Thread: FFR vs GS

If you're funds limited, do not get the 6x6. They are great, but when they break, they can be very expensive to fix due to all the custom parts.

Get a GS if you are going to be carrying stuff regularly. an FFR with it's lack of tailgate would be a pain.
I kinda disagree on Power Steering being a must.
Replace the (normally) flogged out tie rod ends with some quality greaseable ones, do the same with the pitman arm, put some decent tyres on it and I've found the steering fine (and I am by no means a big guy).
If anything, I'd want (and am looking into) getting a clutch booster plumbed in.

Just a general warning, you do run a risk with these trucks regarding their condition. even the best look over won't reveal any driveline faults that may be lurking and those can be very expensive to fix.
The " roadworthy" that they come with from the auctions are not worth the paper they are written on and have been downright criminal in some cases.

Not to put you off buying one, but do keep some money aside. At the least expect the clutch master/slave to go within 2 years and the brake master not far after (this is simply due to the cars sitting for a long time between drives)

You should also do a full oil change (engine gearbox transfer case/diffs) as well as all other fluids (brake/clutch/coolant) when you get it. again due to the cars sitting for a while, many people have reported some very used fluids in newly purchased cars. Don't forget your air filters while you're at it.

<edit> if you go to australianfrontlinemachinery.com you can sign up to get notifications of upcoming auctions.
do keep an eye on Gumtree as well. you often see some that people have spent over $10k on fixing up, have got sick of and are selling off, so you can get a bit of a bargain if you check reciepts (plus the roadworthy might be a little bit more accurate that the ones from the auctions)

I bought my GS in Nov 13. It has had regular usage since then but low mileage overall. Other than a complete headlight failure it has given me no problems at all. Maybe I was just lucky with the purchase; it seems quite a few have caused grief for the new owners, or maybe I haven't had my turn yet!

Re-wiring the headlights (I used the traxide kit) was a good opportunity to learn lots about the electrical system and how to play around with auto electrics - I was coming from close to a zero knowledge base.

I put in power steering, or more accurately had KLR do it for me. Great decision.

I put in 4 seat belts in the back, also a great decision.

I love the absolute simplicity of my GS, and like Dervish says, it's load carrying ability has been hugely useful for me. I can see the FFR being a great base for a camping vehicle, and that was part of my plan for getting mine, but it just hasn't turned out that way, so the GS has been just fine. That said, I have also added a second battery (also the traxide kit) but that was largely for the fun of doing it and learning a bit more, rather than a real need.

I'd say have a really good think about what you will use it for and buy accordingly, but you can't really go too far wrong either way.

Last bit of advice: go and look at the vehicle yourself, or get someone you trust to do it. Plenty of them can look good in the photos but can be pretty rough when you eyeball them. 300 or 400 in travel costs could save you thousands in the longer term. Good luck.

I bought an FFR for camping purposes and daily driving.
My reasons for FFR over GS are that the battery bays give significant storage space over a GS (I still haven't built the stove box I intended for one bay), the 24V system allows more efficient use of power for fridges and radios-plus with a step down converter I have 12V from the secondary system to run phone chargers etc, so only the regular vehicle systems are reliant on the starter battery.
If I was buying one without a mechanical winch, and wished to fit an electric winch, i'd definitely go the FFR and get a 24V winch. Can't flatten your starter battery even accidently...
The lack of tailgate can be a pain, but really only when hosing filth out of the back or loading bulky items. I have used mine for moving house twice and helping others move a few times too-it is still far superior to a station wagon.

If I was buying again, i'd still go with the FFR for a camping and general purpose vehicle.

isuzutoo-eh, i am leaning towards the ffr as i dont often carry loads but i'll be happy with either. My main want though is to find one with a winch.
Although i wont be playing as hard as i used to with the wrangler occasionally what looks to be a simple mud run etc tends to be the ones that grab you.

for the times you have carried gear, where have you strapped it down to? unless im blind i cant really see anything in pics.


Does anyone have the lengths of the floorpan of the GS compared to the length from behind the interior box of the FFR to the back please

The roll cage, both front and rear, extends through the tub sides to the base, so a ratchet strap around them usually works well. The tub capping also has various cut outs that'll do for moderate loads.
Lashing points in the floor would be nice but not crucial to me.

I've owned both - a Series 3 FFR and now a Perentie GS. Also owned a 4 door JK diesel Wrangler!!
Both landies are fine for camping. The lack of access into the back of an FFR is sometimes a hassle, but you get used to it.
Now, with the GS, it is way easier to load/unload than the FFR. I slept in the back of my FFR and it was ok - I'm 6'.
I've slept in the back of the GS with the tailgate down, and it is heaven!
Yes, the extra storage in the FFR was good, but with good packing, a GS is fine too.
Either way, the Wrangler would not take anything like the amount of gear I can put in my GS! And I have more faith in my Perentie getting me there and back than I ever did in the Wrangler!!!

Trigger, mudmouse has the solution for you;
Can't link for some reason, search here for "tailgate for ffr"
Do that and remove the'table' storage locker from inside, and you have the best of both worlds.
Cheers

Is this what you were trying to link to Dave?

FFR tailgate swap