In Search Of The Ultimate

[AndreasR]

On a recent trip returning from Tuli I developed the dreaded death wobble. This set me on a course to set up my Patrol to be in the best condition and the best drive possible.

Consulted far and wide. Took it to a number of specialists for diagnosis. Once this was all done a route forward was planned.

First was new tyres. The previous set was badly worn with serious scallops probably caused by worn suspension components. Went for Maxxis as they are probably as good/bad as any other tyre. Stayed the same size 265/75/17 because I’m not really a trail guy and staying as close to stock does not affect gearing etc.

Next was replacing all rubber bushes in the suspension, front and back. Then new tie rod ends and drag-link. Had bearings checked, all good.

The Patrol was back to normal. No death wobble.

And then I totally lost my mind.

Decided that in my never ending quest for the best possible “ride” I would toy with the idea of fitting new shocks. Did a lot of investigation, had discussions with many people, considered options over and over again, and finally deciding to avoid the “I should have” syndrome chose to install 2.5 DSC Fox shocks.

The Patrol now rides like a luxury vehicle.On the highway it just rides all the bumps and potholes, is as stable as hell, it just feels so much more assured and comfortable. Makes it just so much easier to drive long distance.

I have not had too much of an opportunity to do long term tests on dirt/gravel or sand yet. I have done some testing on gravel roads, fiddling with shock settings, and am very impressed so far how the adjustment of the shocks affect road holding and comfort. I am leaving on an Eastern Cape trip on Sunday where I will be doing a weeks worth of off-road driving around Hogsback and Morgan’s Bay so will be able to play around with the shock settings a bit more and see how it rides on the rough stuff over longer distances. I’m pretty sure I will not be disappointed.

I use the Patrol almost exclusively for overlanding and travel long distances frequently. I made the decision that this is definitely the vehicle for me to do these trips, so have been on this quest to get it into the best shape possible to tackle most of what is thrown in its path. I think that finally I am there. It has been a long road of sometimes trial and error but I do believe I have got there.

One final thing I would like to do is change my roof top tent. At present I have the Bundutop, which is an extremely comfortable and time saving setup but I would like to free up some roof rack space for occasional storage of wood (I hate carrying wood in the car) and a Jerry can or two of fuel when needed. The search has begun but that is for another time though.

[Mad Manny]

Cool story Bro... but it's still a forking Datsun...

[AndreasR]

Datsun it may be, Bogan I may be but it’s a masjien.

[HenriSteyn]

The boys and their toys!

Great "trip" report Andreas. The Patrol must be loving this too!

[Anthony Forgey]

Good purchase. You never need to buy shocks again. Just have the Fox units serviced.
They love high speed dirt driving!

[Bugger]

For Foxsakes

[NINJA]

You travel in style

[Johannes]

Cool story Bro... but it's still a forking Datsun...

Forking GOOD Datsun .

[Outlaw Shaun]

People don't understand how important a good suspension and setup is.
Glad you took the leap to the dark side.
Yes it's a pricey brand , but they do deliver and the safety aspect are huge

[Trolly Fan]

Giving your Datsun that kind of love, makes you lover her even more.
I wish I had some Foxes under my belly.
I've been told, if you drive a super corrugated road, your fellow convoy drivers will complain about their loose teeth, while you will hardly notice you went off the tar.

[grips]

Datsun it may be, Bogan I may be but it’s a masjien.

I agree, your Patrol is a Mean Machine. It really impressed me with the trailer in tow in the thick West Coast sand.

I have a set of Fox shocks under the Yank V8 Ranger since 2012. Nothing beats a Fox shock when it comes to ride comfort.
Being progressive shocks it smooths out the ride even more. They love bad roads.
My only thing against Fox is the unprotected shaft. My experience is that they get chip marks from flying objects on dirt roads. These chips eat into the seals causing shaft seal failure.
Some of the Fox shocks comes with boots, if not you do get them aftermarket to protect the shaft.

Otherwise Fox is one of the best shocks out there if not the best.

Enjoy the Trollie.

[AndreasR]

Thanks Christo. I will keep an eye on that issue.

[Mad Manny]

One final thing I would like to do is change my roof top tent. At present I have the Bundutop, which is an extremely comfortable and time saving setup but I would like to free up some roof rack space for occasional storage of wood (I hate carrying wood in the car) and a Jerry can or two of fuel when needed. The search has begun but that is for another time though.

Two words:
Brown Davis

[AndreasR]

Try getting one of those in SA. They or their agents don't even respond to requests for quotes, even after sending begging emails for a response. I gave up. Also the number of times I have needed to carry extra fuel over the years does not really warrant the need for extended fuel tank.

[Dirk Schubert]

Great write up Andreas, nice to see what is possible to tailor the vehicle to your liking.
Even with the old VW Syncros out there, there is not one the same....