D22 Frontier 4x4 conversion.

[Arabrockermang]

Ok I know its possible and has been done but I cannot find it on the web again. I want to convert my 2001 Frontier Crew Cab 2wd automatic into a 4wd and 5 speed (maybe diesel later) I know they are fairly simple conversions. I would like to find the parts cheap as well if anyone here parts out wrecked xterras or frontiers.

I'd also like to know what parts I could use off of a pathfinder since they are easier to find cheap when they are rolled. (1995-2002)

I got the common hg46b setup i know I'll probably get the transmission out of one truck and the axle and stuff out of another to not change my ratio.


I'm a 240sx guy also so I know my way around conversion and know just how easy Nissan makes it for us.

[Desert Rat]

The R50 pathfinders use quite a few different parts....Tcase and front axle are both different. The front axle in an R50 is a high pinion version of the R200, and the cases in the Infinity versions have different gearing...not sure about mounting points. Internals are the same on the Pathfinder cases though, so one of those might work.

Best thing to do is source a wrecked vehicle for your parts, especially since you're wanting to convert to a manual - there's a lot of little parts that need to be swapped that acquiring individually, they could get expensive.

You need:

4x4 spindles
4x4 halfshafts, front axle. Front axle will need to come from 99-04 Frontier or 2000-01 Xterra with HG46 axle code
4x4 steering and axle crossmembers
Front and rear driveshaft
Transmission / Transfer case
Clutch master cyilinder
Clutch pedal assembly
I believe there's some wiring harness changes to convert as well, and your automatic ECU *might* work.
Interior console from a manual transmission truck with shift boots, etc - from 99-01 Frontier or 2000-01 Xterra

Yes, it's been done, but in the long run you'll find it cheaper and easier to sell the truck you have and go shopping for the truck you want. The 2wd chassis you have and the 4x4 chassis are identical, so there is no fabbing required - it's all bolt in. It's just a matter of how cheaply you can find all your parts.

[Arabrockermang]

Yes, it's been done, but in the long run you'll find it cheaper and easier to sell the truck you have and go shopping for the truck you want. The 2wd chassis you have and the 4x4 chassis are identical, so there is no fabbing required - it's all bolt in. It's just a matter of how cheaply you can find all your parts.

Yep I know that. The thing is I kinda like my gear ratio where it is so I don't wanna buy a whole roll over and a 5 speed with 4wd is hard to find much easier to find from a online junk yard and not that expensive. I really don't want to go shopping for a possibly abused 4x4 truck especially when I know mine is so solid and rust free. So even if its cheaper its ok and as for easier I just like working on projects kinda why I'm a 240sx guy as well.

I'm thinking about taking a visit to mexico and seeing what the junk yards have to offer a half cut diesel 4x4 would be perfect. I'm still a noob fabricator (what i've been doing for a living the last 6 months) but a pretty good mechanic otherwise I'd try to find a patrol chassis from overseas with the 3.2L 4cyl diesel that I know fits in the Frontier and how cool would that be to not just have solid axles but out of a patrol. But that requires a firm grasp of suspension geometry and solid fabrication skills.

[StephenG]

I can't offer any advice, but please keep us updated if you take this on. I'm very interested in seeing what you come up with. Good luck.

[Desert Rat]

A Euro Navarra would be exactly what you need...everything would bolt in.....that's the smaller 2.5TD, but that little engine is still a horse. Of course you have to live in a place that doesn't require emissions inspections to get away with this.

[Arabrockermang]

Well now I'm getting serious about doing the conversion soon checked around at local junk yards and found everything out of an automatic Xterra for $600


Now my question is since I don't want to change a whole transmission unless I go 5 speed does the 4x4 transfercase bolt onto the 2wd transmission?? I didn't look at it yet and I know sometimes the tail shaft is different.

I really only want this for temporary and I'm sure I can talk the junk yard into throwing it in between $100-free which will be worth having later this winter

[Arabrockermang]

I also figure if I just leave it automatic now I can just get the diesel 5 speed and drive shafts later on then I just need pedals and center console which should't be impossible to find