Precise1

Ok, I'm going to focus on this as it is the most important right now, the steering doesn't matter if the tranny is blown. First, what condition and level is the fluid? It should be nice and pink/clear. Yes, you should install a tranny cooler ASAP. Let me find some of the links for you... B

I understand your situation, I just needed to say my speil... If you can afford it, go new, you never know what you will get from the junk yard, but if you just need something now, it is better than nothing. Are you having a temperature issue?? 1/3-1/2 on the gauge is normal, don't try to judge if the fan speed is 'correct'. Bars is a brand of stop leak additive and should only be considered as a last choice, IMO. B

So, the exhaust stud I pulled from my 95 is M8x1.25, 46.7mm long with about 13mm of thread on one side and 20mm on the other. The 13mm side is what is threaded into the head. I ran across a box of 10.9 grade M8x30 bolts at work and will do a test fit and some additional measurements tonight to see if this is the right size. M8x25 may be more appropriate. I'm going to order a roll tap to clean up the threads and perhaps form them slightly deeper if needed. I'll update as appropriate. B

Welcome back (sort of)!! Sounds like a steal on the d-21, but I have to ask, why didn't you just replace the ECU in the pathy??? B

Nice to know!! B

3M (and probably some other companies) make a clear film that is applied much like window tint. It does a supprizingly good job of protecting the paint. I've used it in my superbike and was very happy. Let my try to find a link. B Ahh, here we are... http://www.ppffilm.com/

Download it or ask nicely. That reminds me, I promised someone a copy and forgot!! I'll see about burning multiple coppies tonight. B

Crap, I'm stuck at work with no manuals around. Morpheus could help. Same with Derek (5523pathfinder), I think. Alkorahil?? B Damn, good response time Indigent!!

The sharp bend of the wires into the top of the connector is a common point of issue. B

$80-$100 now for everything required to install a tranny cooler or maybe $500-800 for a used tranny... The damage may not be done yet, waiting until something (sounds like the classic reverse) fails is a bad idea. You may have partially clogged passages or just severely degraded fluid. If it was my truck, I would not drive it until I put in a cooler and had the fluid flushed. Simon and I have seen dozens members with auto tranny issues over the years, after a while you see a trend... B

Well, first off, check the oil pan bolts. They have a tendency to loosen up just like valve cover bolts. they are only something like 8-12 ft/lbs so just give them a snugging. You have to define the source before you can guess how critical it is. Generally, you should be ok as long as you keep the oil reasonably full, but by principal, I hate people who drive cars around that piss oil. Bad for the environment and makes motorcyclists crash. Yeah, I know not many motorcyclists in MN in the winter, but you get the point. Yes, the fan clutch is a replace item. The good news is that it is easy. In MN in the winter, you may not need it. Watch the temp gauge. B

It seems like the starter from a VG33 should work. It makes sense since the tranny is the same, the motor block is the same, etc. Why would the mounting points differ or the flywheel be a different diameter/pitch?? Are you willing to be the guinnea pig? You can probably go without removing the oil filter since you have a 3" body lift and will be able to get in easier. Hell, you may be able to pull it out through the wheel well. B

Yes, but he was hit from behind, correct?? B

Buy and mount deer whistles. As for beefing that thing up, I have not examined one first hand so I do not know how feasible it would be. Generally, those guards are pretty feeble to hold up to striking a 100+lb animal at 50+MPH. the biggest problem that I know of is the tendency for them just to fold back due to not having any support higher up, but perhaps that center tab helps with that on the newer models. B

I'm sorry, I don't know this enough to be any help. Hopefully some of the more electronics capable people will chime in soon. B

Well, it sounds like you set it correctly but then I'm not the expert at this myself. I suppose you could take it appart again, but as long as it isn't howling like others have described, I think I'd just let it go... B Do you have a mechanic's stethescope?? Use a metal bar or long screw driver to try to locate the true source of the noise. No point resetting the timing belt if it is the idler puller bearing...

Yes, talk to Alkorahil (Rob Lacy) who runs an on line factory nissan/dealership parts store. Great guy with great prices!! Look in the Classifieds/Services section for his contact info. Lookie here, $96+ shipping... http://www.factorynissanparts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getJointLocator&siteid=214081&chapter=&sectionids=2,2496&groupid=20050&subgroupid=61847&make=25&model=Pathfinder&year=1996&catalogid=1&displayCatalogid=0 (looks like you'll have to look it up yourself) Feel free to send the difference to me... B

Ok, sorry, I thought you had to release the torsion bar. Personally, I still would as that's a lot of pent up force to be dealing with and it will be easier to move the LCA around with out it. B

TK1 modded centerlink (www.grassroots4x4.com) and the lower BJs are a PITA from what I understand. You have to release the torsion bar (if you remove the LCA) and remove the CV shaft for clearance. While you are there, you may as well replace the LCA bushings, but they are such a pain to deal with some people buy new arms with the bushings installed... B

LOL, the first two I can see, but near the tranny is an issue?? Your tranny moves around a lot?? His set up is well protected, I plan to do something similar. The only real failing that I can see is that the way he has them mounted, he has to use a stock size filter (small). I have a single filter set up but use the PH8A type filter that has at least 75% the filtering area of both of his... B

Show me that on a dyno for the same VG30E, please... B

Do you want to buy any suspension set up if when the idler arm bushings are worn out, it costs you $350?!? Seriously. You could buy/make a good brace for the stock unit for $75 and the rebuild kit is $10. I'd happily rebuild it twice a year!! (1 nut, 2 bushings and seals, doesn't affect alignment). B

That's what I plan to order (nothing local has it). Can you be more specific about 'sometimes it makes a racket' and 'needs some adjustment'?? That is the same as what I was told and comprehend. Did you try any packing or sealing product? It seems like the lap joint band clamp with some 'forma exhaust gasket stuff' would do the trick for a while... B

Good advice. This. I have never put more than 18 gallons into the fuel tank at once in 5 years so pay no attention the the capacity, but calculate by the useage. B