'95 D-21: all or part?

[Da Mongorian]

Hey there- new here. I've had my '95 XE for 11 years now, and it's been a great truck, my favorite truck ever. Until I wrecked it a few years ago. That it survived as well as it did and that I wasn't hurt worse is borderline miraculous. I have a lot of fond memories of road trips and off-road adventures with this truck, but since the accident it hasn't been the same (can't blame it- I haven't either).

I did a complete front end rebuild as soon as I was able to, but it seems like there's just been a cascade of minor things since then that are adding up to death by a thousand cuts: plastic retainers in the door mechanisms disintegrating, rear window hinges, leaf springs sprung, random electrical problems that don't show up at the shop, and generally feeling beat up, which I can sympathize with.

My question for you Hardbody Heads is: should I try to sell this as a beater (it'd be a great ranch truck) or part it out ( since the engine and trans are strong, and an uncommon AT/FWD combo )? I hate to let her go, but it's time- we don't love each other anymore.

[Da Mongorian]

Actually, I meant AT/4WD combo.

[whomadewho]

Things to consider. How does the truck ride. What shape is the body and the interior? The problem with parting it out,the engines last forever,the body usually goes first so the demand for drive trains isn't the greatest. Sounds like the time has come to make some type of decision. The problem with selling it as a beater,you will never recoup your loses. The bottom line is the truck is a 1995 not a 2015. You might also want to keep the truck as a spare vehicle. Could make a good grocery getter,or a work truck for someone else.

[Da Mongorian]

Since the frame is bent, it doesn't ride so nice- always like trying to keep it straight after 3 beers too many. We only have one shop in the area with a frame rack, and they want $600 just to hook it up, no guarantees. So for now it is a work truck and a spare, just no fun to drive at highway speeds or for any distance. Tired of getting in and out "Dukes of Hazzard" style too, but every hardbody or pathfinder I find in the junkyards have already been stripped of the door hardware.
Anyone know if those little parts are still available from Nissan?

[whomadewho]

Try Car-part.com. Should be able to find something. Parts from Nissan are available but it's a hassle ordering them from a dealer.You need the serial number,date of mfg. and the part number. Go online,lot of major Nissan dealers,they have parts schematics and you can order online.

[whomadewho]

Inner and outside door handles can be found on E bay. A common problem,door doesn't open is the outside key lock is corroded. Make sure the key opens and closes the lock.

[Desert Rat]

figure on no more than $400-500 if you haul it to a scrap yard. If parting, do you have the space to have a disassembled vehicle to sit and the means to haull off the rest?

I"d craigslist it for cheap. Someone will buy it...likely a kid looking for a fixer upper. It still runs and drives, and it's 4wd. That smells like $1500 to me all day long.

[Da Mongorian]

Thanks guys...
Yeah, someone would drop $1500 on it. I do have the space to dismantle it (I'm in the desert too), but my work has me WAY out in the middle of nowhere most of the time, so that could take forever. Better to have one thick stack of cash than an intermittent trickle, right?
Time to knuckle down on the 'puter and find those tiny retaining clips then- a functional driver's door is a good selling point.