drivetrain swap...is it possible?

[Kamaa150]

I Have an '05 frontier, CC SE 4x2 auto. I want a manual tranny but can they be swapped? and will a titan rear end fit on the frontiers? I would like an electronic locker in the rear but as far as i know they only came in the nismo 4x4s. any ideas?

[Mainerunr]

Originally Posted by Kamaa150

I Have an '05 frontier, CC SE 4x2 auto. I want a manual tranny but can they be swapped? and will a titan rear end fit on the frontiers? I would like an electronic locker in the rear but as far as i know they only came in the nismo 4x4s. any ideas?

You're 4x2, swap whatever you want into the rear. If you want the nissan locker, just drop the nismo axle under there since it's the same thing anyway and you'll have more choices for gears.

as for a tranny swap, sure, it's probably possible but it's also probably cheaper to trade in for a manual CC.

[Nizmo4X2]

x2 on the trade-in to be honest... even tho it would be cool to see. plus factory warrenty is worth it alone

[98 frontier 4x4]

a transmission swap is almost always not worth the effort and $$$, just trade up for a NISMO

[2WD_NISMO]

What they said plus you will be diminishing your resale value. Dealers want autos, not manuals, because buyers want automatics, regardless of what you read on auto buff forums.

[Mainerunr]

Originally Posted by 2WD_NISMO

What they said plus you will be diminishing your resale value. Dealers want autos, not manuals, because buyers want automatics, regardless of what you read on auto buff forums.

who cares about resale if you're dropping that kind of time and effort into it I would hope you're keeping it long term and in 8-10 years, there's not going to be a whole lot of difference in what it's worth either way. and when buying new, that extra grand you spend for the auto isnt going to get you an grand back when you get rid of the truck.

[2WD_NISMO]

Doubtful he'll keep it that long and his plan only makes sense if he DOES keep it 10 years or if he did it 10 years from now when resale won't be an issue and his truck will be a beater. Let's say he does it and sells a year later. Who wants to buy a butchered late model vehicle? Put a manual '05 side-by-side to an '05 auto and take a guess as to which one will sell the fastest. People demand autos, not manuals. There's a reason why 95% of new car sales are automatics. I won't get an extra grand for mine b/c it's an auto as it came standard. Bottom line is he should do it if it makes him happy, re-sale value be damned but be realistic.

[Kamaa150]

Originally Posted by Nizmo4X2

x2 on the trade-in to be honest... even tho it would be cool to see. plus factory warrenty is worth it alone

well i got the truck used so no warranty...

Originally Posted by 98 frontier 4x4

a transmission swap is almost always not worth the effort and $$$, just trade up for a NISMO

love to but as far as i know there is no nismo CC with an manual.
do you guys know where i could get the rear end? the transmission is a 2nd thought and would be nice but we will see

[Mainerunr]

Originally Posted by Kamaa150

well i got the truck used so no warranty...



love to but as far as i know there is no nismo CC with an manual.
do you guys know where i could get the rear end? the transmission is a 2nd thought and would be nice but we will see

you are correct, no CC Nismo manual but the easier option would have been to buy an SE and swap the rear end...cheaper too since you can get a manual SE for at least 3k less than a CC Nismo and that covers the cost of the axle if you buy it from nissan and not the junkyard.

[Inyourface1650]

Or Chrysler. They are selling the new wrangler axles for $1500 (new for the pair)....hehehe...and I think the track width in the rear is close, if not the same. I know the 2nd gen SAS guys are kicking that idea around. But you could probably get the rear axle cheaper from them. Its the same screwy hybrid D44 with e-locker.