Advice on 1990-92 Pickup

druid · Dec 25th, 2004, 04:19 PM

Hi,

Squeaky-new member here, so go easy on me, ok?

I'm looking for a 1990-92 Nissan pickup, 2wd, extended cab, 4-cyl for driving around town, moving "landscaping" stuff, and (mainly) camping. I'm looking at "camperettes": slide-ins without the cabover, which shouldn't weigh more than 500lb or so.

My questions:

1. I think I'd prefer a 5-spd because of better fuel economy and more gear choices for going up hills on the highway, but most I'm looking at are automatic. Is the auto OK to carry a small camper and tow a small (12ft alum skiff) trailer?

2. Can I get a small lift kit (maybe 2"?) to give me better ground clearance? How much would that cost?

3. should I be looking at beefing up the rear suspension?

4. Is the KA24 worth it, or should I also be looking at pre-1990 (Z24) models?

5. How much is "too much" milage? I'm looking at one that has 280,000 km (175,000 mi), but seems OK.

6. What problems should I be looking for (apart from the ubiquitous body rust!)? In particular, how do I check if the clutch is about to go?

Any other comments or advice?

Lloyd aka druid

**88pathoffroad** · Dec 27th, 2004, 12:21 AM

1. Both transmissions have their drawbacks, but the manuals generally last longer with less trouble if well maintained and not abused. Autos tend to die at about 125 to 150K.

2. A 2" body lift costs about $80-$100. I'd go that route.

3.An Add-A-Leaf in the rear would help if you intend to tow or haul heavy loads often.

4. There's barely any difference, but the KA24 makes a little better power. A K&N filter, full tune-up and cleaning the EGR valve will keep you on track for passing emissions and making power.

5. 250K+ or so...

6. Try to take off from a stop in third gear. Rev it up and let go of the clutch. If it immediately kills the engine, the clutch is likely in good shape. If the engine revs drop a little, then it takes off slowly, the clutch is shot and should be replaced.

Frame rust is common, look for any rust under the wheelwells and inside the frame.

druid · Dec 27th, 2004, 07:25 PM

Well, I ended up buying a 1990 with 275K km on it. It ALMOST stalled staring up in 3rd, so I guess the clutch is OK...for now. I'll probably have to replace it when I start hauling a trailer and camper.

It seems weavy and hard to control at hy speeds - shocks? I did the bounce test and they seem pretty worn. Also, it has 60-series tires (225/60R14). Will the proper ones (225/75R14?) make a BIG difference?

Lots of little things wrong: one seatbelt doesnt fasten, headlights are wonky, a bit of rust in the bed... nothing serious for a 15-yr-old truck.

Lloyd

ps - anybody wanna buy a 1991 GMC Safari?