular road / track. And you feel it in the seat.
except this, the rear axle on the Patrol is so smooth and comfortable. Overall, the Y61 remain more comfortable than the 80, mainly due to its smoother rear axle and interior space and ergonomic.

All the best
Nico

 

[Shanfari]

Not yet ... been collecting a pile of parts in my garage. I'll probably put up a build thread for my '08 Xterra here, once I get started on actually putting it all together ... I mostly post over on www.thenewx.org, so upgrades that I've done so far (full rack, skidplates/sliders, tires ...) and some trips are all somewhat documented over there; but not really collected in one place. The reason I say I'll do it here, is that there's only so many ways to modify/build an N50 (2nd Gen) Xterra ... so all of the build threads over there (New X) wind up looking very similar, and there aren't very many here for that model.

What's sitting in my garage right now:
Titan front diff (M205)
OEM equivalent Titan LCAs
OEM equivalent Titan front half-shafts
Titan inner & outer tie-rods
Rear wheel spacers to bring the rear track closer to what I'll have with the Titan width front
Rear spring u-bolt flip plates
Assorted nuts & bolts
ARB Air Lockers for the M205 and my rear M226
Superior 4.10:1 gears for both diffs, plus rebuild kits & matching pinion flanges
M226 outer seals & bearings to complete the rebuild, so that once I get to tearing everything down it'll all be fresh save the housing and axle shafts.

What I still need (and I need a couple of months worth of low expenses, so that I can get it all on order):
Aftermarket Titan width front UCAs (probably from PRG)
Front coilovers (probably internal reservoir Sway-a-Ways)
Rear shocks (still not sure where to go with those)
Rear leaf springs (probably from Alcan, for ~500lbs over stock and maybe 2" in lift)
Rear adjustable spring shackles (probably from PRG)
Replacement sleeved brake lines all around (probably from PRG)
Assorted hardware (u-bolts)
Time to do it all ... this is probably my biggest headache, honestly ... no time.

... that's the plan for now, anyway. Though, if I'm honest, a V8 Pathfinder (R51) has been calling my name more and more ... I had an in depth conversation with Steven from Rugged Rocks Offroad last night, and we talked through some options for what could be done on the rear of one of those. The front could be done the same as what I'm planning for the Xterra.

That sounds serious! Really eager to see a build thread for it soon .

I'm myself considering to import a V8 Pathfinder but for city use and as a spare off-roader next to Raad (=Thunder). With that gear ratio you might be capable of climbing a wall!

Don't want to get too far off track on Shanfari's thread, but that's certainly one option ... would need to make sure the R51 frame would work to set up the leaf & shackle mounts, and get a set of springs made up, but could work. Another option would be to go for a full four-link setup, and coilovers ... probably need to move the gas tank, though. Finally, there's the possibility that the Armada suspension components (upper/lower arms & axle shafts, at least ... possibly hubs & spindles, too) would bolt up (it's IRS as well) and give you the same rear track width (and commensurate longer travel) as you'd be getting with the front. That's just something one would have to take a bit of a chance on (but the fact that all of these trucks of the same era - '05 through '12: Xterra, Frontier, Pathfinder, Titan, Armada and QX56 come off of the same platform, is very promising) ... or find a truck to compare against. Just a matter of what the build goals are, and then making the time and finding the money to execute ... :/

Man, this thread is yours Always happy to see you and the rest around. I'm learning from your notes here ^_^.

 

[Shanfari]

Should rock in the mud if you have the tread to handle the slop. Or just chain it up!

HP is what you want in the mud as well as the sand so I am sure it will be better with the new engine in just about anything and everything. I would go the 37's, buff up the axles a touch and grin ear to ear every time I drove it!

I am sorry if I missed it earlier in the thread man but what other stuff have you done to the Patrol? Cal CVs or any axle upgrades? Axle re-gearing? Brake upgrades? Steering upgrades? Suspension looks mild, about like my 80-series. Using any Y61 parts on the truck? I know the Y61 steering box is better and supposedly the axles are beefier too. Mostly you use the truck in the desert, sand, mixed terrain and some mud in the rainy season right? But not much in the way of rock crawling or slow technical stuff?

By the way I spent a bit of time recently studying the 80-series Cruiser vs the Y60 Patrol suspensions recently. They are nearly the same but Nissan did it slightly better. In particular with the tie rod set up on the front axle and the shocks being behind the rear axle rather than in front like it is on the 80-series. Amazing how similar the suspension designs (as well as steering) are though!

Cheers

Actually my main focus is mud, other terrains are just too easy. Never tried rock crawling cause I'm a lone wolf most of the time.

Talking about the axles, no need. Patrol's are known to take 1000+hp with stock diffs, gears, shafts. These 3 in Y60 are very huge in size compared to Titan, Tundra, GMC & Chevy trucks, and even Mitsubishi 3-tonne truck! Power steering system will be Nissan Titan's now, though never had a problem with the old one but for the engine swap.

Thinking of a brake upgrade, but not yet. Suspensions are bought used and I have no idea of their origin, about 2 years ago. They're stiff so they drive nice on road and tried going about 170km/h (105mph) and the 35's shake but not too much. Shocks are a lot thicker than stock ones and they're made in Dubai, UAE.

So:

Axle upgrade: no, no need at all.
Axle re-gearing: no, stock ~3.67 ratio overall.
Brake upgrade: no
Steering upgrade: Only using Titan's power steering system, I guess. A good damper might be a nice upgrade though.
Still using stock rods, bearings. Didn't have a problem with them yet. Bushes are problematic.

Only the flywheel is from Y61 because my TRD clutch attach better on it, no other advantages. HKS 4-row radiator for Y61 is ordered and not yet received.

The engine is bigger but lighter (227kg vs 301kg = 504 lbs vs 669 lbs) than the old 4.2L I-6.

Put in mind that I'm not good mechanically, so any tips are always helpful!

 

[Shanfari]

Hi Rmpo

I own both the Y61 (crd 2008) and the 80 (hdj 1993). Toyota almost copied Nissan regarding the suspension setup. I love my 61 a lot. It has a lot of advantages. But the 80-serie win in term of suspension.
- The 80 has longer front coils / longer shocks. The front travel on a Patrol is not as good as on a 80 (up to 13" of travel in front with a +6" lift without changing the original attachment and with seated coils).
- The front arms attachments to chassis on the Patrol is not a very good design ( pin + mushroom bushes) compared to the eye style on the 80 (allow unrestricted rotation).
In real life, the Patrol transmit more shocks to the chassis from the front axle when driving on irregular road / track. And you feel it in the seat.
except this, the rear axle on the Patrol is so smooth and comfortable. Overall, the Y61 remain more comfortable than the 80, mainly due to its smoother rear axle and interior space and ergonomic.

All the best
Nico

Thanks for the info Nico!

 

[Kostyan]

Hello from Ukraine

Good afternoon, Shanfari.

My name is Kostyan. I live in Ukraine in Dnepropetrovsk. I speak a little and understand English. It was very difficult to translate the text. But it was very interesting.

I read a very long time. I'm shocked. You have very beautiful pictures and very beautiful country. I watched a lot of your photos and videos. Your country is diverse and interesting. The people in your country is very nice and good-natured. I love travel to. My country is also very beautiful. I really liked your car. You love her very much. I found this site by accident. I also want to nissan patrol Y60. Randomly searching Google I saw the pictures of your car and passed by reference. And here I am on this site. I like how you did your car. I will be glad to meet you. Where can I see your transmission that you filming for television? Can you give a link to YouTube?
I want to ask you. Can I copy to my computer a few pictures of you? For me personally. To see and enjoy the beauty. I wish you good luck in everything. Be healthy.

 

[Shanfari]

Good afternoon, Shanfari.

My name is Kostyan. I live in Ukraine in Dnepropetrovsk. I speak a little and understand English. It was very difficult to translate the text. But it was very interesting.

I read a very long time. I'm shocked. You have very beautiful pictures and very beautiful country. I watched a lot of your photos and videos. Your country is diverse and interesting. The people in your country is very nice and good-natured. I love travel to. My country is also very beautiful. I really liked your car. You love her very much. I found this site by accident. I also want to nissan patrol Y60. Randomly searching Google I saw the pictures of your car and passed by reference. And here I am on this site. I like how you did your car. I will be glad to meet you. Where can I see your transmission that you filming for television? Can you give a link to YouTube?
I want to ask you. Can I copy to my computer a few pictures of you? For me personally. To see and enjoy the beauty. I wish you good luck in everything. Be healthy.

Thanks a lot Kostyan!

I didn't upload the videos yet, they need some work to be ready for uploading

Most people from northern Europe visit my country during winter when Dhofar is dry. Most of them come for the warm beaches

You can copy as much photos you like, very welcome!

Here is my collection for more pics:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/shanfari/collections/72157622596692610/

 

[Shanfari]

I've been off for a while as nothing new to add, only pockets being drained in the meanwhile. Good/bad news might come in the next few days! Already spent +10,000 USD, I lost count to be specific!

 

[Shanfari]

Raad (Thunder) to be registered with the new engine soon when it's done successfully. This is the list of the things to pull off before heading to police:


- Offset wheels.
- Steel bumpers.
- Custom flares (this one I can getaway with).
- Bonnet must be closed 100% as the engine sits slightly higher than the older one.
- Exhaust system must be quite as possible.

 

[skibum315]

Sounds like you're in the home stretch!! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, that inspection goes smoothly.

Once it's all fine-tuned and running the way you want, you know we're going to expect full documentation and lots of pictures; right? :coffeedrink:

 

[Shanfari]

Sounds like you're in the home stretch!! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, that inspection goes smoothly.

Once it's all fine-tuned and running the way you want, you know we're going to expect full documentation and lots of pictures; right? :coffeedrink:

Yup! The car is 1000+ away :Wow1:. I'm waiting for the first start up video to post here *_^.

A lot of info will be shown and all the details indeed! In the meanwhile it's only sucking my bank account +_+. Just checking titans on youtube with their exhaust system. Gotta love the V8 roar:drool:. Just see this Patrol with 454 big block chevy engine!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkhLzZMvFWc

Thanks for the support, I really need it :victory:

 

[Shanfari]

Updates:

The car sensors are all ok except the engine starter sensor in the flywheel. We couldn't get its number. We're waiting for a new crank sensor instead of the original so we gonna change the system a bit.

Parts are ordered since 2 weeks and will be here in August 10th hopefully as they told us.

Just wanted to let you know that I'm still working on it but nothing interesting to share yet

 

[skibum315]

Bummer about the hiccups, and delays getting parts ... that side of a custom, well - anything, is never any fun. Hope things finish out smoothly for you!

 

[Shanfari]

Bummer about the hiccups, and delays getting parts ... that side of a custom, well - anything, is never any fun. Hope things finish out smoothly for you!

I hope thing go as planned I'm super excited since months, haha! Spent more than 13k $ on the car during the last months -_-

This is my cousin's Patrol that I'm using these 2 days. Sand tires are lame in rainy weather!

Here's a sinkhole that we made a short documentary about for Oman TV today:

And that's me

Thanks for your support, skibum

 

[Shanfari]

Finally, the engine has started!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs0I5zXWClk