dmag23 Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 Here's an unusual question. Can the complete rear axle assembly from a 2004 Pathfinder be used to replace the rear axle assembly in a 90-95 Pathfinder? In other words, are the axle brackets for the upper/lower control arms, shock mounts, track bar, etc. located in the same position on the axle housing? I believe I heard somewhere that the axle housing used in the R-50 was 2 inches wider than the housing used in the WD-21. That's not a problem as long as all the axle housing brackets line up with the older Pathfinder undercarriage mounting points. Anyone know the answer to this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88pathoffroad Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 The coil spring seats are also larger, dunno about the control arms, etc. Perhaps someone else will chime in with a pic or two? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmorgan4 Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 What are you attempting to accomplish by swapping in the R50 axle? I'll get some pictures of the brackets on mine. Keep in mind that you will need to swap in your third member (or any WD21 third) if you wish to retain your ABS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nissandoms47 Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 r50 ABS sensors are located on the ends of the axle tubes so by swapping 3rds you'd lose ABS unless you can figure out how to make the wd one work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmag23 Posted July 7, 2007 Author Share Posted July 7, 2007 Actually, it's an '87 Pathfinder so I don't have ABS. I'm restoring it and need a new rear end. The wheel flange on each axle shaft is bent (wheels wobble when turning) and the third member is shot. I called around to several Nissan dealerships and the shafts and third member units are no longer available. Wasn't surprised by that one. I asked the dealerships to get me the shafts and third to fit a 90-95 application (knowing the bolt pattern on the third is different) and got the same answer; no longer available. An estimate I got from one shop to repair what I have made me think it might be just as cost effective to buy a new rear end assembly. Except the only new axle assemblies available these days are for the 96-2004 Pathfinders. If the control arm brackets and spring mounting plates are in the same location and the overall width of the R50 axle housing is the same or slightly wider than a WD21 housing, then I'm in good shape. An alternative to new prices is to find a low mileage '04 unit from a yard. I've got a 1000 mile round trip to my hunting lease and want to know I'm going to get there and back without any issues. Everything else on the vehicle has been replaced so going in on a new rear end isn't a problem. I appreciate the feedback; this is an excellent website. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88pathoffroad Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 I can get rear axles for a 87-95 all day long at my local junkyard. They wanted $200 IIRC. For the whole thing. Tried car-part.com? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vengeful Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 OK. So you need a new rear axle, and figure that the 33-spline R50 rear end would better suit you than the 31-spline of the WD21. However, if you ever plan on modifying the truck and adding a locker, the WD axle will b your best bet, as it is compatible with the less expensive mechanical LockRight. The R50 axle will only accept the ARB air locker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nissandoms47 Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 For that much work, just swap in a D44 or a ford 9". You'll have to shave that WD axle clean to make it work on the r50. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmag23 Posted July 9, 2007 Author Share Posted July 9, 2007 Found some pic's of an R50. Looks like it's not going to work. I'll go back to trying to find a yard unit and rebuilding from there. Thanks for all the input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmorgan4 Posted July 10, 2007 Share Posted July 10, 2007 Too bad you aren't closer. I paid for an entire rear axle out of a WD21 at a local yard but didn't have the space to store it. I only took the 3rd and the rest of it is sitting in the junkyard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87pathy Posted July 10, 2007 Share Posted July 10, 2007 I've got a 5 speed rear end from an 87 in perfectly good working condition. (4.375:1 ratio) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmag23 Posted July 10, 2007 Author Share Posted July 10, 2007 Well I appreciate the offer but I suspect that the cost just to ship from Washington would pay for much of the repairs needed on my unit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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