Aegis

I have found car-part.com to be pretty useful for finding parts. It's basically a database used by a lot of salvage yards across the US and Canada, maybe even more? Anyway, that would be a place to find a cheap VG33 for rebuild. Beyond that, searching for JDM importers in the nearest large metro near you is also a good tactic as their engines and transmissions are generally in good shape. You can likely find many of the salvage yards or JDM importers that will ship to you, but the logistics and costs can add up quickly.

I gave the FSM a quick scour, but didn't see anything in particular. Good actual numbers like adamzan gave are best, though. You definitely want to upgrade to an external cooler. I did it for mine, albeit too late, and it even made my coolant run less hot. I didn't use a fan for the trans cooler, though, you might seen even better temps.

Thanks for the replies, guys. I am hoping to find an already pulled transmission from a junkyard or shop; Pull-A-Part is definitely my last option as a necessity only. I do not mind spending a little extra to save myself the trouble of repeating the job anymore than I have to, for sure. I'll probably get whatever I buy rebuilt, I just hate to rebuild the one out of my truck since I could drop a little more money to have the newer design with the supposed better internals of the 2001-2004 models. In the end I'm just reviving the old girl to have a fun truck to wheel on the weekends and to be able to take passengers with me when exploring the trails (as opposed to the normal motorcycle route). I'll definitely have a look around the other side of Atlanta to see what I can find, and I appreciate the tips.

Firstly, Hello everyone! It's been a long time. My poor Pathfinder developed an issue shifting from first gear and I had to park her and move to daily my more reliable (albeit way less fun) car. Since then I have been watching her collect leaves, sap, ants, and other detritus but I declare that the time for action is now. She is getting fixed! This means that I am going to replace the transmission with one from a newer Nissan to help with future durability as she is now going to run as a weekend trail truck. Ideally I want to find one of the coveted HD transmissions. I have done tons of searching and reading the forums here and just wanted to ask a few clarifying questions to anyone who might know an answer. What I am looking for is confirmation that my first choice in transmission donors should be: 2001 - 2004 Frontier 4WD - VG33ER 2002 - 2004 Xterra 4WD - VG33ER ...followed by: 2001 - 2004 Pathfinder 4WD - VQ35DE (Second choice due to extra work in required bellhousing/ torque converter/ flex plate swap.) IF that seems correct, can I then go out on a limb to say that it appears by looking through the Xterra factory service manual I can use the VIN to quickly determine if it has the VG33ER engine, 4WD, and automatic transmission? I assume I could do a quick check for the Frontier FSM and determine the same? IF all of that adds up also, does any have an leads on where to locate such a donor? I have several Pull-A-Part locations near me (I'm from NW GA) but of course without going there to physically check the lots I'm pretty much just blind guessing. It seems to me like I'll have to settle for one of the non-HD VG33E 4WD automatic transmissions and just be happy if it works. The plan is a straight swap, possibly a stop by the transmission shop for a rebuild on the way home. I am conflicting with myself on this as I say that just having a transmission worth rebuilding seems good enough for the present time. Engine rebuild (keeping the VG30E) comes next, with a good look at the transfer case and differentials, as well as suspension components, etc. That's all followed with a winch bumper and possible suspension lift. I currently run 31x10.5 tires so I dont see switching up to a one inch taller tire doing much help, but I could be swayed later. Regardless, a little feedback before I go this weekend to scour the junkyards would be nice just in case I am missing something. Thanks!

Today I managed to locate a lego wheel to act as my future full-size matching spare and got my dying alternator swapped out with a 90A '93 Maxima alternator. Had to take it down to a local shop to get the pulley swapped, but that was no big deal. Getting the top bolts for the alternator on the other hand... That really isn't a one person job when you work from the driveway. I've kind of been slacking on forum posts though, as have done a lot of lurking to get jobs done over the past few months. I cleaned her up real well getting the crud in the door jambs and hidden under the sun roof, and even managed to get my little sunroof shade thing put back up where one of it's mounts fell off the glass of the sunroof. I did the timing belt/waterpump/thermostat/coolant bypass hose job a few months back, and also did the headlight relay harness swap. I even went and got the exhaust mounted back up so it doesn't rattle as it sagging lays on the transmission crossmember. I even managed somehow to find the correct set of manual hubs from a wrecked hardbody without even knowing to count the splines and got those installed. Heck, actually I feel pretty happy looking back now... I feel less like I neglect the poor car and more like I kind of care. One day I might even get around to finishing with my LED light bar and alley light project. Too bad I dislike tearing all ther interior out to do the wiring so much. If I could complete that and finish my dream of finding a winch bumper without so much hassle I'd be set! I should probably just start searching for welders in the area.

After lurking for several months the old truck finally broke for me! I just got done doing the timing belt, water pump, trans cooler, etc. That was a job and a half since I could only work a few hours each night. I have to say though, I am sure glad there are folks that love making stuff 100 times harder on themselves by doing instructional write ups. Huge thanks to lots of people on this forum for that. Just gotta get a nice suspension lift and a new set of tires and I'll be on the trails again.

Got the roof basket installed, finally got my window struts swapped, and gave it a much needed bath to clean the gunk that had built up under the roof rack crossbars. I'll have to go somewhere and take some pictures soon. Driveway shots make me sad when I could be in the middle of nowhere instead.

Took an hour and a half drive one way to buy manual locking hubs, then an hour and a half back and picked up a roof basket. Hopefully tomorrow I can find the time to actually do some work. Still need to try and get my rear window struts sorted out as well.

Just be sure and post some pictures! I may not be a big time off road guy myself, but I do love to look at pictures from those who are.

Yeah, that is what I thought. I tried holding it with my fingers and a jar lid opener grip thing but I just can't keep grip on it. Maybe I can thing of something eventually. Thanks for confirming my suspicion though.

Today my parts came in the mail so I went crazy putting stuff on. Until I got the rear window struts that is. I got the cowl panel piece on nicely, but then when I got to removing the rear window struts from the window, I can't figure it out. The top bracket end is super easy, just two 10mm nuts, but the bottom part at the bottom won't come off. It is the factory Nissan strut with no external clip on the socket to pry it off with. I tried simply spinning the ball part out as well, but the whole assembly the ball is screwed into turns and I can't think of a way to stop it from spinning. The only thing I've come up with so far would just be to cut it off, which would be okay since I have new parts, but that would leave a stud inside the rear window I still couldn't get out. Does anyone have any experience with this? I wouldn't have thought it would be this hard since it was quite simple to do the litigate struts.

Today I walked outside to put stuff in the truck for work tonight and screamed because my locks were messing up again. I just went ahead and pulled the timer and did my best attempt at reordering two of the pins that were missing all of their solder. I know I need to get a better soldering iron though, my cheap-o junk was barely melting the solder on direct contact, much less by doing it the correct way. I guess I'll see how good I did after a few miles of vibrations. The locks all seem to work again for now though. I also ordered some new rear window struts and a cowl grill for the driver's side. If Rock Auto gets the order right I should have a good week coming up with all these parts in the mail. Reading the previous posts and knowing I have to change the oil soon, I may have to go ahead and look into a filter relocation. It will be my first time changing the oil and I can definitely see what everyone is talking about with the starter. Anyone know of the best kit to go with? I've read about a lot of leaks and I have enough of those as is. I might just go camping tomorrow night. These forums make me really want to go outside.

Today I jotted down a few easy fixes from my giant list of little issues and set out on my mission. I pulled out the driver's seat and found I have keyless entry box, so I ordered a new fob from keylessride.com. After that, I dropped the skid plate and checked to find that I did indeed need new sway bar bushings. I called Advance and ordered those and decided to wash my Ranger and my dad's F150 while I waited on the bushings to make it to the local store. While at Advance I picked up a few spare fuses for just in case. When I got home I installed the new bushings and skid plate and washed it. While washing it I decided to pop off the center caps and clean under there. I kind of like the way it looks without them, but I didn't like the fact I was missing a lugnut both front wheels. I lucky had two lugnuts on my spare that fit, so now it is riding inside. Once I got my lugnuts tight, I figured I'd call it a night. I might look on eBay for the piece to fix my power antenna since I realized after 5 seconds of reading that the one I bought would require a new fender to work. The only other thing is to run out to the car wash and vacuum the floors and maybe stop at Sonic. Nothing like a big ole chocolate peanut butter bacon and Oreo milkshake to celebrate a day of nothing really accomplished.

Well, I managed to get the washer fluid reservoir installed, though there were of course some issues as I can't seem to get anything right. The reservoir came from a Pickup, and looked just like the Pathfinder's. NOPE. I didn't account for the rear window nozzle, hahaha. Looking at it makes me wonder since it has the groove in the back for the second hose but not the hole to attach it to. In the end I just drilled a little hole in the cap and stuck the hose through that with the elbow so it can't come out. Cap was busted anyway, now I just have to remember to keep it above half filled with fluid. I also cleaned the gunk out of the connectors and it started working again! Well, except the rear. When I pull the stick back for the windshield to be sprayed both little pumps go. When I do it for the rear window, nothing happens. I'll call it good enough for now and be happy. I also went to install the little plastic snapping Nissan badge but it didn't fit. Well, not like it did on the grill I removed it from. I'll probably mess around and come with a little back plate for it to bolt into or something tomorrow after I wash it and figure out how to swap the antenna. Time to clean up and find a cold drink now though.

Today I picked up the liftgate struts I ordered and installed them, and then went to the local junkyard. Got a windshield washer fluid reservoir, a coolant reservoir cap (to replace the mustard container lid I was using temporarily), a solid non-electric antenna, two of the little plastic things that keep my glove box from falling down, a Nissan badge for the grille, and a door handle cable for my friends F150. Paid $10 which wasn't too bad I guess. Couldn't find another lego wheel (why are they called lego?) to make a matching spare, or any of the cowl grilles. Somebody pretty much scavenged the only Pathfinders and Pickups I saw. I was even looking to find a sunroof cover or non-broken cup holders for someone else if they wanted them since mine are good. I did however locate a wasp nest just full of the little guys wanting to say, "Hi!" as I removed the washer fluid reservoir. Not allergic to bees myself, but I think everyone is allergic to the pain on being stung, haha. Overall good day though I suppose, only about 400 other things to do next. Maybe another junkyard has what we want! (Yay optimism!) Until then, search button here I come!