Santiago
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3528
Registered: 8-27-2003
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1996 Nissan Pickuip questions
I've "inherited" my son's 1996 Nissan pickup, standard cab, short bed, 2.4liter, standard, 2WD, no power anything with A/C. Basic truck. 144K miles.
My son, unlike me at his age, drove this carefully for 7 or 8 years putting about 40K on it during this time. Runs and shifts good, no issues other
than some body work and the front frame needs an attitude adjustment which is being done next week.
I know nothing about these trucks and have a few questions:
1. What's the largest LT tire I can put on it?
2. The right-rear side sags, or is lower by about an inch, than the left side. I've been told that all I need to do is swap the rear springs from
one side to the other but this does not make any sense to me - won't the left side now sag?
3. I'm pretty good on keeping up with routine stuff. Any ideas how many miles are left? Is 200K out of the question? What are the issues with these
trucks?
4. Here's the dicey part - I'm thinking of trading the truck for work at my place in BOLA - anyone have any inkling as to the trade value of this
truck?
5. How do I get the truck across the border - I am not going to drive it all the way to BOLA, that's for sure. I was thinking of using a tow bar,
unhooking it NOB and having my buddy drive it across as apposed to trying to tow it across.
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Bob and Susan
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Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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its worth $1500
i'd sell it asap north of the border
dont put ANY $$money in it
if you take it south and get rid of it all you've done is given that person a boat anchor in a week
its wrecked...needs tires...and won't "go the distance"
sell it NOW!!! (just my 2 cents)
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woody with a view
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2. you can by replacement springs for cheap. just switch them both out.
4. http://www.carsforsale.com/used_cars_for_sale/Nissan_Pickup
i think they're delusional...... I'd be happy to get $2500.
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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If that's a $1500 truck in the states, it's worth every bit of that, and more, here. I just got rid of a '97 Nissan strippy pickup, but when I would
drive it to town, I'd have people regularly asking me if I wanted to sell it. 4 cyl trucks have good value in Mexico.
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mojo_norte
Senior Nomad
Posts: 725
Registered: 2-14-2006
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I wouldn't worry about the mileage. These trucks w/ 4cyl. run 200K + easily if maintained properly. I'd say $1500 is the low end of retail . I would
check your local craigslist for market value. $2500 sounds about right starting price.
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mojo_norte
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Registered: 2-14-2006
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tires - you can go on the discount tire company website to find out what tires will fit.
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J.P.
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I had a 1988 I put over 300 thousand miles on it I just sold a 1995 v6, 4x4 with only 145,000 miles. My brother retired 10 years ago and gave his son
one he had with way over 300 thousand on it. Those things are But Ugly but they run forever. We lived in the Sierra's in N. Ca. and commuted all over
N Ca. to work. best work truck I ever owned.
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Maderita
Senior Nomad
Posts: 680
Registered: 12-14-2008
Location: San Diego
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I have a '97 with the 2.4L, 4 cyl. Excellent engine. It makes good power for a 4 cyl., and gets good gas mileage. Expect it to go well over 200k miles
(assuming you don't overheat it). With plenty of room in the engine compartment and inline configuration, they are easy to work on.
Value: It all depends on condition with an older vehicle. If the body work is complete and it runs and drives well, then $2500 in San Diego area.
Without knowing the entire history of the truck, it's difficult to diagnose the rear sag problem. Has it ever been hit in the rear? Check the rear
spring for a broken or cracked leaf. Measure the distance between the axle tube and the bump stop on perfectly level ground. If the right side is 1"
less distance, then the problem is likely a weak or broken spring. Raise the right rear corner so that the spring is at full droop and ispect for
cracks again.
If nothing is broken and the goal is to go as cheap as possible, here are a few options:
Buy a used spring.
Have the spring re-arched (heat method).
Add a lift block between the perch and spring, although you would probably need new U-bolts if more than 1/2" - 3/4" thick.
Add an additional bottom leaf, retaining the same U-bolts.
Install a longer shackle on the right side.
Tilt your rear-view miror slightly down on the right side. It will make the tailgate appear straight.
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Hook
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Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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Man, if you need a beater truck that gets good mileage and is very reliable, this is a tough one to beat. I had the same engine in an 85 NIssan and it
always ran beautifully.
I eventually sold it and got a 91 Toy with the V-6. The Nissan was faster and more economical. Oh yeah, and a hell of a lot quieter inside. That's
always been one of my biggest (maybe only) complaint about Toy trucks. There is so much road noise in them, when at highway speeds. The Nissan was
much quieter.
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