1997 Infiniti QX4-- I need help finding parts for it plz...

[Daemeon2]

Hi there. I am new here. I am an auto-tech in GA. I got this qx4 10 years ago and it has been the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. It only has ever broke down on me twice in all those 10 years. Heck yes.., I have spent just about as much on it as for parts to keep it up as for the amount I paid to originally buy it from a private owner.

This will be kind of a long post..., so if you wanna skip on down the the 2 part questions..., look for the "~~~~~~~"'s....


Anywayz.., here is my issue. About a month ago, I started having this strange vibration on any speed above 40MPH. I know this truck too well. It usually drives and rides like a caddy. SO my immediate thought was the u-joints needed replacing. ( same factory joints-they non greaseable) SO this is what I set out to do. Of course.., I waited 13 years too late to buy any. I was told by infiniti dealership that they no loger sell just the u-joints for this thing.., and that I would have to buy the entire front and rear driveshaft to get it right. I aint got $2000.00 laying around to piss away on new driveshafts. Nissan wants 80.00 per joint and no returns if no fit..period. SO I did some more research and came up with aftermarket u-joints. (front shaft - 446 / rear shaft - 393 @ precision series) Only prob is that the aftermarket u-joints dont press in.., they slide in to shaft holes and yokes and the only thing holding them in place is the lock rings.

~~~~~~~ Anyone know where I can purchase original type infiniti u-joints for my QX4 ?
??? The info I got, I think, is the part numbers from nissan and infiniti for them... I say again.., I think they are the right ones...
--------------------------
Nissan Parts Codes:

Front Shaft: 37126-O1G26
Rear Shaft: 37126-VB925
----------------------------------
Infinity Parts Codes:

Front Shaft: 37126-O1G25
Rear Shaft: 37126-C9425

---------------------------


Next Question: I also Found out that the front differential is either loose or the bushings that hold it up is worn out. I have searched the inet tonight for them and came up empty. This is a 2 part question..

~~~~~~~ Are there bushings that hold up front differential ? If yes.., what are their part numbers ? Also if yes.., do the aftermarket have bushings that are better than factory that will work ?

~~~~~~~ Also does anyone here or anyone or any place that you know might have a part number listing for all the parts that hold up the front differential ? I will need this just in case a bolt or 3 just so happens to be broken when I tear into this deal to repair it.

I know this is alot to ask and me being new here and all. If I can return the favor.., I will do my best to make it happen. This QX4 is my baby.., and My main and ONLY ride to work. (50 mile round trip each day.. m-sun) .., SO I kinda need this info as soon as possible if it can be found and I gotta keep my baby running.

A very BIG thanks ahead of time for ANY help on this and/or any ideas on what to do to locate what I am looking for on my baby.

Sincerely,
Daemeon2

[Ron Burgundy]

Im not gonna lie, I didn't read the entire thing so I apologize if this doesn't answer your questions but it looks like your looking for OEM Infinity/Nissan parts which can be found here:

http://www.infinitipartsusa.com/

and here:

http://courtesyparts.com/

[Daemeon2]

A Big thanx for the info. Infiniti parts usa has alot of stuff I've been looking for.., but I still havn't found anything yet for the if the bushings are there deal... and any part numbers for them if they are there.
Sincerely,
Daemeon2

[tmorgan4]

Yes it's mounted on bushings. Look at the courtesy parts link under Powertrain and then Front Final Drive Mounting. It lists the bushing as a separate part. I'd link it but links never work off Courtesy parts.

[asnorton44]

Would these U-Joint work?

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1997/i ... joint.html

[Daemeon2]

asnorton44 - appreciate the info.., but these are the same u-joints that Advance auto parts sells and they have issues with the joint holes as well. (they don't fit snuggly.., they fit loose..)

Anywayz.., I finally was able to get back under the truck tonight....
I found all my issues and solved them.

I replaced all u-joints with the precision series u-joints...(they fit barely snug.., but they work)..,
*** this was only one of the issues.., it didn't solve vibration ***

Sooo I tried testing the bushings on differential..., they seem some-what tight. A friend got under there with me.., we started checking all of the connections and then he grabbed the front driveshaft... I heard a "Clunk" sound when he did. We then traced the noise back to the output shaft of the transfer case....
The entire output shaft will move in a 1/4 inch direction whereever you want it to go...
I know personally that this thing is supposed to be solid. After more searching on this.., I decided to test this deal by jacking up rear of truck..(front was already up) and engaging the 4-wheel drive...
the ouput shaft will also move in and out 1/4 to 1 whole inch..... (up, down, side to side)
this effect was causing the entire front differential to move in all directions....
I just removed the front shaft and Whallah!!! the vibration was gone. On occasion I still feel a clunk through the floorboard.., but I now know what is causing the clunk vibration.

Sooo to sum it up..., I got to either fix the transfer case..., or replace it....
I surely dont want to do either on this. As it stands as of now.., I've had it with this truck and am seriously want to sell it or trade it in on something just as dependable as it was.
I saw a 2003 s10 xtreme with 4 banger that is in perfect shape at a dealership and am seriously thing of trading for it.
I'm severely tired of this monster eating up my paycheck. The last 4-5 weeks.., it has cost me over $400.00 plus just trying to solve this issue.

Again.., To everyone here.., I appreciate all the info and links and stuff. But this truck.., if I have my way..., will be history in the next few months.

Thanks again..,
Daemeon2