If there was ever a 4×4 that was designed to excel off-road, it’s the Nissan Patrol. Yes, the Y61 may not have the slick good looks of the Toyota Land Cruiser or the iconic status of the Land Rover, but it’s a vehicle that has been a mainstay of the Nissan range since the early ‘50s.
Even during its early days, the Patrol had an enviable reputation for toughness as Highways Today explains:
“The Nissan Patrol story starts in 1951, when the brand sought to produce a no-nonsense utility vehicle designed for unforgiving landscapes. In fact, the Patrol became the first vehicle to scale Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, a feat that immediately set it apart in the automotive world. The early success was a harbinger of what was to come—global recognition as the go-to off-road vehicle.”
While initially its impressive off-road abilities made the GU the ultimate workhorse, its capable handling, robustness, reliability, capacity and value for money really come into their own when you switch to adventure mode.
In this guide, we take a closer look at how you can enhance your Nissan Patrol 1997-10 further and take your upcoming off-road trip to a whole other level.
Engage for off roading
Free wheeling hubs, or locking hubs as they are also referred to, are one GR upgrade that could improve your off-road experience no-end. With the potential to boost performance, increase fuel economy, reduce wear and tear, and minimise rolling resistance, free wheeling hubs have long been billed as a worthy addition for premium and budget off-road travel.
While not every vehicle model can accept free wheeling hubs, these AVM Free Wheeling Hubs have been specifically engineered with the Nissan Patrol GU Y61 1997-10 as well as serious off roading in mind.
They’re super simple to operate, with a quick twist of the sturdy lever on the hub body allowing the axle shaft to be disengaged from the wheel assembly for road use and re-engaged for off-roading.
Be prepared to tow
Towing points are one recovery essential you shouldn’t be without when off-roading. Whether travelling solo or as part of a group, having suitable, fit for purpose mounting points fitted to your vehicle frame will be essential to your success when towing.
N4 Off Road Towing Points are vehicle-specific, durable and easy to install. They’re also crafted using high-grade powder coated steel for a quality finish and a recovery product that’s built to last.
Up your brake performance
OE brakes can lack oomph when taking your Patrol Y61 off the beaten track. Improve your fortunes with a brake upgrade that is made for next level performance across all conditions, including off road terrains.
The DBA Street Performance Nissan Patrol Y61 GU 1997-10 Brake Kit is a market leading product in performance braking. It has been tested in some pretty extreme conditions to guarantee reduced brake fade, improved component life and reliable braking for heavy and modified vehicles.
It also promises effective friction response to keep wear and dust to the minimum. In addition to providing results during off-road use, the kit offers high quality brake performance for day-to-day, light commercial and trade use.
Overhaul your transmission
For serious off-roaders who want to get really technical with the upgrade of their Y61, the Terrain Tamer Gearbox Rebuild Kit offers the perfect way to overhaul your vehicle’s transmission. Complete with all the quality components required to get the job done right, this kit uses Terrain Tamer’s extensive experience (which spans more than 50 years) to deliver the ultimate Patrol upgrade.
Replace your brake calipers
Now back to those brakes, and a replacement part that offers 100% performance right out of the box. DBA Performance Brake Calipers provide a direct replacement for OE factory calipers that are past their prime. Whether your calipers have degraded or components have already started to fail, these deliver the high quality repair solution you’ve been searching for.
Shop our complete collection of upgrades for the Nissan Patrol Y61 GU GR 1997-10 today for more off-road must-haves.
