Just replaced the 2.8td in my '95 GQ due to a head gasket/head going at 235K. I quite like the donk as it is quite economical for fuel. I get about 12.5-14 L/100k towing my trackie which is no lightweight and it gets along ok. I get around 11/100 without towing. As all the others have said just watch the temp.
Supposedly they have the same number of horses as the 4.2 but they are ponys compared to drafthorses. The 4.2 has heaps more torque. The drive train is a lot lighter as well with the 260Z/280Z gearbox in it. It works OK though as long as you aren't pulling the Titanic up the boatramp.
Have to agree with noel's points. I've also just replaced the head with a new one, and I LOVE it's economy. Before I bought the Patrol, I towed the CT with a Commodore V6, the fuel consumption between the two is identical, however if I cruise on 90 instead of a 100 it's even better then the Commodore.
I've had LPG fumigation instaled and together with a 2 3/4 inch straight thru exhaust, my little 2.8 will blow away any 4.2 anywhere, anyday, same goes for Yotas. LOL and that lil donk just loves to rev. Smoke can be reduced by allowing the engine to build it's reves gradualy without stomping on the peddle, helps economy too.
Since the head replacement, have no trouble going up the ranges to Dwellingup or the Kalaminda range towing the CT, if I wannna go faster, just turn on the lpg and away we go.
BUT, watch that tenp guage, when she boils......it's way to late, gonna cost you bigtime. Oh, DO NOT USE GREEN RADIATOR INHIBITOR only organic based, or Nissan genuine, anything else will cause corrosion of your head gasket and cost you big time.