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The 1991 Nissan Patrol: A Ten-Year Veteran’s Deep Dive into the Australian Outback Legend

For the past decade, I’ve been immersed in the world of off-road vehicles, particularly those that earn their stripes far from civilization. The 1991 Nissan Patrol GQ, a true titan of the Australian Outback, has consistently been the benchmark for pure, uncompromising capability. While many newcomers to the 4WD scene chase the latest tech, this era of the Patrol represents a mechanical masterpiece that still commands respect today. In this article, I’ll dissect exactly why the Nissan GQ Patrol remains the ultimate platform for serious Outback expeditions, drawing on years of firsthand experience testing, building, and driving these rugged machines

The Legend of the Nissan GQ Patrol: More Than Just a 4×4

When we talk about the history of 4WD development in Australia, the Nissan Patrol (specifically the GQ generation, produced from 1987 to 1997) sits firmly alongside the Toyota LandCruiser and Land Rover Defender. It was Nissan’s direct answer to the heavy-duty challenges of the Australian environment. The GQ was engineered to be a workhorse—a vehicle that didn’t just look tough, but actually possessed the durability to handle the extreme conditions found across the continent

What Makes the GQ Patrol Special?

From a mechanical standpoint, the Patrol is fundamentally different from unibody SUVs that dominated later decades. The body-on-frame construction means the body is isolated from the chassis, which is critical for enduring the punishing articulation and vibrations of corrugated roads and rocky tracks

The Heart of the Legend: Diesel Power

The first thing that drew me to the GQ was its powertrain. While gas engines have their place, the GQ’s reputation is built on its diesel lineage. The 4.2-liter inline-six turbodiesel is arguably the most sought-after engine for a reason. It produces massive torque at low RPMs, which is exactly what you need for navigating challenging terrain.

I’ve personally driven multiple GQ Patrols with this 4.2L turbo diesel and the experience is unforgettable. The torque delivery is linear and reliable. It provides the kind of effortless grunt that allows you to crawl over obstacles without thrashing the engine. For those looking to modify, the 4.2L has a huge aftermarket following, and I’ve seen some of these engines pushed to impressive horsepower and torque figures with the right turbo and fuel system upgrades. While some aftermarket turbo kits can be finicky, the Safari turbo and intercooler systems are known for their reliability when set up correctly

The Suspension System: A Masterclass in Balance

One of the most impressive engineering decisions Nissan made was the inclusion of coil-sprung suspension on all four wheels. This was revolutionary at the time and remains a significant advantage over leaf-sprung rivals

The Patrol features a coil-sprung suspension with radius arms. This design provides a supple yet controlled ride. On the long stretches of corrugated roads that characterize the Australian Outback, this difference is night and day. While older leaf-sprung vehicles can feel jittery and uncomfortable, the Patrol glides over the corrugations. It’s not just about comfort; it’s also about control. The softer ride reduces fatigue on long drives, which is crucial when you’re hours away from the nearest town

If you’re an experienced off-roader, you know that suspension upgrades are critical. The original setup is good, but the aftermarket potential is where the Patrol truly shines. The Old Man Emu (OME) Nitrocharger Sport shocks are a popular upgrade for a reason. I’ve installed OME suspensions on many vehicles, and the ride quality on the Patrol is consistently superior. The Nitrocharger Sport shocks provide excellent damping and durability, soaking up the abuse of the Outback while keeping the vehicle planted.

The Axles: The Unsung Heroes

A vehicle’s drivetrain is only as strong as its weakest link, and in the Patrol, the axles are incredibly robust. Built by Nissan to handle the substantial torque of the diesel engine, these axles can withstand large tires and aggressive driving. For anyone planning a serious off-road build, finding a solid GQ Patrol with stock, unmolested axles is a huge advantage. It means you’re starting with a strong foundation that can handle larger tires and the extra stresses that come with them. I’ve seen stock GQ Patrol axles handle 35-inch tires without issue, though for heavier builds, lockers and upgraded axles become necessary.

The ARB Off Road Icons Trip: Testing the Legend

One of the most memorable trips I ever experienced was the ARB Off Road Icons expedition. This was a company-wide project where different ARB stores built unique icons for a tour of the Australian Outback. The Nissan GQ Patrol was the absolute highlight of this trip. It’s what I affectionately called the “rhino” of the group. Its imposing presence, combined with the dark gray paint, big beefy tires, and that unmistakable utilitarian look, made it the vehicle everyone wanted to drive on the rougher tracks.

The Patrol was unstoppable. It chewed up the rutted roads and barreled across the sand dunes with ease. The combination of the 4.2L turbodiesel and the OME suspension made for an incredibly capable machine that handled everything the Outback could throw at it. It also functioned as a reliable workhorse, hauling ARB Swag tents and chairs for the nightly campfires.

Finding the Base: The Hunt for a Clean Platform

ARB spent considerable time and effort sourcing an unmolested Patrol for this project. As popular as the GQ is for builds, finding one that hasn’t been heavily modified or abused can be a challenge. This specific build was handled by the ARB Moorbank store in New South Wales, and they did a phenomenal job of restoring and upgrading the vehicle. They even performed a complete respray, giving the 1991 Nissan GQ Patrol a fresh, tactical look.

The Upfitting Process: Preparation for the Outback

Once the chassis was sorted, ARB loaded the Patrol up with their own components. The installation of the front ARB Deluxe winch bar, Warn winch, and ARB Intensity LED lights transformed the front end into a battle-ready powerhouse.

The rear was similarly upgraded with a Kaymar dual tire carrier and an ARB rear bar. The addition of six total 33×12.50R15 Cooper Discoverer STT Pro tires on black steel wheels completed the aggressive stance. The wraparound fender bars and side steps from ARB were installed to protect the body and provide a safe step up into the elevated cabin.

The Complete Build Sheet: A Checklist for Perfection

For anyone looking to build a GQ Patrol today, this list is a masterclass in how to create a capable Outback vehicle.

Engine Modifications: The 4.2L inline-six turbodiesel received a boost with a Safari turbo, intercooler, and exhaust system. This is the recipe for increased grunt without sacrificing reliability.

Suspension: Old Man Emu (OME) suspension with Nitrocharger Sport shocks ensures the ride remains comfortable and controlled.

Tires and Wheels: 33×12.5R15 Cooper STT Pro tires on ROH Black Trak steel wheels provide excellent traction.

Lighting: ARB Intensity LED driving lights are essential for safe night driving in remote areas.

Body Protection: ARB Deluxe winch bar, ARB side rails, and side steps offer crucial body protection.

Cargo Management: Kaymar rear bar with twin wheel swinger, ARB alloy roof rack, and ARB awning ensure you can carry all your gear and set up camp anywhere.

Interior Upgrades: Recaro seats for comfort, a REDARC dual battery system with dual volt and EGT/boost gauges for monitoring performance, and an ARB 60L Fridge-Freezer for keeping essentials cold.

Communication: GME UHF and aerial ensure you stay connected with your convoy and emergency services.

Braking: Hayman Reese brake controller ensures safe towing, especially crucial with the added weight of Outback gear.

While this build is comprehensive, it is still based on the core strengths of the GQ Patrol. The choice of a durable vehicle platform is paramount when building an Outback-ready 4WD.

The Nissan GQ Patrol vs. the Jeep XJ Cherokee

In the world of 4WD enthusiasts, the comparison between the Nissan Patrol and the Jeep XJ Cherokee often comes up. While the XJ has a massive following in America, it is fundamentally different from the Patrol.

The Jeep XJ Cherokee: A Different Beast

The Jeep Cherokee, particularly the XJ generation, is known for its compact size, coil-sprung suspension, and excellent articulation. It’s a popular choice for rock crawling and technical off-roading due to its maneuverability and strong aftermarket support. However, it is a unibody vehicle, which means the body and chassis are integrated.

Structural Differences

The fundamental difference is the unibody construction of the XJ versus the body-on-frame construction of the Patrol. In a unibody, the entire chassis and body structure are integral. This can lead to cracking and warping under extreme torsional stress. While this works well for rock crawling where the vehicle is often crawling at low speeds, it is a liability on long-distance Outback expeditions.

Outback Durability

The Patrol’s body-on-frame design is significantly more durable for long-distance travel. The chassis absorbs the bulk of the impacts and vibrations, while the body remains structurally sound. In the Outback, you don’t just encounter rocks; you also encounter washouts, mud, and relentless corrugated roads. The Patrol handles these conditions with more grace and longevity.

Cargo Capacity and Comfort

The Patrol is a larger vehicle than the Cherokee