Well after over 4 months of searching, I finally found my truck. I just got a 97 XE king cab 4x4. It is in good shape but has 150K on it. The engine makes a rattleing/ticking noise which is fairly loud on startup, but quiets up after about 3 seconds. I thought maybe it could be timing chain rattle that quiets up once the tensioner gets oil pressure, but is much higher pitched than the timing rattle my 240sx (KA24DE) makes. Is there anything else KA24E motors are known to be noisy from? It does have a slight exhaust manifols leak, but don't think that is it. Almost sounds like a loose heat sheild or something, but I checked those too. Tried using a breaker bar like a "stethescope" but could not tell where it was coming from...
Just took it on a road trip across the Rockies in CO and averaged 23.5 MPG even though there were a few summit passes. I was expecting worse for some reason. I was able to do some mild 4 wheeling out there also and did not hear any wierd pops or anything from the suspension even though we were on 2 wheels a few times through some wash outs. Not bad for a 10 year old truck!
Are there any good sponsor websites for aftermarket parts? I am looking into getting a topper for the bed, and a mild suspension lift. I would like to get a short shifter (i know it is a truck, but I don't like all that slop...The B&M shifter in my 240 has me spoiled!)
Sorry for the long post, just excited and got lots of questions.Thanks
New Hardbody Owner
Re: New Hardbody Owner (Zion8561)
Zion, I have a 4 banger, 97 xe kingcab(2wd 5spd) with 168k on it. I get about 20-23mph--depending on what I'm hauling, or using AC.---so it sounds like your MPH is right in there... As with your truck, after mine sits for a while, it will make that "start-up rattle" too. I'm not positive, but I believe it's the "lack of oil pressure" thing that causes the sound.( lifters,ect) Might be that the oil pump is worn and looses it's prime? I think it might be a good idea to put in a new oil pump (in both our rides) and save major grief down the road! As the old saying goes,..."can't hurt"! Enjoy.....greg
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Desert Rat
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Re: New Hardbody Owner (gt)
There is good aftermarket support out there for your truck, though I doubt many advertise here.
I run a Nissan 4x4 website, and we have gobs of tech available for your truck over there, but if you have specific questions, I'm sure you can get some answers here.
Stock steering is the weak link when lifts and larger tires are added. If you're keeping it stock, you should be fine. Nissan 4x4 lifts typically involve adding slightly longer upper control arms along with torsion bar adjustments to gain about 2.5-3" in the front, and Add-a-leaves and optional longer spring shackles in back.
When you do this, the factory steering centerlink goes away fast due to different forces being applied to it because of the new front suspension configuration. There are a couple aftermarket solutions for that as well.
Your truck will have the strong H233B rear axle (see my axle sticky at the top of the forum) with 4.625:1 gearing, most likely. It's the 31 spline 4 spider version which readily accepts the inexpensive lockrite locker, which can be had for under $400. This will do wonders for the offroad capability of the truck, but since it's a mechanical locker, it can be a little tricky when driving on icy roads. A more expensive, but better alternative is an ARB air locker, which can run open when not in use, and function like a spool when engaged.
I run a Nissan 4x4 website, and we have gobs of tech available for your truck over there, but if you have specific questions, I'm sure you can get some answers here.
Stock steering is the weak link when lifts and larger tires are added. If you're keeping it stock, you should be fine. Nissan 4x4 lifts typically involve adding slightly longer upper control arms along with torsion bar adjustments to gain about 2.5-3" in the front, and Add-a-leaves and optional longer spring shackles in back.
When you do this, the factory steering centerlink goes away fast due to different forces being applied to it because of the new front suspension configuration. There are a couple aftermarket solutions for that as well.
Your truck will have the strong H233B rear axle (see my axle sticky at the top of the forum) with 4.625:1 gearing, most likely. It's the 31 spline 4 spider version which readily accepts the inexpensive lockrite locker, which can be had for under $400. This will do wonders for the offroad capability of the truck, but since it's a mechanical locker, it can be a little tricky when driving on icy roads. A more expensive, but better alternative is an ARB air locker, which can run open when not in use, and function like a spool when engaged.
Re: New Hardbody Owner (gt)
Yeah, it is definately oil pressure related. I think it is the timing chain tensioners. I would like to get another 20K before rebuilding. It feels like the clutch throw out bearing is out of whack and I get a little chatter when it is cold.
I just changed the shocks out for some Ranchos, and found that the truck still had the original Nissan shock absorbers. It feels much more stable now around turns and on the hiway.
Overall, I am really happy wiht the truck. I don't think I would have been able to find a comparable Toyota truck for less than $7K.
I just changed the shocks out for some Ranchos, and found that the truck still had the original Nissan shock absorbers. It feels much more stable now around turns and on the hiway.
Overall, I am really happy wiht the truck. I don't think I would have been able to find a comparable Toyota truck for less than $7K.