Thinking of buying a Nissan Titan

[L0$]

I am currently doing a swap on my 240sx when I realized my hyundai elantra is not cutting it for me. I had to depend on my friends for use of a truck to pick up motors, lifts and other essentials...then it hit me I need a truck. I wanted to buy g35, 350z or maybe an evo (only four door I would purchase) but figured I already have my coupe why would I need another one. Since I am a nissan fan I am sticking with them and would love to buy a Titan...saw a white one on the road with big meaty tires, hid's, and lifted and fell in love. I am wondering what I should look for when purchasing a used one. I am looking on getting a King Cab, 4x4 and saw one for 17,000. I did do some research and did see the differentials suck @$$. Can anyone help me out and give me some advice on what is needed/look for flaws/or factory recalls when looking to buy a truck? This should be my first real big purchase and I dont want to buy a lemon

[Desert Rat]

If you get the 2004, look for a finned aluminum diff cover on the rear diff. Walk away if one's not there. That allows an extra quart of gear oil to be dumped in and keeps those diff temps down...heat kills them. The rear diff is a variant of a dana 44 rear, and is a bit light for 300+ horsepower, but you should be fine as long as you're not regularly pulling big trailers. Earlier models also had issues with warped front rotors, which would be compounded if you add larger rubber.

I believe the 2005+ trucks all got that diff cover.

Aside from that, there's only one engine and transmission combo available, 2wd or 4wd, and King and crew cabs. 2008 will add a long bed crew cab version, and a diesel truck is on the horizon, though it's not officially announced.

I have 2 close friends - one with a 4x4 and one with a 4x2....both are good trucks. Both are '04 models and both have had the front rotors replaced, but it seems the replacments they're using are better. Hence my advice to stick with an '05+ truck.

[QShip]

The weak link in the diff is the spider gears.

Have a Detroit TruTrak installed and you will have no problem with the diff.

[C-Kwik]

The brake rotors have been updated to help alleviate the brake judder. Though, I installed the Stillen Monster Brake kit to be safe.