Getting to Know the Nissan D21 Hardbody

Forum for the Xterra, Frontier and Hardbody, the smaller workhorses of the Nissan lineup!
pilikua
Posts: 26
Joined: Sat Apr 10, 2010 5:35 am

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I thought you'd like this 1987 Nissan Pickup on AutoTrader.com.

http://m.autotrader.com/vdp.html?id=345634225


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Rev_D21
Posts: 6897
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2003 9:49 pm
Car: 1986.5 D21 LB HD 2WD V6 5Speed
1991 D21 Reg 2WD Auto
1995 D21 Reg 2WD 5Spd
1996 D21 Reg 4WD 5Spd
2012 Versa 1.6S 5-Speed
Location: Somwhere in Western NY
Contact:

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#207??? Wow! And a beaut too!

pilikua
Posts: 26
Joined: Sat Apr 10, 2010 5:35 am

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Ok I just got some of the brochures back so I think some of them must have been successfully scanned!

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AZhitman
Administrator
Posts: 71061
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2002 2:04 am
Car: 58 L210, 63 Bluebird RHD, 64 NL320, 65 SPL310, 66 411 RHD, 67 WRL411, 68 510 SR20, 75 280Z RB25, 77 620 SR20, 79 B310, 90 S13, 92 SE-R, 92 Silvia Qs, 98 S14.
Location: Surprise, Arizona
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Yep - Doing some cleanup and editing to make sure they're ready for posting... This is a way bigger job than I anticipated. :)

On the larger-format ones, I had to call in the "big guns." They're being scanned by a professional with proper equipment.

Thanks for everyone's patience, and make sure to thank pilikua for preserving these chunks of Nissan pickup history!

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Rev_D21
Posts: 6897
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2003 9:49 pm
Car: 1986.5 D21 LB HD 2WD V6 5Speed
1991 D21 Reg 2WD Auto
1995 D21 Reg 2WD 5Spd
1996 D21 Reg 4WD 5Spd
2012 Versa 1.6S 5-Speed
Location: Somwhere in Western NY
Contact:

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Update: Added link to brochure collection. Thanks pilikua and Greg!

TBC787
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed May 15, 2013 5:57 am
Car: 1993 V6SE Hardbody

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Anymore of these brochures coming our way? Great stuff and very appreciated by this newby.

deerhurst
Posts: 17
Joined: Mon May 27, 2013 7:28 pm
Car: 1986.5 D21 Hardbody 4x4 VG30i

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pilikua wrote:I'm all for it! I am always on the look out for a manual V6 4x4 reg cab loaded (preferably in 2 tone), but they were rare.
Like this? Not quite loaded, got jipped on the power windows and locks and cruise. I have the stock hubs in a box in the barn but the auto hubs dont work worth anything in the snow and ice. Just rolled over 122K miles last week and she is a 4/86.5 truck with the VG30i and HG41 axle. #1801.

Image

I also found this; ECUs by model, engine and year. Thought someone else might find this interesting.

http://maxima.theowensfamily.com/tsb/NTB94-097.pdf

By the way, everything that Ive found shows the silver trim bits as 2WD only. Is that true or did the early ones have options for black and silver trim?

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jp2code
Posts: 45
Joined: Mon Feb 27, 2012 7:00 pm
Car: 1994 2wd D21 Hardbody, Longbed, V6
2001 2wd Automatic Xterra SE
2004 Sentra
Location: Longview, TX [USA]
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I always like reading this thread.

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AZhitman
Administrator
Posts: 71061
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2002 2:04 am
Car: 58 L210, 63 Bluebird RHD, 64 NL320, 65 SPL310, 66 411 RHD, 67 WRL411, 68 510 SR20, 75 280Z RB25, 77 620 SR20, 79 B310, 90 S13, 92 SE-R, 92 Silvia Qs, 98 S14.
Location: Surprise, Arizona
Contact:

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TBC - Some new ones coming soon... it's our super-busy events season, so we're slammed with work from August to November.

deerhurst - LOVE the truck! That thing is so sharp.

anthony1988
Posts: 84
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2012 11:28 pm
Car: 1988 Nissan Pickup
Standard Trim 4-Speed
Z24i

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AZhitman wrote:TBC - Some new ones coming soon... it's our super-busy events season, so we're slammed with work from August to November.

deerhurst - LOVE the truck! That thing is so sharp.
How many more are there to scan AZ? Love the brochures too!!

deerhurst
Posts: 17
Joined: Mon May 27, 2013 7:28 pm
Car: 1986.5 D21 Hardbody 4x4 VG30i

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AZhitman wrote:TBC - Some new ones coming soon... it's our super-busy events season, so we're slammed with work from August to November.

deerhurst - LOVE the truck! That thing is so sharp.
Sweet! Ive been collecting brochures and such as you post them.

Thanks! I love that little truck. Its now got a canopy and a new windshield.
It just ticked over 123K miles after 27 years!

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AZhitman
Administrator
Posts: 71061
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2002 2:04 am
Car: 58 L210, 63 Bluebird RHD, 64 NL320, 65 SPL310, 66 411 RHD, 67 WRL411, 68 510 SR20, 75 280Z RB25, 77 620 SR20, 79 B310, 90 S13, 92 SE-R, 92 Silvia Qs, 98 S14.
Location: Surprise, Arizona
Contact:

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anthony1988 wrote:How many more are there to scan AZ? Love the brochures too!!
I think there are still 2 more out.

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Rev_D21
Posts: 6897
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2003 9:49 pm
Car: 1986.5 D21 LB HD 2WD V6 5Speed
1991 D21 Reg 2WD Auto
1995 D21 Reg 2WD 5Spd
1996 D21 Reg 4WD 5Spd
2012 Versa 1.6S 5-Speed
Location: Somwhere in Western NY
Contact:

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Updated 11/4/2013

Minor revision to first post. Expanded upon front suspension differences between 720 trucks and the D21.

Added 5 videos from the 1989 Nissan 400 baja race to post #5. Also added a stadium truck race video featuring 720 trucks driven by Spencer Low, Roger Mears and Sherman Balch...all who went on to race D21 trucks later on.

A previous update included adding paint code information for certain years. Sadly the list is not complete but I will continue to add new paint codes as I find reliable sources for the information.

And a question...who can tell me what year Nissan stopped building the D21 with the dually rear end?

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mouse53
Posts: 29
Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2007 1:52 am
Car: 86 D21 Nissan PU 221,000 mi, sold, 93 Chev Silverado , 91 D21 my work truck.
Location: Redding,CA,USA
Contact:

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I just have to say you are doing a great service to all of us Hardbody owners. Thanks from another Hardbody nut. I tried sending pics of my 91 D21 work truck from my Photobucket account, but it seems they never made it . I will try again. Thanks for all the hard work.

freeman338
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Nov 27, 2013 11:19 pm
Location: NC

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I love this thread I was raised with the hardbody nissans my earliest memories are when I was 4 my dad's first one he bought of the show room floor in 89 it was 2wd with the ka. He later bought a 4x4 720 which I really liked... it was the king cab version but I've always been partial to the hardbody I've had three, my dad's 89 that he bought new ,then a 88 or 88.5 4x4 with the crap z motor and now I have a 97 4x4 ext cab ...you could say it's in my blood loI i think they're gorgeous you guys are doing a great job. I knew part of the HB history but not nearly I've learned reading this GREAT WORK!! Btw would you guys want a pic of my 97?

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Rev_D21
Posts: 6897
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2003 9:49 pm
Car: 1986.5 D21 LB HD 2WD V6 5Speed
1991 D21 Reg 2WD Auto
1995 D21 Reg 2WD 5Spd
1996 D21 Reg 4WD 5Spd
2012 Versa 1.6S 5-Speed
Location: Somwhere in Western NY
Contact:

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Glad you enjoyed it! We are always working hard to unearth new information regarding the D21 truck. We'd love to see your truck and we have a thread dedicated to members rides here >>>> nissan-truck-pics-t273961.html
Feel free to post them in there or you can start a new thread to tell us all about your truck.

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Rev_D21
Posts: 6897
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2003 9:49 pm
Car: 1986.5 D21 LB HD 2WD V6 5Speed
1991 D21 Reg 2WD Auto
1995 D21 Reg 2WD 5Spd
1996 D21 Reg 4WD 5Spd
2012 Versa 1.6S 5-Speed
Location: Somwhere in Western NY
Contact:

Post

Update:
Added steering gear technical information which covers ratios and number of turns lock to lock for manual and power gears as well as 2wd vs. 4wd.

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Rev_D21
Posts: 6897
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2003 9:49 pm
Car: 1986.5 D21 LB HD 2WD V6 5Speed
1991 D21 Reg 2WD Auto
1995 D21 Reg 2WD 5Spd
1996 D21 Reg 4WD 5Spd
2012 Versa 1.6S 5-Speed
Location: Somwhere in Western NY
Contact:

Post

Minor update on the time line regarding steering gears. I was able to expand upon which years featured which steering gears and which years the boxes were discontinued. I am hoping to decode the various driveshafts throughout the models production. Will be starting on that soon.

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Rev_D21
Posts: 6897
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2003 9:49 pm
Car: 1986.5 D21 LB HD 2WD V6 5Speed
1991 D21 Reg 2WD Auto
1995 D21 Reg 2WD 5Spd
1996 D21 Reg 4WD 5Spd
2012 Versa 1.6S 5-Speed
Location: Somwhere in Western NY
Contact:

Post

Update 12/27/2013

Added links to the sales brochure and factory service manual (FSM) collections.

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Rev_D21
Posts: 6897
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2003 9:49 pm
Car: 1986.5 D21 LB HD 2WD V6 5Speed
1991 D21 Reg 2WD Auto
1995 D21 Reg 2WD 5Spd
1996 D21 Reg 4WD 5Spd
2012 Versa 1.6S 5-Speed
Location: Somwhere in Western NY
Contact:

Post

Update:

Cleaned up some technical information which was cluttering the overall look of the article. I added links to the information instead. Drivehaft decoding done, link provided. Just some minor wordage edits beyond that. I will be focusing my attention on transmission information next so be sure to check in frequently for more great D21 Hardbody information!

anthony1988
Posts: 84
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2012 11:28 pm
Car: 1988 Nissan Pickup
Standard Trim 4-Speed
Z24i

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Rev, where are you posting the links and the FSM collection?

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Rev_D21
Posts: 6897
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2003 9:49 pm
Car: 1986.5 D21 LB HD 2WD V6 5Speed
1991 D21 Reg 2WD Auto
1995 D21 Reg 2WD 5Spd
1996 D21 Reg 4WD 5Spd
2012 Versa 1.6S 5-Speed
Location: Somwhere in Western NY
Contact:

Post

In the first post. The first post is where all the info will be found. The rest is discussion so when I say I updated the info it means I updated the first post of this thread.

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jonny 1988
Posts: 29
Joined: Sun Dec 29, 2013 7:49 am
Car: Nissan D21 King cab '87
Suzuki Sj 413 '86
Renault Clio '08
Location: Isola d'elba - Italy

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a little question......
Diesel engine in the Usa?
In Europe the most are diesel and some 3.0 v6 ...the diesel like mine are mules but very slow

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Rev_D21
Posts: 6897
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2003 9:49 pm
Car: 1986.5 D21 LB HD 2WD V6 5Speed
1991 D21 Reg 2WD Auto
1995 D21 Reg 2WD 5Spd
1996 D21 Reg 4WD 5Spd
2012 Versa 1.6S 5-Speed
Location: Somwhere in Western NY
Contact:

Post

I know the USDM 86.5 D21 trucks had a diesel option but I have never seen any in person. They used the SD25 engine. I want to believe they stopped producing the SD25 equipped D21 trucks by 1989 (I will research this). The 720 trucks with diesels are more common, if common can be used to describe any of the older Nissan trucks these days.

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jonny 1988
Posts: 29
Joined: Sun Dec 29, 2013 7:49 am
Car: Nissan D21 King cab '87
Suzuki Sj 413 '86
Renault Clio '08
Location: Isola d'elba - Italy

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here the version with the SD 25 ( mine ) is only extended cab and 4x4 ...a good quality of this engine is that in summer can go with a 90% mixture of fried oil and diesel fuel ,but after that the truck smell like a fast food :gapteeth:

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Rev_D21
Posts: 6897
Joined: Sun Jan 12, 2003 9:49 pm
Car: 1986.5 D21 LB HD 2WD V6 5Speed
1991 D21 Reg 2WD Auto
1995 D21 Reg 2WD 5Spd
1996 D21 Reg 4WD 5Spd
2012 Versa 1.6S 5-Speed
Location: Somwhere in Western NY
Contact:

Post

HAHA! That would make you popular with the Walmart crowd here in the States.

smurfmobile
Posts: 35
Joined: Tue Dec 10, 2013 10:19 pm
Car: Nissan D21 King Cab 4x4 V6 lifted 36" 1991
Nissan D21 King Cab 4x4 V6 original 1991

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A friend off mine has one King Cab with the SD25 and it's a late year 1990. He is currently restoring it.

Chris Rogers
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Jan 11, 2014 6:10 pm
Car: 1990 R32 Skyline GTS4
1987 R31 Skyline GTSX
1994 D21 Hardbody
Location: Brisbane . QLD . Australia

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Rev_D21 wrote:If you ever get the chance can you get the part number off the top of the ECM for us? This will help determine at which point Nissan switched to sidefeed injectors which I will add to the time line. My 1995 was built 2/95 and still uses the topfeed style injectors. By 2/96 Hardbody was OBDII equipped.

I can help with that ( oz spec anyway) need to swap computers.

Chris Rogers
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat Jan 11, 2014 6:10 pm
Car: 1990 R32 Skyline GTS4
1987 R31 Skyline GTSX
1994 D21 Hardbody
Location: Brisbane . QLD . Australia

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Image

the one on the left is a D22 item - Consult capable - (97 build) the one on the right is the D21 item. non consult.
locally the D21 series wasn't consult in the KA24E or VG30E. D22 was the change for us.

both computers are KA24E calibrated and from what I can see MAP based.

I am going through this at the moment as I need a data stream to work from for a HKS piece.

I have a higher resolution shot if you would like that.

ogskeeta
Posts: 9
Joined: Sun Feb 09, 2014 2:28 am
Car: 01/1996 Nissan D21 5spd - rod bearing at 499'961kms
Location: Australia, NSW

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Well.. my face hurts from smiling the entire time while reading this thread, I don't think I have ever done that before.. and this is the first one I looked at!
So glad I registered to this site!
I am going to be up all night! haha :biggrin:


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