Nissan trucks used multiple driveshafts between all the D21 models. Their lengths varied as did the number of u-joints, thickness of the tubing and the width of the yokes. Here's a little info on the subject I have gathered from pouring through FSMs from 1986.5 through 1998.

***This information is not 100% complete but will be amended as missing info is discovered. ***


Nissan D21 Truck Driveshafts 1985-1998
*Driveshafts are built by Dana/Spicer

3S63H
3= Number of Yokes
S= Unknown at this time.
63= Width of Yokes in millimeters (mm)
H= Unknown at this time.

The 3S63H dates back to the Datsun 620 days. It has been used on regular and long wheel base 2wd trucks since the early 70's. It was used on long bed D21 trucks equipped with the SD25 diesel engine and a manual transmission. Similar to the 3S63A except it has serviceable u-joints.

3S63A
3= Number of Yokes
S= Unknown at this time.
63= Width of Yokes in millimeters (mm)
A= Unknown at this time.

The 3S63A is a two-piece driveshaft that replaced the 3S63H from the 720 series trucks in 1986.5. It is found in Z24i standard and long wheel base 2wd D21 trucks. Both A/T and M/T models used the 3S63A but the sleeve yokes are different and will not work in place of each other. The front half of the shaft is 75mm in diameter while the back half is 63.5mm. The 3S63A was replaced by the 3S71A when Nissan changed the D21 trucks to the KA24E engine in 1990. The 3S63A has 63mm yokes while the 3S71A uses 71mm.

3S71A
3= Number of Yokes
S= Unknown at this time.
71= Width of Yoke in millimeters (mm)
A= Unknown at this time.

The 3S71A is a two-piece driveshaft found in 2wd Hardbody 4 cylinder (both M/T and A/T) regular cab, king cab and long bed (excluding Heavy Duty) trucks starting with the release of the KA24E engines in the 1990 models. The rear half measures 65mm in diameter. The front half measures 75mm in diameter until 1995 when Nissan updated the 3S71A, both halves measured 63.5mm. Reasons for this change are not known but I speculate it was to compensate for changes when the D21 received rear ABS for the 1995 model year. Automatic Hardbody trucks use a different sleeve yoke that does not interchange with the manual transmission. Nissan indicates that the u-joints are non-serviceable on the 3S71A but that is not entirely true. Other Nissan lines also used variations of the 3S71A including the 300ZX. They are not interchangeable.

3S80B
3= Number of Yokes
S= Unknown at this time.
80= Width of Yokes in millimeters (mm)
B= Unknown at the time.

The 3S80B was first seen in 1986.5 and uses 80mm yokes. It is mainly found in 2wd trucks powered by the VG30 series engine, this includes both Heavy Duty and SE-V6 trucks. The 3S80B is also found in long wheel base 4wd trucks up to 1997.

2F71H
2= Number of Yokes
F= Unknown (May reference that is a front driveshaft)
71= Width of Yokes in millimeters (mm)
H= Unknown

The 2F71H is used to power 4wd front differentials and replaced the 2F63H in 1986.5. It is a slip yoke design with a zerk fitting for grease-ability. It has been used in all 4wd D21 applications including z24i, VG30 and KA24E equipped models. Shaft diameter is 63.5mm.

2S80B
2= Number of Yokes
S= Unknown at this time.
80= Width of Yokes in millimeters (mm)
B= Unknown at this time.

The 2S80B is a rear propeller shaft used on regular wheel base 4wd D21 trucks and dates back to the 720 truck days. It has two replaceable u-joints. Because of its shorter lengths it does not have a carrier or center bearing. The shaft has varying diameters depending on year ranging from 63mm, 63.5mm to 75mm. In 1996 the V6 engine option was dropped and as a result all standard wheel base 4wd trucks during model years 1996 through 1997 use the 2S80B.


____________________________
The following versions were used on the 2wd D22 Frontier beginning with the 1998 model year.

2S1310
2= Number of Yokes
S= Unknown at this time.
1310= Driveline Series (1310)

3S1310
3= Number of Yokes
S= Unknown at this time.
1310= Driveline Series (1310)


While these model numbers may show up on other Nissan/Datsun model cars and trucks I have only covered the times they appeared on the D21 series trucks. Bear in mind this information is not intended to serve as an interchange database. If such information becomes available it will be added but at this time I have only covered what came with what and when. I hope to be able to expand upon this information as time permits.

I just wanted to commend you on a really great site on Nissan Trucks. You seem to be thorough in your search for the correct info. I am so glad I found you guys. I seem to always get the trucks with non-replaceable u-joints. Is there a substitute or a work-around for this?

Thanks.

Thank you for the kind words! Yes, they can be replaced. The D21 driveline is a Spicer 1310 series. The part number for Spicer Life U-joints is 5-1310x and can be had at most automotive shops by that number or can be cross referenced. If you have a driveline specialty shop in the area I would seek their advice or have them replace the u-joints.

On another note I was able to break down a 4wd one piece driveshaft in the Dana Expert website which gave me the Spicer# for the sleeve yoke and the tube yoke. I will post this information once I am able to organize it in a presentable way.

In the meantime if anyone has a driveshaft that still has any stickers on it can you please post a pic of the stickers as well as information about the truck the driveshaft is on. That would really help make this database awesome! Thanks!

Thank you for those Spicer numbers. I'm taking it that the new U-joints have a clip or something to that effect to hold the caps in. The original U-joints dont have a clip, maybe a plastic insert like the newer GMs?

Anyone know what size the conversion U-Joint is between the manual yoke and the automatic drive shaft?

All the Ujoints should be Spicer 1310 series for the D21 Hardbody trucks.

I was under the impression that you could not replace the u-joints on these trucks

I actually have a new problem. I just replaced the carrier bearing in my 91 standard cab and now the drive line vibrates and I can feel it through the shifter and peddles. I marked everything before disassembly, "except " the darn flange when I separated the yoke to remove the old bearing. I have tried several different positions, but still getting a vibration. I wouldn't have thought a small change could cause all that wobble? Any suggestions for correcting this? I'm getting a bit tired of disassembling and putting the darn thing back only to find it still vibrates. I am just about at the lay in in the driveway and kill it with a sledge hammer and get another driveline.

Another source that MAY provide further information.... Call Minnesota Driveline inc ..Local number ...320-252-1688 or 1-800-825-4569..... They specialize in drivelines, been in business since 1979.

Thanks I was able to get a new u joint from Rockford, perfect match installed fairly easy and vibration is practically gone. I think angled blocks will be the next thing to change. At least its driveable now.

Sounds great! Hope it works out. Keep everyone posted. Your information will help others. Rev d21 is a walking book of knowledge rather than doing hours of research just ask him.. If a person only knew what he has forgotten you would sitting good. Good luck!

Thanks and yes Rev d21 is a world of great info on these trucks. The ujoint from Rockford was a big help as was raising the carrier. Still need to get angled blocks or yard mine out and have them machined. I wish we could just get the right joint local, but in the Oreilly's catalog books it says non replaceable joint and they stop there, probably the same at Autozone. But Rockford's price wasn't real bad and it didn't take long to get it delivered, maybe 4-5 working days. There was a listing at O'reilly's for a 1310 u-joint, but the damn thing was $45.99, a bit rich for that part in my opinion. What really sucked was the driveline I got from Pick-N-Pull here had greasable u-joints but they are sloppy or movable in the yoke, like the cups slide both ways. guess that will be my emergency spare.