This workshop build started as an after hours project built by the Brisbane 4wheehouse team, to show off the workmanship capability of our workshop while making a GU Patrol build that will be undeniable offroad.
Over roughly three months, the team pieced together a seriously capable setup featuring a wagon to cab chassis chop conversion as well as a 5.9L Cummins turbo diesel conversion. MARKS 4WD portal axle upgrades, Dobinsons 4 inch suspension lift, custom tray fabrication, and SUPA4X4 protection gear. The result is one of the wildest Patrol builds we’ve had through the workshop.
This showcase of 4WD excellence is about more than just off-road power. It reflects the level of workmanship, fabrication, and technical integration our Brisbane workshop brings to complex custom builds.
Meet the Build.
This GU Patrol was far from a simple bolt-on build for the QLD team. From the wagon-to-cab chassis conversion and extensive fabrication work through to the 5.9L Cummins engine swap. Nearly every part of the vehicle has been reworked to make this build as insane as possible. At this point, with any more work thrown at it, she’d be just as ready for Summernats as she is for the tracks.
Key Components Installed
| Category | Component | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driveline | MARKS 4WD Portal Axles | Major clearance and gearing upgrade |
| Suspension | Dobinsons 2" Lift + King Shocks | Improved ride and articulation |
| Underbody | Superior Engineering Links | Reinforced geometry and strength |
| Body | Chopped GU + Custom Steel Tray | Weight and practicality balance |
| Front Protection | Heavy-Duty Bullbar | Frontal protection and mounting |
| Side Protection | SUPA4X4 Side Steps & Brush Bars | Supplied by 4wheelhouse |
| Engine | 5.9L Cummins Turbo Diesel | High torque conversion |
| Intake | 5" Custom Stainless Snorkel | Airflow and water protection |
| Breathers | 4-Port Diff Breather | Water ingress prevention |
Making It All Work Together
The finished build makes it look easy, but bringing together a Cummins conversion, portal axles, suspension upgrades, and custom fabrication was one of the biggest challenges of the project.
Every major modification affected something else. The team spent countless hours measuring, test-fitting, fabricating, and refining components to ensure everything worked together properly. From driveline geometry and clearances to suspension setup and mounting points, there was plenty of problem-solving involved along the way.
It's the part of a build most people never see, but it's also where experience matters most. This project gave the Brisbane workshop team an opportunity to push their skills further and create a Patrol that performs just as well as it looks.
Ditching the ZD30 for 5.9 Litres of Cummins Torque
The biggest transformation on this GU Patrol is undoubtedly the 5.9L 24-valve Cummins turbo diesel conversion.
Compared to the factory Nissan engine, the Cummins delivers a completely different driving experience, offering massive low-down torque and the ability to comfortably handle larger tyres, added weight, and demanding off-road conditions.
Fitting an engine of this size is no simple task, requiring extensive fabrication, custom mounting solutions, cooling upgrades, and careful integration with the rest of the driveline to ensure everything works together reliably.
Building Around the Portal Axles
One of the biggest decisions in the build was the MARKS 4WD portal axle conversion.
Portal axles dramatically increase ground clearance by relocating the axle centreline higher than the wheel hub, providing a significant advantage when tackling ruts, rocks, washouts, and technical terrain.
While the additional clearance is the obvious benefit, portal conversions also affect suspension geometry, steering characteristics, driveline angles, and overall vehicle setup.
Getting the most out of a portal axle conversion requires the rest of the vehicle to be configured correctly around it, which is why suspension, underbody links, and wheel fitment all became important parts of the overall package.
The result is a Patrol that sits with an aggressive stance while maintaining the functionality needed for rugged rocky tracks.
Custom Fabrication From Front to Rear
Beyond the major mechanical upgrades, one of the most significant parts of this project was the amount of fabrication work involved throughout the vehicle.
The wagon-to-cab chassis conversion completely changed the profile of the Patrol and allowed the team to build a custom tray setup tailored to the vehicle's intended use.
The tray not only improves practicality but also reduces rear overhang and improves departure angles, making the vehicle better suited to challenging terrain.
Combined with the custom snorkel fabrication, engine bay modifications, mounting solutions, and countless small details throughout the build, the project became far more than simply installing aftermarket parts.
The Role of SUPA4X4 Protection
The SUPA4X4 side steps and brush bars were selected to complement the rest of the build while providing practical protection where it matters most.
On a Patrol sitting on portal axles and larger tyres, side protection becomes increasingly important when navigating tight tracks and technical obstacles.
The side steps improve vehicle access while the brush bars help protect vulnerable body panels from trail damage.
Just as importantly, the protection package integrates cleanly with the overall design of the vehicle without compromising clearance or functionality.
Built From Years of Experience
One of the reasons this project came together the way it did is because it grew organically. What started as a few ideas between the Brisbane workshop team gradually evolved into one of the most ambitious Patrol builds we've tackled.
Years spent building customer vehicles provided the foundation, while this project gave the team an opportunity to push further into fabrication, custom integration, and high-end 4WD engineering.
The result is a Patrol that captures everything we enjoy about building capable off-road vehicles and the skills that have been developed along the way.