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Fourth generation (Y60)
Overview
Also called	Nissan Patrol Safari (Philippines) Nissan Safari (Japan) Ford Maverick (Australia)
Production	1987–1997
Assembly	Japan: Hiratsuka; Kanda; Zama (1987–1993) South Africa: Rosslyn (1991–2001) Spain: Barcelona (1988–1998)
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size off road vehicle
Body style	3-door wagon 5-door wagon/van 2-door pickup
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive Front-engine, four-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine	2.8 L RD28T I6-T (diesel) 3.0 L RB30S I6 (petrol) 4.2 L TB42S/TB42E I6 (petrol) 4.2 L TD42 I6 (diesel)
Transmission	4-speed RE4R03A automatic 5-speed FS5R50A manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	SWB: 2,400 mm (94.5 in) LWB: 2,970 mm (116.9 in)
Length	SWB: 4,285 mm (168.7 in) LWB: 4,845 mm (190.7 in)
Width	SWB: 1,930 mm (76.0 in) LWB: 1,930 mm (76.0 in)
Height	SWB: 1,810 mm (71.3 in) LWB: 1,815 mm (71.5 in)

 

Nissan Safari Granroad highroof van (Japan)

The Y60 was radically different mechanically from its predecessors as it was the first patrol with coil sprung suspension, proving to be both more comfortable and more capable over rough ground.

All Y60 patrols had a three-link live axle suspension set-up at the front, with all wagons (SWB and LWB) having a five-link set-up at the rear. The utility model was available with both a leaf spring rear axle and from 1994 onwards a choice of the same coil-spring rear axle as the wagons. Sway bars were included on both front and rear coil-sprung live axles. Power steering was standard on all models. Some wagon models have disc brakes both front and rear, with the ute retaining drum brakes at the rear. The introduction of a synchromesh on reverse gear was another improvement over the previous model.

The alternative model codes of GR and GQ were applied to left- and right-hand drive models, respectively.

Most models had a rear limited slip differential and some variants had a vacuum or electric solenoid operated manual rear differential lock. A rear sway bar release mechanism was also found on some models. Some Y60s even had a PTO-driven front-mounted winch, with an in-cab control lever found to the right of the gearstick.

The Patrol was branded Safari in Japan, where it featured a 24V electrical system, instead of the standard 12V.

The TD42 and TB42 were available with both a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic gearbox. The RD28T and the RB30 were only available with a 5-speed manual.

Trim levels in Australia included:

• DX with manual mirrors, no central locking, vinyl interior, optional AC, manual locking hubs.
• RX (from 1995) with electric mirrors, central locking, carpet interior, AC, manual locking hubs.
• ST with electric windows, electric mirrors, central locking, carpet interior, AC, automatic locking hubs.
• Ti (from late 1989) with electric windows, electric mirrors, central locking, velour and carpet interior, rear AC, seven speaker sound system, alloy three-spoke wheels, automatic locking hubs. The Ti model had a high roof design with sunroof until 1991. Leather and woodgrain trim was made standard in 1992 with the Series 2.

A myriad of dealer fitted accessories were available including sunroofs, roof racks, tow bars, driving lights, cargo barriers, and side steps. The TD42 was available with an optional Safari turbocharger at some Australian dealers.

Trim levels in Europe varied greatly country by country. These include designations like SLX, LX and many others in France. Finnish Patrols came standard with 2 batteries.

 

1995–1997 Nissan Patrol (GQ II) RX wagon (Australia)

 

1988–1994 Ford Maverick wagon (Australia)

 

1988–1994 Ford Maverick wagon (Australia)

There were two major updates in Australia, one in 1992 (GQ Series 2), the other in 1995 (minor facelift). The most notable changes in 1992 being the introduction of fuel-injection on the TB42 motor with fuel injection, EGR valve and oil cooler on the RD28T, new seats, new trim, sound deadening and side intrusion bars. Other 1992 Series 2 refinements included the revised transmission, suspension, introducing bigger brakes, bigger wheels and the standardization of limited slip diffs and auto freewheeling hubs. This update also gave the driver new seats, trim and side intrusion bars.

In 1991 the rear indicators, tail lights and brake lights were relocated to the bumper from the body to meet Australian Design Rules, however they stayed the same in the European versions. In 1992 another set of indicators were placed on the front quarter panel.

In August 1993 the TD42 was lightened in order to reduce fuel consumption and make it rev harder. This also had the side effect of weakening the engine. The original engine can be identified by its silver rocker cover, whereas the lightened engine featured a black rocker cover. Also the RD28T got some extra changes, in this case the vacuum pump got moved from behind the alternator to the top of the engine. Also driver airbags started to appear in some European models.

1995 saw a minor facelift, with a redesigned front grille, and the RX model being introduced in Australia.

Known weaknesses include vibrations from the front end (largely fixed under warranty), cracking hinges on the rear door (due to the spare tyre's weight) and rusty rear window frames. The RD28T motor is also known to suffer from head gasket issues when driven with a heavy foot. Also European five-speed gearboxes suffer from bearing failures in fifth gear at high mileages. On the other hand, the reliability of the TD42 is almost legendary. Patrols are also known for their really strong axles and good limited slip differential (when so equipped).

From 1988 to 1994, Ford Australia rebadged the Y60 Patrol, as the Ford Maverick. This was a result of the Button car plan devised by the Government of Australia. The car was mechanically similar, the Nissan version had rear disc brakes depending on vehicle grade while the Ford only had drum brakes and featured different paint colours and trim levels.

All wagons had a 95-liter main fuel tank with the utility having a 90-liter tank and the option of a 95-liter subtank.

 

Engine specifications

Engine code	Displacement	Bore x stroke	Power	Torque	Compression ratio	Design	Features
RB30S	2962 cc		100 kW at 4800 rpm	224 Nm at 3000 rpm		Inline-six SOHC, petrol
TB42S	4169 cc	96 x 96 mm	125 kW at 4200 rpm	325 Nm at 2800 rpm	8.3.1	Inline-six SOHC, petrol	Crossflow cylinder head, high camshaft
TB42E			135 Kw at 4400 rpm	320 Nm at 3200 rpm
RD28T			91.9 kW at 4400 rpm	255 Nm at 2000 rpm		Inline-six SOHC, diesel	Turbocharged
TD42	4169 cc	96 x 96 mm	85 kW at 4000 rpm	264 Nm at 2000 rpm	22.7:1		Crossflow cylinder head, high camshaft