So I'm taking the first steps into looking for a new (to me) truck.

I was thinking of a d21 or wd21 series truck. (4x4 a necessity)

I like the idea of the wd21 because of the five link in the rear. And the five seat belts. Along with an enclosed rear. Does the middle seat fold flat?

The d21 is tempting too because of the bed. I would look at a king cab or search for the elusive regular cab, long bed, heavy duty version.

I would look for an HB233 rear end with a R200 up front.

What are the variations thru the years that are to look out for? I know the spline count on the axle switched but how big a deal is that? What do you all think about auto versus standard? Can the wd21 tow a #4000 trailer pretty easy?

I want to start with the best platform I can.

the '94-95 models are the cream of that crop.

A 4000lb trailer? It'll pull it, but not well. 154hp in a 5000lb truck plus trailer will be pretty taxing on it.

v6 versions will have the axles that you are looking for.

quote:

Originally posted by Desert Rat:
the '94-95 models are the cream of that crop.

A 4000lb trailer? It'll pull it, but not well. 154hp in a 5000lb truck plus trailer will be pretty taxing on it.

Yeh not gonna be too happy about towing. my wd21 manual reccomends 3,500 lbs max for towing. tho I don't think it weighs 5000 lbs I know the 90-95 wd21 had a curb weight of 3800 lbs and I'm sure the d21 and the 87-89 wd21s weigh less.

I do love drving my 5 spd wd21 , the hydro clutches are really light but with no sacrifice in grip. the back seats fold bottom-foward then back-down and are 50/50 split. I put quick release pins on the hinges for the seat bottoms so I can remove them for even more room for cargo and is a nice flat space to side stuff in or even sleep in a pinch. I do beilive the 5 link suspention makes it a little better on cornering and windy roads.It is defenatly allot softer ride than leafs but it also sags more under load (so slide some coil pucks in b4 carying a load of bricks)

hope this helps, good luck.

p.s.
being built on the same over built chasis as the d21 is also a plus. I don't think my pathy would be arround if it was a unibody or even placed on a lighter less truck-ish chasis.

also chevyman_57 swaped out for a VG33 from a newer pathfinder and hey says it tows great! Its a pretty easy swap from what I hear, using allot of same parts; accesories manifolds, sensors computer etc...

as stated 94-95 V6 D21 or wd21 is what you want. I have a 95 XE-V6 and it's been a awesome truck for the past 7 years.