The Datsun 1000 did not become popular overnight. Only ten Datsuns were sold in the first year of production, despite having a 1.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produced 37 HP.
However, Nissan’s automobile engineers persisted and experimented until they, with the Datsun 520, captured the public’s heart in 1965. By the 1970s, America had become obsessed with small pickup trucks, and Nissan was the driving force.
They introduced the Hardbody, one of their best-selling pickups, in 1987. The Hardbody, a model from the original Datsun 1000’s sixth generation, earned its moniker from its double-wall bed and angular front end.
Hardbody trucks are still in use today and are among Nissan’s most well-liked models to date. They are renowned for their dependability and toughness.
In This Article...
What does the Nissan pickup’s D21 stand for?
The term “hardbody” alludes to the vehicle’s double-walled bed, firm paneling, and angular design. The 1980s trucks, which resembled bricks, were strong. Since it is officially designated as D21, it is the only generation of Nissan truck to have been given the unofficial nickname “Hardbody.” But Hardbody caught on, and Nissan advertisements even utilized the phrase.
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.
What does D21 stand for?
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.
An engine in a Nissan Hardbody is what kind?
The Nissan hardbody pickup is a member of the 1990–1997 Nissan pickup truck D21 series. It alludes to the pickup’s design and double-wall bed. The KA20E 12-valve engine was the one employed in this model. The engine has a 3.5-inch bore and a 3.78-inch stroke, respectively.
Nissan stopped producing the Hardbody when?
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.
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 240SX, 1989–1990
- Nissan Access and Nissan Prairie, 1989–1995
- Nissan Terrano II, 1993–1996
- Nissan Pintara and Ford Corsair, 1989–1992.
- : Nissan Stanza, 1990–1992.
- Nissan Hardbody, 1990–1997
- Nissan Pathfinder 1990–1995
KA24DE Engine
- Nissan Bluebird, 1993–1997
- Nissan Xterra, 2000–2004
- Nissan R’nessa, 1997–2000
- Frontier, Nissan, 1998–2008
- Nissan Altima, 1993–2001
- : Nissan Presage, 1998–2001
- Nissan 240SX, 1991–1998
- : Nissan Bassara, 1999–2001
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.
A KA24E has how many valves?
KA24E. A 12-valve SOHC engine with the model number KA24E was built from July 1988 to January 1997. It has cast steel connecting rods, a half-counterbalanced cast steel crankshaft, and a cast aluminum cylinder head. It also uses Hitachi sequential electronic fuel injection.
Can the KA24DE manage the Turbo?
If the tuning is correct, turbocharging the KA24DE can result in excellent performance. With a simple turbo kit, such as the ones found on ebay, it’s simple to generate more than 200 rwhp. With sophisticated tuning and internal engine modification, KA24 240SXs with 500+ horsepower have been made.
Without needing to modify the injectors or MAF, you can get a t25 turbo and 5-7 psi for a cheap turbo build. You’ll require a fuel management system (rising rate fuel pressure regulator). The gasoline pump should be replaced. The timing of the ignition also needs to be carefully considered. The timing can be appropriately delayed using Boost Timing Master from MSD.
It has been established that the stock internals are quite robust. Some people have achieved 350 rwhp or more with only stock internals. Here are some brief internals restrictions for the stock KA24DE. Please note that these are NOT EXACT VALUES. The true limits of various motors can differ significantly. Compression testing should be done before beginning any turbocharging project. The better off you are, the nearer 180 psi you are. Anything below 150 usually makes you want to start second-guessing a turbo build. Therefore, without further ado…
What exactly does KA24DE mean?
The “24,” which stands for 2.4 liters of displacement, inspired the engine’s moniker. The “D” stands for dual overhead camshaft valvetrain, and the “E” stands for electronic fuel injection.
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 distinguishes a hardbody truck?
The truck bed’s double-wall construction gave rise to the “Hardbody” moniker. There were 6-foot or 7-foot pickup beds for the standard and king cab variants, and shortly a 4-door Crew Cab with a short bed and a V6 engine entered the lineup.
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.