96SE

I always thought that a block heater attached to the engine block/oil pan and kept the oil warm and therfore thinner/more fluid. Apparently not.

Definitely a good point. I might not be such a valued customer after that job! I'll have to take a look around; I'm just getting into this stuff so I'm not up to speed on the reputable shops in this area (Ottawa/Gatineau). Thanks

I'd would also be interested in the plastic bumper idea. Rust is a pain. I'll have to look into it. Thanks for the idea!

So I gathered from those other threads that this is not something I can do in my own driveway with a rubber mallet! I would assume that a local garage would be able to do this if I brought the old links and new bushings in; am I wrong? Thanks

Well, with the help of some of the links on this forum, I finally tracked down the source of my chronic wobbling problem. The upper and lower rear links/control arms have worn out bushings. I checked it out today and I can feel crumbly rubber and I can twist the link a fair bit, so I'm pretty sure that's my problem. Here's a link to it: http://www.nissanhelp.com/Ownership/Bullet...8/NTB98-001.htm Next problem: the dealership would like to give me all new upper and lower links for a mere $600. Sure, they are Canadian dollars, but I'm partial to keeping as many of mine as I can . Looking around again tonight I stumbled upon everythingnissan.com, which shows that replacement bushings are available. Is there any reason that simply replacing the bushings won't work, or do I really need all new links like the dealer says? This link has a good diagram of the rear suspension. The dealership wants me to buy parts 7 and 9 (links with bushings); can I just buy 8 and 10 and have them pressed in somewhere? http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/ind...=10&catalogid=1 Thanks Adam

Do you have a limited slip? What bumpers etc do you have with the offroad package?

So it turns out I do have a limited slip, even without the offroad package. Or maybe I have the offroad package and don't know it http://www.nissanpathfinders.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=10787

I have a 96 SE with chrome bumpers, fender flares, factory fogs, rear wind deflector, and it has an LSD. I know because I checkd it today while the truck was up on a lift. Both wheels spun the same way when I turned one or the other. This whole package deal is rather confusing, best way is just to check it by hand. Don't rely on stickers or "packages" According to the owner's manual, There was also an option in 96 for a "tunable suspension", which had a switch in the cabin beside the rear wiper and heated seats. This switch flipped between Sport and Comfort modes. I don't have it, nor do I have the offroad package (according to my rusted out chrome bumpers). Anyone know if that was part of the offroad package?

Try www.princessauto.com Check the surplus/discounts online, and download the welding section from their catalogue for the regular stock.

Wow, looks like great deals! They don't have any rear sections that I really need, but this is a good start. Does anyone know how shipping across the border would work as far as customs/duty/taxes? I'd rather not buy a great deal and have UPS rip me off as soon as they hit Canada

So you painted a bumper with regular auto paint so it's easy to touch up? I like that idea. Where did you get the replacement?

That is really nice work. I'm going to have to sign up for a welding course to learn to do that.

Hmmm, I saw a few pics and thought it was plastic. My bad. I guess I'll stick with the chrome ones and Turtle wax them often. Plus rust checks/undercoating.

Darn, I'd hoped it might actually work. Oh well. It is interesting to note though that my buddy's parents Hyundai comes with one stock from the factory and they have a rust warranty for something like 3 or 5 years. On the other hand, I haven't seen many 3 year old cars with much rust, so that warranty is pretty safe from the manufacturer's side. I guess I'll buy the plastic replacement bumpers instead of the chromed ones. Anyone know how hard it is to replace the bumpers? Any special tools? Adam

I have somewhat of the same problem myself. Sometimes I smell gasoline when at the back of the truck. It doesn't seem to be related to fill ups as it will occur at random times. I guess I'll take a look at it this weekend. I'll let you know what I find What year/model is yours? I have a 96 SE Adam

Thanks for the help guys. I'll have the back end up on axle stands this weekend to work on the swaying/wobbling problem, and I'll do the wheel turning trick to find out. Thanks for the welcome too!

So the chrome bumpers are rusting out (large holes and splits in rear sides and front corner pieces) and the body work is starting to bubble (where the roof meets the windshield, and the panels above the front wheels (quarter, rocker what is this called anyway? ). I want to do something about this before winter rolls in (winter in Ottawa = salt). What have you done to fix rust spots and to prevent new ones? Is this product worthwhile? http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortments/pro...D=1159138620277 Any help is great. Thanks Adam

Hey there, I have a 96 SE model, automatic, 4x4, 3.3L. I want to change all the drivetrain fluids (trans, t-case, and rear diff) but I'm not sure how to tell if the rear differential is limited slip or not. The manual has nothing on the topic. Any tips? Also, any tips/tricks/hints/warnings about changing any/all of the above fluids? Thanks Adam