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Showing results for tags 'Nissan 4x4'.
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Some of us are old enough to remember the "Datsun" 520, 620 and 720 pickups. During my University of Oregon years in the late 'seventies (graduated in 1980), I recall the rugged mini-Datsun pickups all over the Pacific Northwest. Nissan Frontier and Titan pickup owners might find the name strange, but Nissan kept the Datsun moniker on U.S. models into the first 4x4 mini-pickup years. The first Nissan-Datsun 4x4s were a groundbreaking design. Toyota had built its first 4x4 mini-truck around a scaled down Land Cruiser layout, with live beam axles front and rear. This was 1979, and Nissan faced a choice: Use beam front and rear axles, like a scaled down Nissan Patrol approach, or do IFS at the front with half shafts. Ford launched its Twin-Traction Beam front suspension in 1980, and it's not surprising that Nissan opted for an IFS. The design was unique but not to Nissan. Datsun Z-cars had used an IRS drive axle for years, and this could be flipped over and put at the front of the Datsun 4x4 pickups, adding steerable knuckles. IFS was advanced but did not stand alone for long. By 1983, G.M. S/T 4x4 trucks sported IFS front driving axles, and the trend continued. While the Toyota mini-pickup became the iconic 4x4, there are many early Datsun 720 4x4s still active... Datsun 4x4, Nissan Hard Body, Titan and Frontier pickup owners are encouraged to share their experiences, technical questions and upgrades—right here at this forum. Join us, we'd enjoy hearing from early Datsun IFS 4x4 truck owners. After all, you're part of the growing Nissan legacy! Moses -
Everyone knows the Nissan Pathfinder, Xterra and other Nissan SUVs. A few of us recall the original NIssan Patrol 60-series, a rugged alternative to the vintage FJ40 Toyota Land Cruiser. To time stamp this model, the last Nissan Patrol sold in the U.S. market during 1969... Being a traditional Land Cruiser buff, I always enjoyed stumbling onto a vintage Nissan Patrol. If you have one and would like to share details, consider joining this forum! It would be great to discuss your interest in the Nissan Patrol. Have you restored it? Modified the vehicle? What about parts availability and service access? I'm curious whether many of these U.S. spec models remain intact and unmodified. We see FJ40s often in pristine, original condition or restored to that state. Is this true of the U.S. Nissan Patrol? Join the forums and let us know the scope and interest level around these classic 4x4s. Has your vintage Nissan Patrol done major trail runs? If so, where? How many folks have an interest in these Datsun-era 4x4s? Looking for a moderated, sensible forum to discuss your Nissan 4x4? It would be great to see photos—membership (for free) entitles access and secure photo uploads...or provide a link to your photo bucket! Moses
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Nissan first hit the U.S. truck market with its Datsun pickup. Popular, well-built and responsive to owner needs, the tough mini-pickup was an immediate success, especially in markets like the Pacific Northwest! This pickup became the "Nissan". The first 4WD Nissan pickup had a unique IFS front suspension and drive system that looked like a Datsun Z-car rear IRS unit flipped and fitted forward; at the rear was a conventional beam axle...Subsequently, mid-'eighties Nissan Hardbody compact trucks made an indelible mark in the American compact truck market. Sales were always steady for Datsun/Nissan and hit stride during the Nissan Pathfinder/Hardbody Pickup era. The modern Frontier is an evolved Hard Body, very well liked by owners. The long awaited rival for domestic full-size trucks—and the Toyota Tundra—is the rugged, powerful V-8 Nissan Titan! Nissan has a global presence and a reputation for extaordinary design advancements. Engines, in particular, are a Nissan forte, and staunch owner loyalty results from these many attributes! At this forum, owners of Nissan trucks of all sizes share information, 4x4 upgrades and modifications, repair and maintenance tips, trailering suggestions and lifestyle experiences!—Moses Ludel
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Everyone knows the Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser. The 60-series Nissan Patrol was a 'sixties contender in the U.S. The Nissan 60-series has a similar profile and stance to the FJ40, with nearly the same dimensions. The Toyota FJ-series and Nissan Patrol each offered an OHV six-cylinder inline gasoline engine. The Nissan P engine enjoys a worldwide reputation, some say superior to the FJ40 2F engine. Both are "under-square" (smaller bore than stroke length), high torque designs. The vintage 60-series Patrol had features that deserved a reasonable market share in the U.S., and the Nissan Patrol was a global product that did well in other markets. Unfortunately, lack of sales, compared to the FJ40 in particular, discouraged Nissan from selling the Patrol in the U.S. after 1969. The name "Patrol" also applies to other Nissan products offered at Australia, Europe and outside the U.S. Notably, the 60-series has become an icon among restorers. The first real Nissan effort at a 4WD SUV was the Pathfinder, introduced in 1986. A V-6 3.0L option was common for the press corps test vehicles, and I tested the new model on behalf of OFF-ROAD Magazine. This was my first real exposure to a Japanese high-tech OHC V-6, and the vehicle's performance was quite impressive at the time. The VG30i engine made 138 horsepower in U.S. form, and this propelled the Pathfinder down I-5 readily, due largely to the engine's relatively quick torque rise. Nissan's Pathfinder had a terrific following that led to the modern Xterra. The Xterra takes the vehicle to another level for multipurpose SUV use: a companion for recreation, four-wheeling and an outdoor lifestyle! In this forum, owners share a variety of experiences and insights on modifications and upgrades that fit lifestyle niches for these Nissan 4x4s!—Moses Ludel
