Informally known as Nissan Hardbody in the US was the D21 series. The term “Hardbody” describes the truck’s double-wall bed and general design. From 1986.5 through 1997, the Hardbody was manufactured for the American market and was a direct rival to the Toyota compact truck.
In This Article...
How reliable is the D21 engine?
The Japanese automaker Nissan created the Nissan D21, which is categorized as a compact pickup truck. From 1986 until 1997, this car was manufactured to replace the Datsun 720. Up until 1985, Nissan was known as Datsun. With the release of the D21, Nissan changed its name to Nissan. This pickup truck, which competed against models like the Toyota Hilux, was known as the Nissan Hardbody in the USA. The D21 is reputed to be a highly dependable car that performs admirably both on and off road. They are well-equipped cars with strong engines that can haul large loads and function effectively off-road. Although the internal plastic components are prone to cracking and degrading with time, the cabin is nonetheless cozy and roomy. Does this sound at all like the D21 experience you had?
Nissan D21 History
The Nissan D21 was released in 1986 and quickly gained popularity all over the world. The Datsun 720, which it replaced, had a similar appearance to the D21. The body type and headlight design were the key differences. Over the course of this vehicle’s life, numerous different engines were offered, with various engines being sold in various international markets. A redesign that year provided the interior some minor interior changes and a new, fresher appearance. The inside had a substantial renovation the following year. Nissan Frontier was introduced in 1997 to take over the Nissan D21’s place.
Fuel Economy
The Nissan D21 was offered with 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.4, or 3.0L gasoline engines and 2.3 or 2.7L diesel engines. The most economical engines were the diesel ones, which provided about 25 mpg. What kind of engine did you have, and how efficient was it? When calculating fuel economy, keep in mind to take the fuel type, engine age, and engine size into account.
Transmission
Depending on the version, the Nissan D21 was offered with a 3 or 4 speed automatic or a 4 or 5 speed manual gearbox. How would you rank the performance of the gearbox you now own? You may search for the D21 gearbox parts you require for your car in the Nissan gearbox parts section of our website.
Parts
Breakeryard can assist you in locating the appropriate parts at the appropriate cost if you’re searching for Nissan D21 parts. Parts are inexpensively available for all makes and models through our extensive network of UK Breakers. To find the precise parts your car needs, either input its information in our part finder or go to the D21 parts page.
Which engine powers a Nissan D21?
For model years 1986.5–1997, the D21 Hardbody was produced with both four-cylinder and V-6 engine options. The 2.4-liter Z24i throttle-body injected four-cylinder with 106 horsepower was available from 1986 to 1989. It was succeeded by the 2.4-liter KA24E multi-point fuel injected four-cylinder with 134 horsepower. The 3.0-liter VG30i throttle-body injected V-6 (1986–1989, class-leading horsepower) was the V-6 option, and it had 140 horsepower. The 3.0-liter VG30E multi-point fuel-injected V-6 had 154 horsepower. Models from the years 1996 and 1997 could only be ordered with a four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission or a three- or four-speed automatic transmission accompanied the engines.
There were standard Cab (single) and King Cab (extended) variants with rear and four-wheel drives, as well as six-foot and larger seven-foot bed options. Evidently, the long bed was the largest in its class. Fortunately, a four-door Crew Cab variant is available in several foreign countries! Base, XE, and SE trim levels were offered. Value packages with air conditioning, power mirrors, alloy wheels, and some chrome were available for late-model XEs. The SE had a package that included a sunroof, electric windows, power door locks, power mirrors, air conditioning, and unique alloy wheels in addition to its limited-slip rear differential. After a Nissan Hardbody won its class in the 1987 Baja 500, a super-sweet special version called the Desert Runner was created. Evidently, Nissan produced 1,000 of these.
The Hardbody saw several modest internal and exterior upgrades throughout the years, but it never lost its Hardbody-like appearance. A redesigned grille, white-numbered instruments inside, and modest changes to the front end were all introduced for the 1990 model year. 1993 trucks are distinguished by a distinctive gauge cluster and are the first to use a chrome “V” grille. 1994 versions include an updated interior with a new, curved dash style. In 1996, the installation of OBDII and a driver-side airbag was made.
What year did the last Nissan Hardbody truck come out?
The Nissan Frontier took the place of the Hardbody in US sales after the 1997 model year. The D21 pickup was still being manufactured in various international markets as late as 2014.
The Hardbody’s distinctive design and exceptional capability for its time make it an icon of the minitruck period, even though Nissan trucks may not have the same fervent following that Toyotas have.
Despite the fact that many of these pickups were not handled well throughout the years, enough of them were sold that they are still very common and affordable today.
Therefore, the Nissan Hardbody is well worth a look if you’re searching for a nice, reasonably priced project truck to turn into an off-roader, street minitruck, or perhaps even a performance car.
Which year is ideal for Nissan Hardbody?
As the Nissan D21 hardbody evolved, several modifications were made that made way for a few model years that stood out in particular. For instance, horsepower climbed by almost 30 throughout model years. Observe how the Nissan hardbody pickup evolved up to the mid-1990s.
The Nissan hardbody ’85
It makes sense to choose the original if you want to revive a classic. Wearing this Nissan hardbody will get you significant style points, but at the cost of some utility.
In this model, rear-wheel drive was far more prevalent than four-wheel drive, as was the five-speed manual transmission. Early hardbodies have an antiquated interior and only 106 horsepower, making them rather slow.
The Nissan hardbody ’94
The 1994 Nissan hardbody D21 is definitely your best choice if you’re looking for a little extra functionality without compromising looks. Choose a model from the years 1993 to 1997 because they all have an additional 134 horsepower.
However, the 1994 is still a fantastic car even without the more horsepower. In 1994, Nissan released a bargain package for the XE trim that contained a wealth of avant-garde innovations that would give your hardbody a somewhat more contemporary and practical feel.
The following contemporary features are available with this model but may not be with other D21 models: air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, alloy wheels, and chrome trim style. The interior and dashboard of this model were also updated and made more contemporary.
What is the horsepower of a Nissan D21 from 1986?
The Nissan truck was available with four- and six-cylinder engines, as well as rear- and four-wheel drive. The 3.0-liter V-6 delivered greater power with 140 horsepower, which was a class-leading amount at the time, while the four-cylinder offered 106 horsepower.
Can a Nissan Hardbody be drifted?
Nissan Hardbody trucks are not “built” to drift, it should be noted. While it is feasible to slide them stock, making a few changes will make it much more fun. The two categories of modifications are D21-specific and general drifting modifications.
If you already have a limited-slip differential, the rear leaf springs are the main problem. Although leaf springs offer among of the simplest lowering techniques (using blocks, it can be lowered a few inches for only $50), they have sluggish reflexes and are too soft for abrupt shifts.
The greatest thing you can do for these automobiles is to replace the suspension and switch to double wishbone or four-link. Online resources include fantastic lessons and information that walk users through the full procedure.
The other suggested changes are more generally applicable to drift cars. This uncomplicated truck may be transformed into a drifting machine by installing a hydraulic handbrake, a turbo kit, bucket seats, welding the differential (if a limited-slip differential is not available), and adding negative camber.
What is the name of the compact Nissan truck?
Since 1997, Nissan has been producing the Frontier, a pickup truck with a smaller body for US customers. Since its conception, it has gained a sizable following as a favorite among both pickup enthusiasts and fans of tiny trucks.
What vehicles feature Z24 engines?
Z24
- Nissan/Datsun 720, 1983.5-1986.
- Nissan/Datsun 720 (Z24i), 1986
- Nissan Hardbody Truck, 1986–1989
- Nissan Pathfinder 1986–1989
- Nissan Vanette/Nomad, 1987–1990.
What vehicles include a KA24E engine?
Not just the Nissan 240SX had a KA24DE engine when it left the factory. Nissan utilized the same engine across various platforms to reduce costs. The following vehicles have KA24E/DE engines as standard equipment:
KA24E Engine
- Nissan Pintara and Ford Corsair, 1989–1992.
- Nissan Pathfinder 1990–1995
- Nissan Access and Nissan Prairie, 1989–1995
- Nissan Hardbody, 1990–1997
- Nissan Terrano II, 1993–1996
- : Nissan Stanza, 1990–1992.
- Nissan 240SX, 1989–1990
KA24DE Engine
- : Nissan Presage, 1998–2001
- : Nissan Bassara, 1999–2001
- Frontier, Nissan, 1998–2008
- Nissan 240SX, 1991–1998
- Nissan Altima, 1993–2001
- Nissan Xterra, 2000–2004
- Nissan Bluebird, 1993–1997
- Nissan R’nessa, 1997–2000
Unbelievably, the Nissan KA24E engine was used in the Ford Corsair, which was sold in Australia from 1989 and 1992.
If you’re wondering, the answer is yes, provided the Nissan KA24DE engine will fit in your non-Nissan vehicle. Here’s an illustration;
Aguascalientes, Mexico produced the majority of the Nissan KA24E engines that were sold in the United States, with the exception of the engines used in the 240SX, FWD U13 Bluebird, and 1994–1997 Nissan Altima, which all originated in Fukuoka, Japan.
The Mexican and Japanese blocks differ even if they have the same engine code. The lighter weight, larger diameter capped bearings, and longer, somewhat higher compression pistons in the cylinders of the Japanese blocks result in an improvement in power output.
Mexican-built engines, on the other hand, are heavier and have thicker walls, which allows them to sustain higher power levels than Japanese-built blocks.
Locating the dipstick is the most straightforward method of telling JDM engines from Mexican ones. While Japanese engines have the dipstick placed in the center of the motor, Mexican-built engines have it designated in the back.
But here’s the thing: Some parts aren’t compatible with the JDM and Mexican models, especially when it comes to the pickup, oil feed, or camshafts. Because of this, you should double-check the information before obtaining replacement parts.