I can tell ya anything you want to know about them. I know them like the back of my hand.
An LG61 is rare, only sold from 1980-82 to compete with the last of the 40’s. Most of them went to Saudi Arabia and Colombia.
61’s come with a 4spd, a 5spd can be fitted. They have updated tcase and axles. It is the only classic Patrol you can get lockers for. No power steering but that is a bolt in job. Patrols are standard cross over steering and much easier to work on or modify or upgrade than a Cruiser. They also don’t really need p/s. Disc brakes upfront is also a bolt in job but no 61 came with them.
Oh ya the engine, it’s an updated version of the old Patrol engine. 4L in-line six with a huge stroke. I never have felt a Patrol lacks power, gearing especially above 60mph is another story. You can easily get any parts you need for that engine here in the USA. It was out in Nissan forklifts.
As far as build quality, extremely well built trucks. Chassis is fully boxed with lots of cross members. Axles, trans, tcase are all bomber, this stuff was made in Nissans big truck factory and share some parts with Nissans big trucks.
Not as stylish as a Cruiser and not as refined of a body but otherwise on par with a Cruiser if not better. I dig the windshield vents and kick vents and folding windshields in Patrols.
I love both trucks, a Cruiser is better in some areas and a Patrol in others. Neither is king in my opinion and both are equally fun and well built.
Cheers
