87 Pathfinder

[JC87HB]

Ok I am just wondering If there was any major problems to look out for on this truck... its a V6 4x4. thanks~!

[Desert Rat]

they're dead reliable. If the timing belt hasn't been done on the VG, the service interval on those was every 60k, so factor that into the price of the truck unless the previous owner has proof that it's been done recently.

Auto trannies are typically good for 100-150k before they need a rebuild. The manuals in the D21s have the fill plug too low on the case which can starve bearings for lubrication on inclines, so listen for bearing noise in the transmission if it's a manual.

If it's lifted, chances are there's some significant steering component wear. The 4wd steering has always been the weakest link on D21/D22 trucks. Otherwise just check stuff you'd check on any other used car - make sure stuff works, and plan on replacing all fluids when you get it in a 20+ year old truck.

[JC87HB]

Yah.. its a 5spd... and yes its lifted.. the VG is a newer one... Guy said it has 36000 miles on it..

[Desert Rat]

Stock steering, or does it have an aftermarket kit on it?

Could still be an OK truck, but if you plan to 4 wheel it with a suspension lift, you'll want to address the steering before it leaves you stranded.

Grab the passenger front wheel and wiggle it like you're trying to work the steering. Watch the steering centerlink. If it freely moves up and down and the tire moves much, it's worn. They'll still drive all day on the road this way, but put them in 4wd on the trails, and the tires will toe in significantly under power. Aftermarket kits address the poor centerlink design.

The reason this is more pronounced on a lifted truck is because the tierod angle is no longer parallell with the center link. Instead it's parallell with the lower control arm (it has to be for correct geometry), but turning it this way, especially with the front axle engaged pushes upward on the centerlink, and with it's balljoint design where it mounts to the pitman and idler arms, it twists upward and can come into contact with the frame. When it does that, your steering will overpower the tierod ends and can bend them or even snap them.

There are aftermarket kits that replace this...Most notably the Calmini kit. It's over $500, but if you plan on using the 4wd much, it's money well spent. if you go that route, specify with them the truck is an '87, because earlier WD21 steering shafts are splined differently than the later ones and they'll need to supply the right pitman arm.

On the transmission, if it's not making any bearing noise, that's good. You can remedy the design flaw by jaking the left side of the truck up and overfilling the trans with an extra quart of GL4 lubricant (the GL4 thing is critical. GL5 will eat at the synchros, as will oils that say they are a replacement for all GL levels). Another way to overfill is to remove the shifter and pour in from the top.

The Tcase and rear end should be more or less bulletproof.

Do check the front suspension bushings - specifically those on the tension rod that goes back to the frame from the lower control arm. Those tend to wear out, and if they've never been replaced, they're probably dry rotted.

[JC87HB]

yah. The only steering upgrades was a Rancho twin steering stabalizer kit. Yah thats what i was planning on doing for the Transmission fluid... I have a question about that.. I am really nervous seing the only GL4 fluilds they have at the local auto store is GL3,GL4,GL5 compatible.. And i know the GL5 is corrosive against soft yellow metals like the sync on the nissan Trannies... What fluid would u recoomend? also in waht weight? 80-90?

[Desert Rat]

Your normal discount chain stores don't typically stock straight GL4 (autozone, checker, etc).

Napa usually carries it in 2qt jugs. I believe it's 75w90, but 80w90 would be fine too.

If you want to spend the extra $, visit your local dodge dealer and ask them for 6 quarts of NV4500 gear oil. That's a full synthetic GL4 made by Castrol.

[Rev_D21]

Redline Oil makes a GL4 synthetic that works extremely well in our transmissions. Find a vendor who carries Redline and order it though them. I am running it in my transmission and I like it, there's personal testimony!

[JC87HB]

good stuff.. I have heard some nightmare stories of GL5 in the trannys.... But hey... its a nice and quick way for a "weight reduction" hehe I appreciate the tips!!! Yah. Im definately going to look into the Calmini steering. As for redline.. I hear there stuff is pretty legit! but for the sake of time.. i might just stop by napa/dodge and pick up some GL4 there... Desert.. what do u run in your rig? 75-90 or 80-90? and isnt the rear diff fluid the same?

[Desert Rat]

Diff oil and Tcase oil can be standard GL5. I run the 80w90 Valvoline semi-synthetic in those.

I can't remember what that NV4500 oil was, but I think it's 80w90 as well (GL4, obviously)