Upgrade Sway Bars

[wingnut510]

Hello NicoClubbers

I recently purchased a 2000 Frontier extended cab (2WD), and immediately knew the suspension was going to need help. I replaced the, dry and split, tie rod ends. Upgraded to KYB gas shocks, the old units were shot. I have the urethane pivot bushings for the lower and upper control arms, and ball joints are on order. I just did urethane sway bar bushings and end links. [It was funny, all the folks having trouble with end links. I don't get all the hassle, simply raise the wheel and get a couple of threads started...]

I am not looking for a race set-up, but I do not like sloppy suspension, nor body roll. I would like to retain the current spring rate, this is a work truck and I would prefer the compliance, rather than going with uber-stiff torsion bars. Stiffer torsion bars will adversely affect traction, on uneven and off road conditions. I have searched the forum for help on my quest for some stiffer sway bars, with little luck. It appears that not many understand their function. I prefer to mix and match OE stuff rather than spend hard earned cash on pretty looking, but overpriced aftermarket stuff.

I was wondering if the front sway bar on the Desert Runner optioned trucks is any thicker (stiffer) than the stock Front SB? There is a Dessert Runner at my local Pick N Pull, but it has been stripped naked. Kinda sad to see it just sitting there waiting for the inevitable.

Rear sway bars, which Frontiers had them, the Dessert Runner option? Did they come on tow packages?

Peace, Wolf

[centralcoaster33]

Well, for end links, I think you got lucky! The bushings are typically a quarter inch thicker than the length of the bolt they sit on and have to be squished just to get a thread started on my cars. Huge PITA. My usual recommendation is to use OEM sways with new bushings and end links. Looks like you're there already in the front. I'd try to source a rear sway and see how that rides, then consider a thicker front.

So I tried a Nissan parts deal type website and searched for you to find a rear sway bar option. Here's a part number you can use to continue your searches. Nissan Part No.: 56230-7Z000 I'm not sure about dessert runner details.

I hope that helps.

[wingnut510]

Hey centralcoaster33

I used the Energy Suspension Endlink kit, the spacing was a little more than 3.5" and it worked perfect. I of course had the front end up on jack stands and put my floor jack under the control arm and applied a few pumps. the bushings and new shocks have made a great difference, and I am happy for now. I will keep an eye out for rear sways in the salvage yard.

It is funny how little technical info is available for the Frontier. I may at some point try and acquire a FSM on Ebay or Amazon, but for now I manage with a Haynes manual. I have not had much time to devote to searching online, or even this forum, for that matter.

I have another mission/project that may take priority soon. While I was under the truck poking around I noticed that the trans has been split. The factory would not leave huge gobs of sealer "squeeze out" all over. There is a subtle hum/noise from the trans in 1st, 3rd, and 5th gears. I drained the trans and the fluid looked old, but serviceable and the chip magnet was pretty clean just some fine grey sludge but no chips, chunks or flakes. I do not recall the order but IIRC gears 1,3 and 5 are all cut the same direction. and I am hypothesizing that whoever did the work may have forgot an alignment bushing, along the split-lines of the case. this can allow the case to walk slightly and put the shafts out of parallel. I have not gone back under the truck to get the measurements, but I am hoping this 71C is the same length as the 71C in the 200SX (SE). I have two 71C's torn down and stored in the shop, just need to get a fresh bearing kit and seals...

Let the games begin.

Peace, Wolf

[centralcoaster33]

I'm glad to hear the handling is good enough for now. That's great news.

The case on the transmission is cracked? That doesn't sound good. Your inspection is kind of reassuring though (good fluid and little shrapnel). I've done a transmission tear down and re-build... fun stuff. Take your time, match mark and lay out each piece in order as you take it apart. Lot's of bits are 'one-sided' or directional, but hard to see based on inspection and photos.

Now, I can certainly save you some $$$. Screw Haynes/ Chilton, look here!
http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/nissan ... nuals.html

Drill down to your FSM. Open each chapter link. Hover in the upper right corner and some icons sort of appear over the PDF. You'll see an arrow pointing down and it's to download the PDF. Download that chapter and move on to the next. Get each chapter downloaded and saved onto your device. The FWD chapter is the Foreward with table of contents. Free FSM, Happy Holidays!

[wingnut510]

Hey thanks for the link, I have been kinda busy and not had a good look around the site, yet.
I will download to the home Puter soon.
As for the transmission, it isn't "cracked". I just noted it has been opened (split) by someone that was very sloppy. I plan to replace bearings and syncro clutches, when I get around to it. Not my first rodeo.

[wingnut510]

Damn ^^^^^^
Sorry about that Smiley. s*** that is big. Gotta remember to disable the smiley.

All the files for the FSM are done, now the digging begins.

Peace, Wolf

[centralcoaster33]

Glad you got the bible for your ride. Smileys are fine in any size!