Going from Lime Wrangler to Lime Patrol USA

[USApatrol60]

Good evening mates. I’m a resident of Asheville, NC and am making the switch to my first Nissan Patrol (attached a picture from the owner) When I went on the hunt for a new Ute, I wanted to find a vehicle with passionate enthusiasts that were on fire about their vehicles, and wrangler owners have lost touch. I found this forum and was sold on not only a patrol but a 60 series, so I found one and purchased it. I have a few questions for you guys as I get started. It has the standard 3 speed transmission with the 4.0L petrol engine (wish it was diesel) 60K miles from original owner. This is one of the 2000 or so that were imported into the US at the time.

Tips of ownership?
Quirks?
Best places to get serviced (for tougher items I cant repair myself)?

All info is valuable to me. I go to pick it up this weekend and am driving it back to Asheville from Florida.

Thanks,
TY

[RiverPatrol]

Welcome to 60Patrol! Congratulations on your new acquisition! That is quite a unique Patrol that has been looking for the right forever home for a while. I'm glad to hear that someone who wants to be passionate about it landed it. You must oblige us with many pictures of you enjoying it's use, please.

This forum will be your #1 location for any and all information on your Patrol. Please don't hesitate to ask questions or search the forum for answers, there is loads and loads of good information here.

The 60 series was never offered with a diesel engine. The entire series always had the 'P' engine as yours does. The 3 speed transmission is great for off road, not so much highway driving. Plan on taking your time bringing it home. With the 4:10 front and rear ratios and the limiting 3rd gear, sustained highway speeds of over 65 are not possible without twisting bearings and crankshaft. One of its quirks.

Another quirk is that the transmissions does not have syncs in 1st gear. So, when you are downshifting to a stop you need to be at pretty much a complete stop to get it into 1st gear without grinding. As you get used to the transmission this will improve to a slight crawl.

As for servicing, only you can know that in your area. There aren't many of these Patrols left so there aren't any mechanic that are familiar with them. You're best bet is to find an old school mechanic, preferably a Datsun mechanic. If they have 4x4 knowledge it's a plus.

Hope this helps to get you started.

[Esteban]

Congratulations and Welcome to 60Patrol.

Great introduction by the way! This Patrol definitely will be in good hands.

In addition to RiverPatrol comments, I will add that one of the beauties of owning a Patrol is to work yourself in it. Little by little you'll gain confidence, and with all the information available here, both in literature and members' experience, you'll be able to sort any problems that you might find.

[USApatrol60]

Thanks for the advice and warm wishes. I have decided that although it may not be perfect, I am going to make this my daily driver, and truly learn the quirks and personality of such a unique ute. With my job, I rarely hit the highway, but drive through the mountains a lot so I am truly excited. For longer trips we will default to my spouses Jeep Grand Cherokee. I am excited to be apart of a community with such passionate owners, and cant wait for the day that I am driving my Patrol and see another one on the road, that will be true nirvana

-Ty

[L60Boerne]

Ty,
You have found the a tireless group of helpers.
Regards,
L60Boerne

[r1lark]

Ty, welcome to 60PATROL! And it's good to see another North Carolina Patrol owner!!

[moore_rb]

Welcome to the forum! One thing's for sure- your Patrol is going to get noticed at the weekly cruise-ins

It has the standard 3 speed transmission with the 4.0L petrol engine (wish it was diesel) 60K miles from original owner.

A lot of guys say this, but I just don't get it... The P engine runs exactly LIKE a diesel engine, but with none of the drawbacks (ie: smelliness, smokiness, expensive fuel, etc)

every so often someone around here starts thinking about an SD33 engine swap, and I have to scratch my head. I've ridden in SD33 powered vehicles several times. It's faster to just get out and walk.

The P engine is no drag racer, but if you lined up a 60 series Patrol next to an SD33 powered Scout, and hit the green light, the Patrol would dust that Scout by 2 full seconds in the quarter mile...

[L60Boerne]

Rob, I agree. I had the SD33 for three years in a Scout II. It was reliable and it only got stuck once but it had the reflexes of Stretch Armstrong.

I have no dreams of owning another SD33 in stock condition.

I can attest, the P Motor is far superior, particularly when it comes to torque.

I may need a P motor if you ditch yours, please keep me in mind.

Patrolling with the P40,
L60Boerne

[ShowMePatrol]

Welcome! You have come to the right place for questions and answers to all your Patrol needs. Search the forum, you will find a wealth of information. Your going to love your Patrol.

ShowMe