Need a new clutch, considering swapping out my manual transmission, have questions

[jaymzinsa]

Hey guys, my throw out bearing is whining away so time to replace my clutch. First questions, should I replace with OEM parts or upgrade to a beefier aftermarket kit? If an aftermarket should I go with a stage 1 or 2 clutch? We don't do hardcore crawling but do get into some fairly difficult terrain and have 31 in R/T tires. Next, I think the synchros in the tranny are going out as I'm getting some grinding goin 3rd to 4th so since its coming off anyway, I'm trying to decide between a rebuild (if the hardware is even available), a refurbished tran, or just getting a used one. On that vein, does anyone know if there are any other transmissions I could swap it out with (frontier, xterra, 300z/350z)? Perhaps a 6 speed or should I not even consider that. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

[CamperDan]

2 hours ago, jaymzinsa said:

Hey guys, my throw out bearing is whining away so time to replace my clutch. First questions, should I replace with OEM parts or upgrade to a beefier aftermarket kit? If an aftermarket should I go with a stage 1 or 2 clutch? We don't do hardcore crawling but do get into some fairly difficult terrain and have 31 in R/T tires. Next, I think the synchros in the tranny are going out as I'm getting some grinding goin 3rd to 4th so since its coming off anyway, I'm trying to decide between a rebuild (if the hardware is even available), a refurbished tran, or just getting a used one. On that vein, does anyone know if there are any other transmissions I could swap it out with (frontier, xterra, 300z/350z)? Perhaps a 6 speed or should I not even consider that. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Yes a OEM Nissan replacement clutch kit would be nice but that can be a bit pricey. I'm currently running an aftermarket heavy duty clutch kit from Clutch Max Pro https://amzn.to/4qRWyXw I tow my wife's 6X10 Cargo Trailer Camp Conversion with my R50, and do some off-roading every now and again too. I've been running this setup on my 2001 R50 Pathfinder 4X4 for the past 3 years with zero issues. As for gear box itself, if you can find the parts to rebuild it I say go for it, you can also try checking your local junkyard to see if you can find a used one. But they are very rare and hard to find since the manual transmission was only available from 2001-2002 for this gen R50. I've only come across 3 examples in my local junkyard here in Las Vegas in the last 5 years.