Common problems · 1960–80
Nissan Patrol 60 problems: 8 things to check
The problems owners and specialists flag most on the Nissan Patrol 60 Series, the repairs they end up doing and what those cost, plus the years and recalls to watch. Sourced, not scraped.
Nissan Patrol 60 problems to check before you buy
- Rust in the usual placesSNLC's restoration needed new rear floor steel, fender kick-vent repairs and new metal under the gearbox crossmember. A 1965 on BaT had rust through the driver's footwell. He also found that Nissan didn't seam-seal the body seams on early trucks, so rust starts inside the joints. Check floors, footwells, kick vents, door bottoms and the crossmember under the transmission mounts.
- US-delivered or imported?US trucks were short-wheelbase L60 and KL60s with 80-mph speedometers. A 1965 on BaT with a US-market chassis number (4-L60-02697) had one, while Colombian trucks show km/h. Many 60s now for sale in the US came from Colombia in the past few years. Check the import papers and title, and that the chassis plate matches.
- Transfer-case seals and the handbrakeSNLC says it's common for old Patrols to blow the front or rear output seals on the transfer case, and a leaking rear seal ruins the transmission-mounted drum handbrake. Look for oil on the handbrake drum and ask whether the parking brake actually holds. One 1967 on BaT had no working parking brake.
- Brakes that work on all four wheelsThese are four-wheel drum trucks. One BaT 1967 had its rear brakes disabled. SNLC had none of four master cylinders good enough to use without boring and sleeving. Budget for wheel cylinders, hoses and a master cylinder unless the seller has receipts.
- Front swivels and axle jointsEarly trucks used Tracta joints and later ones Birfields, according to SNLC. Pitted knuckle balls are the big problem: without a smooth surface for the seal, he warns, keeping the knuckle dry is very difficult. Look for weeping swivel seals and play at the top and bottom of each wheel.
- Original engine and fuel systemThe P six used a single-barrel Hitachi carburettor. Some BaT trucks now run electric fuel pumps that bypass the mechanical pump, and one has an aluminium radiator and a plastic tank. Those changes are reasonable on a driver but worth knowing on a 'correct' restoration.
- Dealer options worth moneyA front PTO winch (Koenig, with Nissan's PTO box) and 1960s Warn hubs are period US dealer options. SNLC says a complete PTO assembly can sell for $1,000 among Patrol people, and that only about a quarter of US trucks had a PTO winch.
- Mileage and paperworkFive-digit odometers have rolled or been replaced on many trucks. Several recent BaT listings were sold with 'true mileage unknown'. Judge on condition and documented work, not the odometer.
The repairs Nissan Patrol 60 owners end up doing
| REPAIR | SYMPTOMS | DIFFICULTY | TIME | COST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front swivel (closed-knuckle) rebuild | Grease and oil weeping from the knuckle seals, play in the swivel, or heavy, notchy steering. | 4 / 5 | ≈ A weekend per axle | Parts plus labor |
| Rear axle shaft bearing | Gear oil on the rear brake shoes, a rumble from one rear wheel, or axle end-play. | 3 / 5 | ≈ Half a day per side | Parts plus labor |
| Transfer-case output seals | Oil on the transmission-mounted handbrake drum, a handbrake that won't hold, or drips from the transfer flanges. | 3 / 5 | ≈ Half a day | Parts plus labor |
| Drum brake overhaul | Pulling, a low or spongy pedal, seized adjusters or wheel cylinders on a truck that has been parked. | 3 / 5 | ≈ A day | Parts plus labor |
| Reseal the P-series six | Oil weeping from the rocker cover, sump or manifold joints, or a tired head gasket on a high-mileage engine. | 2 / 5 | ≈ A day for valve cover, sump and manifold gaskets | Parts plus labor |
| Leaf springs and hangers | Sagging, a harsh ride, home-made hangers, or cracked leaves. | 3 / 5 | ≈ A day per axle | Parts plus labor |
| Fix the speedometer drive after fitting free-wheeling hubs | A dead speedometer after fitting free-wheeling hubs, or a stripped speedometer pinion. | 3 / 5 | ≈ Half a day with the transfer case out | Parts plus labor |
Each repair links to a step-by-step guide with tools, part numbers and where to buy the parts.
Take the printable Nissan Patrol 60 inspection checklist: every check on this page plus the model-specific ones, on one sheet. Get the checklist →
Sourced from owners, specialists and factory documents; full sources are on the Nissan Patrol 60 guide. Verify torque figures and procedures against the factory service manual (disclaimer).