d40 advice

[alex.tas]

So I'm thinking of getting myself a 2007 d40, either the RX or STX.
how do they take to basic mods, such as suspension, exhaust upgrades and the like?

Are there any important mods to do once you get one? I read somewhere that the new suspension sags really quickly, but I guess if i were to buy a 2007 model this would be remedied by this stage.
Any advice, or should I look to a more recent model?

Cheers in advance

[fatassgq]

Depends on what you want to do with it. If you are after a 4wd for anything more than very mild offroad I wouldn't bother. If you want a comfortable, powerful road car that can take you up the beach and mild offroad tracks they are good.
Heaps available suspension wise. Heaps of engine mods available too.
If you are going to use it offroad or even beach work a set of bash plates is the fist thing you need (must) to get. Engine sump sits below the front crossmember!

I really like mine but I am aware of its limits and I just needed a ute that was capable of touring/beach work and was comfortable. Very nice onroad too. Will out handle a hilux onroad but looses out offroad very quickly.

[roberts]

they are either built in spain or thailand
thailand ones are better, check it doesnt have a DPF, these use more fuel but are only on the yd25 autos and not all of them.

[alex.tas]

Hey guys thanks for the response.

@roberts:
I reckon i'll get a manual so shouldn't need to trouble myself with this by the sounds of it. Thanks for the tip though.

@fatassgq:
I reckon i wont be going rock crawling or anything, maybe more of a tourer, with okay performance offroad.
so set of bash plates are a must then... and it takes a 2" suspension lift okay without too much drop in road handling? I was thinking that would be the first mod, but after your suggestion, bashplates then suspension seems more likely. Then a new set of tyres and a snorkle.

Are there any year models that I should be wary of? Is the clutch issue isolated to the earlier d40 models?

Cheers

[fatassgq]

The later you can get the better. I have an 08 and my clutch is still ok. Once again I was aware of the issues they had and drove it accordingly. I small lift is fine and will actually make them handle and feel better than stock imo.
I don't really agree with the thai models being better either as most of the issues I have seen with them are in thailand built cars.
Dual cab stx's are spain. You will be able to tell from the vin its origins anyway.

Anything else just ask

[roberts]

there is a service bulletin for the manuals that replaces the clutch pipe due to the stock pipe vibrating on the chassis rails at 2,000-3,000 rpm

[roberts]

the dash fan makes a clicking noise when first started
the front brakes wear out at 50,000 to 80,000 depending on driving
the paint flakes off the roofs on some spain built cars
every 40,000 is a major service
the suction valves on the yd25 plays up and makes the car go into limp mode
the suspension is leafs springs in the rear coil over strut in the front
no really an off road set up
there are 3 current recalls, wheels,bonnet and airbag

550 is like driving a train

[fatassgq]

what is this suction valve you speak of? Also what is the recall on airbags I have not seen that one

[alex.tas]

mm, i cant find any info on a suction valve either.
Whats the recall for the bonnet too? just a paint issue like the roof?

[camo shorty]

the bonnet recall is a cable fitted to the bonnet and a lug on the radiator support panel to stop the bonnet releasing and flying up in some instances.
clutch rattle problem is an easy fix... there is a little valve on the clutch line near the firewall drivers side remove this and pull out the spring and ball bearing problem solved.
they have a revised clutch and flywheel its after market its a solid flywheel with the springs in the clutch plate so u dont have to replace the flywheel every time i think repco sells them. do not buy a king cab ther is nothing sealing the dust getting in the cabin around the back door they arent sealed properly at all.

[tweak'e]

airbags recall was to reprogram the airbag ecu settings after some failed the crash tests.

brake rotors are very soft with very hard pads. they chew threw rotors as fast as pads. changing pads helps.
clutches as mentioned.
paint issues. some have had BIG fights with nissan to get utes repainted properly.
ABS lines are exposed and 4x4 selector will not work if any are damaged.
4x4 switches prone to fail.
suction valve on the injector pump are an issue.

[Dover]

I've had my Diesel Auto STX Dual Cab for 3 years from new it now has 66000km on it.
I've only just replaced the brake pads and discs which these days is a common thing on most new cars as they are both now soft material to increase braking efficiency. It wasn't a big deal and only cost $300 for me to do it myself, with slotted discs, i dont get brake dust build up on the rims anymore either.
I've only just replaced the tyres as well with 265/75/16 which according to the GPS has bought the speedo reading to where it should be, yes this is bigger than standard and gave me roughly an inch more ground clearance.
I've recently fitted new Amadaxtreme suspension from Superior Engineering with EFS coils front and EFS Rear springs to the vehicle and it rides great. This lifted it from the old sagged suspension by 3 inchs.
You deffinately need to invest in putting bash plates underneath it as the sump is very exposed. Ironman have just released a set for $390.
The car drives great and have not had any mechanical issues with it. I have had the recall on the bonnet and rims done and they found nothing wrong with either of these things so it was only a precautionary measure.
The Navara is by no means a xtreme 4wd and this is very obvious when driving on the road as it is very comfy and is a great tourer.
It will get you up the dirt tracks and with a locker would be more than capable as a vehicle to get you around the rough stuff. No it isn't as good as a GU Patrol in really rough stuff but if like most people you spend 95% of your time onroad then the Navara is a much nicer car.
I personally haven't had any major problems with the car and my only complaint is that the auto version uses more fuel than the manual.
Drive them properly and i dont think you'll have a problem, flog the shit out of it and you will get problems with any newish car.
If you have any questions you can PM me.
Regards
Ben

[DIRTY ROCK STAR]

has anyone got a new 2011 STX?
whats the word on these ones?
is the motor ok to put out 140kw from such a small motor?

and offroad im assuming they would be fairly ordinary.

reckon it can take on the OTL and go to the cape and home??


EDIT- fixed a blocked hose on my 80 series TD. so fork the nissan for this kid.

Cheers

Twon

[alex.tas]

Dover:
is yours the 07, or 08 model?
Thanks for the tips too, i reckon i'll spend most of my time onroad, with the occasional trip into the dunes or something similar. how do they go there, where ground clearance isn't the major concern? I'll be looking at the manual option, so I guess it wont be the best option for dunes.

As far as buyers tips go, is there anything i should be aware of when looking for a nav?

Cheers

Al

[Dover]

Dover:
is yours the 07, or 08 model?

Mines the Sept 08.
Cant say there is anything out of the ordinary that you need to look out for.
Check their service book for regular servicing, they get damaged underneath if they havent been lifted and have been flogged offroad.
I went out on the weekend and found the clearance with the new suspension great for mild offroading. They won't ever be a extreme 4wd as there wheel base is to long.
A locker in the rear would help alot.
Cheers
Ben