1992 Pathfinder build
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From: So. WIS
Weekend update Had a chance to talk with TJ on the build progress. Things are moving along nicely, one of the benefits of working at a salvage yard. The firewall has been fully welded into place, the rear set back works well with the final engine location (fuel rail clearance) and the front has 3.5 Inches from the fan clutch to the back of the core support its going a be tight fit, but it will all fit.
The design of the front suspension has changed a little due to frame rail clearances. The forward section of the frame is being replaced from the engine cradle to the bumper with 2x4 structural steel. The inner fenders are being removed, leaving just a small area to bolt on the fenders. this will allow the inners to be fabbed up later.
The design of the front suspension has changed a little due to frame rail clearances. The forward section of the frame is being replaced from the engine cradle to the bumper with 2x4 structural steel. The inner fenders are being removed, leaving just a small area to bolt on the fenders. this will allow the inners to be fabbed up later.
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From: So. WIS
Thanks, this one is my son's project.
OK, having trouble reducing the size of the pics to get them up on the board. At this point the front suspension is completely done & the frame has been extended. Motor mounts are burned in with the physical placement of the 5.3 back about 2 inches to the rear (see firewall pics). The front axle is done, but waiting on the correct Pittman arm to complete the steering. All of the links and cross shaft sit close to level, so no binding on the steering/suspension. Still need to get shock hoops to install the coil over shocks.
Waiting to get the rearend narrowed so that the rear suspension can be completed.
OK, having trouble reducing the size of the pics to get them up on the board. At this point the front suspension is completely done & the frame has been extended. Motor mounts are burned in with the physical placement of the 5.3 back about 2 inches to the rear (see firewall pics). The front axle is done, but waiting on the correct Pittman arm to complete the steering. All of the links and cross shaft sit close to level, so no binding on the steering/suspension. Still need to get shock hoops to install the coil over shocks.
Waiting to get the rearend narrowed so that the rear suspension can be completed.
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From: So. WIS
Progress.....
Well motor has been in and out multiple times now. Latest was to adjust the back spacing on the engine by 3/4". Well then the custom front 4 link hits the steering and other "stuff". So back out again, front suspension is "done". But rear needs to be narrowed and the rear links set up. Son heads to Alaska to get more money to finish it. Looking to be trail ready by spring.
Well motor has been in and out multiple times now. Latest was to adjust the back spacing on the engine by 3/4". Well then the custom front 4 link hits the steering and other "stuff". So back out again, front suspension is "done". But rear needs to be narrowed and the rear links set up. Son heads to Alaska to get more money to finish it. Looking to be trail ready by spring.
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From: So. WIS
Build Yeah I just got back from Colorado on Saturday @ Midnight (cannon ball run to WI). Anyway, the firewall mod that TJ did was to cut out the firewall/floor section out of a '04 Silverado. Cut an undersize hole in the Pathfinder and reinstalled the engine. The it was a matter of dropping in the fire wall section and doing a bunch of trimming on it and the body. Spot welded in the "new" piece and did the perimeter welding. Matched the body paint by using a can of Krylon Camo paint. Direct match to the Mil-Spec Gillespie Coatings Med Green that we used to paint the body .
Watch for more progress in late October. Hoping that when I get pics I can upload them!
Jim
Watch for more progress in late October. Hoping that when I get pics I can upload them!
Jim
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From: So. WIS
Progress update: Lots happened on this rig since last post. The frame is built, Dana's are built, suspension is built, 6.0 is built. TJ is currently getting ready to do the ring & pinion set-up & brakes. Looking to do Square body Chevy disc's on the rear and the stock Nissan fronts. This will be using the Nissan master cylinder as it is already set-up for 4 wheel disc.
Atlas transfer case went in long with the shifters (front wheel digs are fun) current issue is the NP 5 speed clutch needs to be internal slave for clutch release. The clutch fork (manual system) is running into the headers. Issue is the Input shaft can't be set-up as internal hyd. clutch. If anyone has the work around for this let me know.
Also of issue is the D-shaft angles want the same real estate as the frame & body. So the work around will be a 1.5 inch body lift. This will be all custom as the frame is no longer stock (3 link front and 4 link rear). Waiting on pic's right now
Atlas transfer case went in long with the shifters (front wheel digs are fun) current issue is the NP 5 speed clutch needs to be internal slave for clutch release. The clutch fork (manual system) is running into the headers. Issue is the Input shaft can't be set-up as internal hyd. clutch. If anyone has the work around for this let me know.
Also of issue is the D-shaft angles want the same real estate as the frame & body. So the work around will be a 1.5 inch body lift. This will be all custom as the frame is no longer stock (3 link front and 4 link rear). Waiting on pic's right now
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From: So. WIS
6.0 pics 
Fresh bearings and 10to1 flat top pistons Brian tooley stage 2 cam, Decked the block for better quench and had the heads completely redone and decked. Also machined a new style input housing for the trans to accept internal slave throw out bearing. External set up hits the header and frame making it unuseable
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From: So. WIS
Progress continues on the Pathmaker. Trans came out (again) regarding the internal clutch throwout. New input shaft was made, the discovered that he had a detent loose inside the trans. That's coming apart to take care of, before power s sent threw it. TJ also is getting discouraged on a lack of progress for a test run. Told him to sit down and make a punch list, Throttle cable, wiring ......
Took on the cable first trying a GM truck unit. I'll see how that went later. Using a Holley FI system with a throttle body, so this will most likely work.
Took on the cable first trying a GM truck unit. I'll see how that went later. Using a Holley FI system with a throttle body, so this will most likely work.
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From: So. WIS
So last week I finally got eyes on this project. All I can say is WOW. The welding is awesome, and he is getting down to needing a punch list to stay focused on the remaining items. Things like wiring, and plumbing and other small stuff. The biggest issue is the trans. Went with the 5 speed and created new issues in the mounting and clutch throwout. Additionally, he will need to go thought that trans as a detent popped out on reassembly causing damage.
Looks like the hardest thing to do will be integrating the stock Nissan wiring and the Holley wiring together, removing all the unneeded functions to have things play nice together. He is traveling until the end of September so updates will be on hold.
Looks like the hardest thing to do will be integrating the stock Nissan wiring and the Holley wiring together, removing all the unneeded functions to have things play nice together. He is traveling until the end of September so updates will be on hold.
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From: So. WIS
So, TJ is back from Alaska and in MT. Just found out that the rush is on to finish up the Pathfinder as he is taking a career change into the Aircraft repair, small single and dual engine piston driven Bush planes. This will entail a move to AZ for school, then up to AK for work. So now I will post up the build photos and such!
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From: So. WIS
Couldn't upload the IMG video clip of the truck running. Sounds great with the shorty mufflers. Right now it dumps at the rear axle. This has been a 3 year build to a 6.0 LS engine, NV trans (5 speed), Atlas II transfer case - cause everyone loves front digs! Now on to the other stuff, Interior, core support, hanging the front sheet metal, more wiring. Then it loads up and goes to AZ. He is trying to wheel it a little before leaving, but now the snow has come.
Photos show the rear sheet metal work. Removing a large amount of filler, finishing up the rear end (Dana 60), doing brakes all around ( not shown - brake lines) Exhaust, Atlas II and trans fresh from the shop.
Photos show the rear sheet metal work. Removing a large amount of filler, finishing up the rear end (Dana 60), doing brakes all around ( not shown - brake lines) Exhaust, Atlas II and trans fresh from the shop.
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From: So. WIS
This truck has journeyed from UT/WI with the original owner, to WI to have several Nissan engines installed, then from my shop out to Leadville CO, then to Hamilton MT and next out to AZ as a Nissan/Ford/Chevy 6.0 rock crawler with Dana axles. Hey at least the frame under the doors is original.