DMT

For me the weaknesses in the WD21 are: 1) automatic transmission is vulnerable to failure and VERY expensive and difficult to repair. 2) certain areas of the frame and body are prone to rust. 3) Engine underpowered for towing, but fine for 4-wheeling 4) Turning circle. I wish it were tighter. (okay, this is a minor concern) 5) crappy oil filter location (this can be fixed fairly easily though)

Yep, I got it too. DMT

No, it didn't have an external cooler. But next time it will. Lesson learned. And thanks for the offer on the 80K tranny. If only we lived closer to each other. Thanks for the suggestions, all. I'll keep looking around.

So it looks like my 94 Pathy's automatic transmission is crapping out on me. It is the original transmission. Has given me no problems thus far. In fact this will be the first major repair I'm into with this vehicle (besides timing belt replacements). Recently, I've noticed the following problems: 1. Shifting from first to second is fine. But now it won't shift from second to third. Just stays in second. 2. While in second at about 2000 rpm the tranny slips and rpms increase up to 3000 or more. Clearly, something is slipping here. Yesterday I took it to a local shop here in Portland, OR. They said ran some diagnostics on it and said it is definitely a mechanical problem not electrical. They recommend a rebuild and quoted $2K give or take 20%. Is this a typical price for a rebuild? I thought I would ask, can anyone recommend a good transmission mechanic in the Portland area? And what issues should I be looking out for? I'm really connected to this Pathy and would like to get a lot more miles out of her. A lot. Which means I need to get this tranny issue done right. Thanks for any tips you can offer. Mark

I was at the local dealer today picking up my wife's 95 Altima that was having a recalled driver's airbag replaced. Curious, I asked the service manager his opinion on the expected lifespan of a well-maintained Pathy. He said easily 300,000, and probably more. My 94 SE has 180,000 and is still running strong. Just had the fuel injectors and throttle body cleaned this week. A noticeable improvement in the idle, low rpm responsiveness and seat-of-the-pants feel. DMT

Thanks for the suggestions. Nissan of Beaverton mentioned they have the stock adjustable shocks in for around $55 a piece--over half off their usual price. Apparently, Nissan apparently produced a glut of these shocks and have reduced the price recently. I am leaning towards going with these, as I don't have plans to lift the vehicle. But I am open to opinions on that matter. To lift or not to lift. I am sure there are pros and cons. If anyone wants to share any experiences, suggestions, regrets on lift options that would be great. Oh, and about Yellowstone. We always stay at an old family cabin on Hebgen Lake. My father and his father built it when my father returned from WWII. Probably my favorite place on earth. And it is surrounded by a lot of good 4x4 trails in the Gallatin Natl. Forest--spectacular country--and the grizzlies are quite fond of it too.

Hello All! My first post. I'm glad to have found this Pathfinder forum on the Web. Mine is a 94 SE, mostly stock except for some roof racks and meaty tires (stock size). I am looking to replace my stock shocks. I have the sport suspension package and was wondering what the collective wisdom is about going with the stock shocks that can connect electronically to the sport button, or alternatively going with a good set of aftermarket shocks. My driving is mostly road driving in the Portland area, with occasional weekend offroad camping trips and at least one or two major offroad trips each summer, usually Moab and Yellowstone area.