[mattri]

Looking for some basic info on the 6 speed 4x4s.

Which transmission is this, sorry for the noob question but haven't sorted who makes what for these trucks.

Is it a Nissan unit or a sub like NP, BW, Tremec etc?

Model/type?

Does it cross with anything else?

Thanks, Matt.

 

[shift_RUSH]

Pretty sure 6-speeds are built and assembled by Nissan in Japan then shipped over whole for assembly line installation.
Perhaps someone can corroborate?

 

[Clint]

I believe Nissan makes their own and I enjoyed mine thoroughly.
I miss my six speed and still pissed that Nissan won't put them in a crew cab long bed anymore.
If jeep keeps its promise to make a 4 door pick up in 6 speed manual, I'm going to buy one.

Clint

 

[shift_RUSH]

All I know is I miss my six speed and still pissed that Nissan won't put them in a crew cab long bed anymore.

Totally hear ya and agree, Clint. My garage length/depth would actually accommodate a CC Longbed...but NO 6-sp option was indeed a deal breaker.
Even though the EPA rating for 6-sp Frontiers is +1 MPG for their 'combined MPGs' compared to auto trans...I'll never see it. It is just too much fun rowing-my-own.
IFF only I could muster up the required discipline to constantly shift at 2000 rpms for a whole tank. :serious:>

 

[Clint]

Totally hear ya and agree, Clint. My garage length/depth would actually accommodate a CC Longbed...but NO 6-sp option was indeed a deal breaker.
Even though the EPA rating for 6-sp Frontiers is +1 MPG for their 'combined MPGs' compared to auto trans...I'll never see it. It is just too much fun rowing-my-own.
IFF only I could muster up the required discipline to constantly shift at 2000 rpms for a whole tank. :serious:>

We now can't even have a 6 speed v6 in a king cab, WHY NOT Nissan?
If I was willing to pull my trailer often I would have given serious thought to a short bed crew cab again but after owning one I felt it wasn't useful enough for me. So, they offer it in a short bed but not a long bed, why?

Clint

 

[shift_RUSH]

We now can't even have a 6 speed v6 in a king cab, WHY NOT Nissan?
If I was willing to pull my trailer often I would have given serious thought to a short bed crew cab again but after owning one I felt it wasn't useful enough for me. So, they offer it in a short bed but not a long bed, why?

Clint

No explanation. It's a dang assembly line that could/should accommodate options and choices.
Frankly, I doubt manual transmissions will even be available when it's time to replace my '15.

 

[Justwork]

I would bet Manual transmissions will be gone in the next 2-5 years. I loved my 6 speed, and my pro-4x is the first automatic transmission I've owned since getting my drivers license. I would be willing to bet less then 5% of drivers on the last decade can drive a stick, it'll be gone because the demand won't be enough to justify the cost.

 

[shift_RUSH]

I would bet Manual transmissions will be gone in the next 2-5 years. I loved my 6 speed, and my pro-4x is the first automatic transmission I've owned since getting my drivers license. I would be willing to bet less then 5% of drivers on the last decade can drive a stick, it'll be gone because the demand won't be enough to justify the cost.

... + all the future predictions revolving around automatic/computer generated braking for safety's sake. I would think that a computer could actuate a clutch to avoid stalling during intense braking, but this is the hubbub in my car/truck mags.

'Standard transmissions' haven't been standard for how many years now? lol

 

[mattri]

Good points all- part of why I bought the truck I did, when I did is that I don't think you'll be able to find anything like it in a few years.

Is there a particular name/model type for the current 6 speed like there are for other transmissions- M5OD, T5 etc?

 

[Justwork]

... + all the future predictions revolving around automatic/computer generated braking for safety's sake. I would think that a computer could actuate a clutch to avoid stalling during intense braking, but this is the hubbub in my car/truck mags.



'Standard transmissions' haven't been standard for how many years now? lol

All true. Even performance cars are moving away from manual transmissions. My dad (before he past away) was a huge BMW nut. In 2002 he bought his first new vehicle ever, a BMW M5. In 2002 it was a 6 speed manual, that year they started transitioning the M series to the SMG transmission which is basically a computer controlled manual transmission (no clutch pedal). In 2005 he ordered a 06 M6, and at that time it wasn't available in a manual, only the SMG.

The SMG was fun to drive, shifted fast, but man... For an enthusiast it sure was missing something. That feeling of manually throwing the shifter, controlling the clutch... It's sad that "kids nowadays" really won't get that thrill.

I loved my Xterra 6 speed, and wish I could have got my frontier with a manual and the options I wanted. The auto reminds me of driving my grandpas car. But hey, progress...

The reliability of a manual, if driven properly, you can't beat it. My Xterra had 170,000km on the factory clutch with no signs of fade or slip when I sold it. Only changed the fluid twice and was as simple as changing the oil. Actually easier because there isn't a filter.


One thing I will admit, the VDC in our auto is pretty slick. I've used it a couple times off-road in snowy conditions and it's brainlessly simple. Gone are the days of the driver.

 

[bajatrailrider]

Im a manual trans guy same problem in 2012 ordered Tacoma crew cab short bed. I wanted 4 banger Man trans 4X4. They stated only available with V6 gas hog. So I was in a hurry that day,got it there way.No stick/no 4x4 I did try to get used to that truck. After two years driving hating that truck. With me living in Baja decided to look at a Mexican truck.Went to Mexican Nissan Dealer found out. 2014 (last Year made) Nissan frontier (old body type) You cant even order auto trans not made stick only.Turbo inter-cooled diesel,4x4 with Manual 4x4 lever/Manual locking hubs. Perfect for old school guy. This backwards country got one thing right. My 12/ 4 banger Toyota only 15 MPG. My Diesel Nissan (with mods) 33mpg.

 

[Grommit]

I get confused when folks say they have a 6spd. As of right now at least, if you have anything with the 4.0 VQ engine in it, you have a 6 spd, whether it's 6spd manual transmission or 6spd automatic is inconsequential, they're all 6spds. I think it's more appropriate to say you have a standard or an auto. Maybe I'm nitpicking but as i said, saying 6spd to me only means you're not driving a S trim model truck.

 

[2013Pro4X]

I'm pretty sure the VQ40 autos are 5 speed in a fronty.

 

[Grommit]

No explanation. It's a dang assembly line that could/should accommodate options and choices.
Frankly, I doubt manual transmissions will even be available when it's time to replace my '15.

I believe every auto manufacturer has already promised to stop making manual transmissions by 2023. At least to the US government. It has something to do with putting automatic safety devices on parking brakes or some such nonsense. Some new technology that is supposed to help stupid drivers who are more interested in talking on their cell phone or putting on make up or drinking coffee than they are driving. Essentially that technology is only designed for automatic transmissions and all manufacturers have already agreed to implement it and make it mandatory by the 2023 model year.

So I would fully expect by 2020, that you start seeing VERY few standards offered as they will be killing them off early.

We all knew this was coming as you have the lazy pieces of garbage who want the car to drive for them. Within 50 years it is going to be the same thing you see in the movie Minority Report. You get in a little round bubble and it basically takes you to your destination without any input of your own.

Hell it's easy to say that making ABS mandatory was one of the first major death knells of the automobile as we know it. Can't even enjoy sliding your rear end around as we used to when we were kids anymore. Sure that makes us much safer, and perhaps it's even saved me from an accident in my years on the road, but it's just one step in many to come to totally trivialize the driving experience and make us all lemmings.

I'm pretty sure the VQ40 autos are 5 speed in a fronty.

It looks as if you are correct... Dunno why I had that idea that we had a 6spd auto all this time. Question is why don't we? Not that I'd drive it. Stuff like that only adds more fuel to the "long in the tooth" argument about our trucks.

 

[mattri]

Good points. Any idea which 6spd manual is in the 2016 Frontier?

 

[Justwork]

I get confused when folks say they have a 6spd. As of right now at least, if you have anything with the 4.0 VQ engine in it, you have a 6 spd, whether it's 6spd manual transmission or 6spd automatic is inconsequential, they're all 6spds. I think it's more appropriate to say you have a standard or an auto. Maybe I'm nitpicking but as i said, saying 6spd to me only means you're not driving a S trim model truck.

Ahh... The automatics are 5 speed.

 

[shift_RUSH]

I get confused when folks say they have a 6spd. As of right now at least, if you have anything with the 4.0 VQ engine in it, you have a 6 spd, whether it's 6spd manual transmission or 6spd automatic is inconsequential, they're all 6spds. I think it's more appropriate to say you have a standard or an auto. Maybe I'm nitpicking but as i said, saying 6spd to me only means you're not driving a S trim model truck.

S CC are all V6 and can be had w/ a 6-sp manual.
S KC are 4-bangers and can be had w/ a 5-sp manual.

 

[Nitroracer]

Looking for some basic info on the 6 speed 4x4s.

Which transmission is this, sorry for the noob question but haven't sorted who makes what for these trucks.

Is it a Nissan unit or a sub like NP, BW, Tremec etc?

Model/type?

Does it cross with anything else?

Thanks, Matt.

From what I have read the transmission is in the same family as the 350Z/G35, and is internally called the CD009. The gear ratios are different, as is the shifter location.

 

[mattri]

Thanks for the info!

 

[mtyler11]

We now can't even have a 6 speed v6 in a king cab, WHY NOT Nissan?
If I was willing to pull my trailer often I would have given serious thought to a short bed crew cab again but after owning one I felt it wasn't useful enough for me. So, they offer it in a short bed but not a long bed, why?

Clint

No explanation. It's a dang assembly line that could/should accommodate options and choices.
Frankly, I doubt manual transmissions will even be available when it's time to replace my '15.

Its about gov't requirements & buyer preferences. No-one "wants" to buy (majority) a manual. So they make fewer manuals. So its harde to find & buy a manual if you want one, so they get fewer manal sales, justifying fewer built.... And USGov keeps mandating mpg & nanny controls. more & more cars come with electric (assist) steering, which can go from a passive power assist to an active steering system that detects objects and drives for you... today its the active lane assist & parking assist that's accepted, soon it will be the GoogleCar/iCar that regulators will embrace.

Is there a particular name/model type for the current 6 speed like there are for other transmissions- M5OD, T5 etc?

the 6sp man is just known as the FS6R31A and auto is Jatco RE5R05A. Jatco is a subsidiary of Nissan (their trans shop/assembler) So both trans are built by Nissan for Nissan/Infinity. Its not like Dana or Spicer or anyone else making several similar products used by different mfrs...