Urgent, need purchasing advice. 92 Pathfinder.

[Porkwagon]

I recently came across a nice looking 1992 Pathfinder. 160k, 5 speed, 4WD, timing belt and waterpump recently done along with the radiator. I have had my eye on the Pathfinders because it seems my money goes alot further than my options with toyota or jeep. Im really not sure what to look out for specifically though. It has the 3.0 and it seems to run smooth, but sounds like it has an exhaust leak near the collector when cold and the coolant temp sensor reads wonky. He wants 2k for it and wont budge. Also the interior is in pretty good condition with the leather drivers seat being a bit thrashed, but the dash is in really great shape. It will need tires soon, but that was going to happen with anything I purchase.






So, let me have it. How do these things wheel and what do I need to watch out for. Thanks guys.

 

[bushnut]

The WD21 is a classic and a steel at that price. there are lots of great videos on Youtube that show there ability. Lots more info on http://www.nissanpathfinders.net/ . you won't find the aftermarket support that Toyota or Jeep have, not even close, but these little beasts stock will do what most other trucks need to be modified to handle. Rust is their biggest enemy. check out the frame rails around the rear wheels. and the floor under the rear seats. The exhaust manifold bolts are known to brake but that just lets you replace them with some Doug Thorley headers. What you've found there is a holy grail to most Nissan Pathfinder Junkies.

 

[East Coast Overland]

What bushnut said. Check for rust. The undercarriage will tell you a lot about the truck's real condition. If it's as good as the outside, then jump on this deal. This looks as though it just drove off the assembly line! Building pathfinders is more challenging than any other 4x4. But check out the link above and you wil see the possibilities. Just don't expect a jeep style catalogue where you can make a shopping list of parts.


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[Porkwagon]

Appreciate it guys, yeah I am noticing the lack of aftermarket, but im looking at it as just going down the road less traveled. Ill let you know what I do, going to go look at it again right now.

 

[skibum315]

One of the better sources for parts and advice on this platform is going to be Steven at Rugged Rocks Offroad (www.ruggedrocksoffroad.com).

On this particular example, it sounds like those guys hit the main points ... hope it works out for you! The pictures sure make it look like a clean truck.

 

[grenade]

www.4x4parts.com is a great resource.

That seems like a good deal if there is no rust. They are great inexpensive fun trucks. Keep on the maintenance schedule and all will be good. PM me if you have more questions. I've got a 1992.

 

[marktutone]

I owned a 1992 Pathfinder. I loved that truck. I beat the hell out of it and it kept on going. One time I got lost in a 4wd park and I ended up on some black diamond tracks. That old pathfinder made it without problem. I would suggest if you get the vehicle and you plan on taking it off road to just drop a few bucks and buy the Calmini lift system ( https://www.calmini.com/model.php?m=3&b=1&t=1 ) The only big break down I had was when out 4 wheeling the passenger A arm broke. The Calmini lift system gives you a super heavy duty upper A arm.
Once you get that calmini system you will be ready for anything.
The other problem I had when I owned my Pathfinder was that I did not have confidence in my off road abilities. When I decided in my head the Pathfinder was good and to just go out and have fun I gained all kinds of confidence.

 

[stioc]

Wow that's one clean looking WD21. I'd say go drive it, and also drive a R50 Pathfinder and then decide. If I were building a super capable offroad truck in the Nissan lineup (in the USA) it would be the WD21. If I were buying a do-it-all truck I'd get the 3.5L R50 Pathfinder if the budget difference allowed. Having said all that I've always loved the original Pathfinder and in particular if I found a Hard Body pickup 4x4 with ext cab in that condition I'd buy it in a heart beat!

 

[Herbie]

Appreciate it guys, yeah I am noticing the lack of aftermarket, but im looking at it as just going down the road less traveled. Ill let you know what I do, going to go look at it again right now.

Careful with that. Speaking as someone who's currently camped on the side of the "road less traveled", it can sometimes be a real pain. It's fun at first, but after a certain point, project fatigue sets in and you just wish you could buy that friggen bumper or rock rails you need, and you just know it'll have to be custom.

That said, my mom bought a WD21 new in 1991 and it was a fantastic truck - took us on many adventures. I learned to drive stick on that truck.

 

[Porkwagon]

Well I pulled the trigger on the Pathfinder. I went and had some AT's put on, but went a little smaller than the worn to hell 31's that were on it mostly due to cost, I am broke at the moment. I don't think it looks bad with the 235/75s, and it rides like a dream with the new rubber and alignment. I have to do a really good clean inside and wash it, but other than that its in really good shape, doesnt drop a bit of fluid and I found in the receipts that it just had the top end done. Now to fix the temp gauge and take the steps off!

 

[pugslyyy]

I had one of those, really great truck. The 5 speed really helps to get the most out of the little motor.

The only problem I ever had engine-wise was the serpentine belt broke, and the exhaust manifold leaked.

 

[skibum315]

Congrats! I'll definitely second the manual trans comment, as well ... if it's not an MT, a swap isn't out of the question.