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The 1991 Nissan Patrol: ARB’s Legendary Build and Its Attack on the Australian Outback

For over a decade, the Nissan Patrol has been a revered name in the world of off-roading, particularly cherished within Australia. Often mentioned in the same breath as the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser and the formidable Land Rover Defender, the Patrol stands out as a testament to rugged engineering and relentless performance. The 1991 GQ model, in particular, occupies a special place in the history of this renowned vehicle line. This article delves into the legacy of the Nissan Patrol, the challenges of building a classic, and a legendary journey through the Australian Outback that showcased its unyielding capabilities

The Nissan GQ Patrol: A Legend in the Making

The 1991 Nissan Patrol, part of the GQ generation (also known as the Y60), represents a pivotal moment in Nissan’s automotive history. Developed as a direct competitor to the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser, the Patrol was designed to be a workhorse capable of handling the most extreme environments on Earth.

Core Engineering Philosophy

At the heart of the Nissan Patrol lies a commitment to durability and reliability. Unlike unibody construction found in many modern SUVs, the GQ Patrol is built on a heavy-duty ladder frame chassis. This rigid foundation is what allows it to withstand the abuse of off-road driving, enabling it to carry heavy loads, tow significant weight, and endure rough terrain without compromise.

Drivetrain Capabilities

One of the most praised aspects of the Patrol is its robust drivetrain. The GQ Patrol was powered by a range of engines, but the 4.2L inline-six diesel stands out as a favorite among enthusiasts. This engine is celebrated for its ability to produce massive amounts of low-end torque, which is essential for navigating steep ascents, traversing rocky trails, and crawling through challenging obstacles. When properly tuned and equipped with the right modifications, this diesel engine can provide exhilarating performance while remaining remarkably durable

In addition to the powerful engine, the GQ Patrol features beefy Nissan axles. These axles are the backbone of the vehicle’s strength, providing a solid connection to the ground and resisting the stress of larger tires and heavy throttle inputs. The combination of a torquey engine and robust axles makes the Patrol an ideal platform for extreme modifications

Suspension and Handling

The GQ Patrol’s ride quality is often lauded as one of its strongest attributes. It features a coil-sprung suspension system coupled with radius arms, providing a balanced combination of compliance and control. This setup allows the vehicle to absorb bumps, ruts, and uneven terrain effectively, ensuring a comfortable ride even on long expeditions.

Furthermore, the Nissan Patrol’s size is often described as ideal for off-roading. It’s large enough to comfortably accommodate two to four passengers along with ample gear for extended trips, while still being maneuverable enough to navigate narrow tracks and tight trails. As many seasoned off-roaders in Australia will attest, the Patrol is a vehicle that kids often grow up with, as it offers a solid foundation for performance upgrades and has a reputation for handling extreme abuse with ease.

The Challenge of Building a Classic

Building a classic 4×4 vehicle like a Nissan Patrol is not without its challenges. As these vehicles have become increasingly popular as build platforms, finding an unmolested example that hasn’t been heavily modified, rusted, or abused has become a difficult task

ARB’s Quest for the Perfect Patrol

The Australian automotive accessory giant ARB undertook a significant challenge when they set out to build their own Nissan GQ Patrol for a special off-road excursion. Unlike many custom builds that start with salvaged parts, ARB prioritized finding a relatively stock and unmolested Patrol.

Their search led them to a five-door (or six-door, if you count the two rear barn doors) Patrol. This specific model was optioned as a five-door wagon, though Patrols were also available as three-door and two-door pickups. ARB’s team recognized the potential of this Patrol and decided to use it as a foundation for a full restoration and upgrade project.

The Moorbank Restoration

The work was carried out at ARB’s Moorbank store in New South Wales, Australia. The team faced the task of restoring the Patrol to its former glory and then enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The first order of business was addressing the vehicle’s cosmetic condition. The Patrol had suffered from some cosmetic damage, including a dent in the rear corner, and its paint was beginning to show its age. To restore its appearance, the entire vehicle was stripped down and repainted in a fresh coat of dark gray.

Once the bodywork was complete, the ARB team began the process of outfitting the Patrol with high-quality ARB components and large tires. This project was a company-wide initiative, with each iconic vehicle in the series being purchased and built by a different ARB store. This collaborative effort ensured that the Patrol was equipped with top-tier accessories designed to enhance its off-road performance.

Performance Enhancements

To boost the performance of the 4.2L inline-six turbodiesel engine, ARB installed a Safari turbo system, intercooler, and exhaust system. These upgrades significantly increased the engine’s power output and torque, giving the Patrol the extra grunt it needed for the demanding journey ahead.

The installation of these components marked the beginning of the Patrol’s transformation into a fully capable off-road machine. The ARB team meticulously installed a Warn winch, ARB Intensity LED driving lights, and a robust front bumper designed to protect the vehicle during extreme terrain traversal.

The Simpson Desert Crossing

The ultimate test for ARB’s Nissan GQ Patrol was a legendary journey through the Australian Outback. This challenging expedition would put the vehicle’s reliability, durability, and performance to the ultimate test. The trip was known as the “Off Road Icons” tour, and the GQ Patrol was one of the featured icons.

A Rhino in the Desert

As the tour progressed, the Patrol quickly became a favorite among the participants. Its rugged appearance, characterized by its gray paint, big beefy tires, and no-nonsense demeanor, gave it the look of a rhino charging through the Australian landscape.

The big six diesel engine effortlessly barreled the Patrol across the vast dunes and rutted roads of the Outback. The Old Man Emu suspension and Nitrocharger shocks worked in harmony to soak up the corrugations, providing a surprisingly smooth ride despite the harsh terrain.

Tactical Upgrades for the Journey

Before embarking on the Simpson Desert Crossing, the Patrol underwent several tactical upgrades to ensure it was ready for the demands of the expedition.

Kaymar Rear Tire Carrier: With larger tires and the risk of flats in the Outback, ARB installed a Kaymar dual tire carrier. This accessory provided a secure mounting point for two spare tires, ensuring the Patrol was prepared for any punctures.

ARB Roof Rack and Canopy: To maximize storage capacity, ARB fitted the Patrol with a durable roof rack and canopy. This allowed the team to carry additional gear, including ARB Swag tents and camping chairs, ensuring everyone had a comfortable place to camp during the nights.

Tire Setup: The Patrol was fitted with six total 33×12.50R15 Cooper Discoverer STT Pro tires mounted on black steel wheels. This tire choice provided excellent traction and flotation in the sand, as well as the durability needed for the rough Outback tracks.

ARB Protection: The Patrol was also equipped with ARB’s wraparound fender bars and side steps, providing enhanced protection against rocks, trees, and other off-road hazards.

A Couple of Minor Setbacks

While the Patrol performed exceptionally well throughout the trip, there were a couple of minor setbacks. An alternator gremlin surfaced a couple of times, causing the battery to diminish, and a few times the Patrol got stuck in the mud. However, these issues were quickly resolved, and the Patrol was able to continue its journey without major disruption.

Despite these minor challenges, the Patrol proved to be an unstoppable force during the tour, earning its reputation as a legend in the world of off-roading.

Technical Specifications of the 1991 Nissan Patrol

For those interested in the technical details of the 1991 Nissan Patrol as featured in ARB’s build, here is a comprehensive breakdown of the specifications:

Drivetrain

Engine: 4.2L diesel inline-six
Transmission: Stock manual
Transfer Case: Stock
Axles: Stock with ARB Air Locker

Suspension

Springs & Such: Old Man Emu suspension with Nitrocharger Sport shocks

Tires & Wheels

Tires & Wheels: 33×12.5R15 Cooper STT Pro on ROH Black Trak steel wheels

Steering

Steering: Stock

Lighting

Lighting: ARB Intensity LED driving lights

Other Upgrades

ARB Deluxe Winch Bar: A heavy-duty bumper designed for off-road recovery.
ARB Side Rails and Side Steps: Providing added protection for the vehicle’s body.
Kaymar Rear Bar: A robust rear bumper with twin wheel swinger.
Safari Snorkel: Allowing the vehicle to breathe clean air during water crossings.
Safari Turbo Kit, Intercooler, and Exhaust: Enhancements to boost engine performance.
Recaro Seats: Upgraded seats for improved comfort and support.
REDARC Dual Battery System: A dual volt and EGT/boost gauge system.
Roof Console: A storage console mounted on