Datsun Truck

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Datsun Truck

Manufacturer	Datsun Nissan
Production	1955-1986 (as a Datsun)
Predecessor	Series 10T (1935-1943) Series 1121 (1946-1955)
Successor	Nissan D21 series
Class	Compact pickup truck
Body style(s)	2-door Regular cab 2-door King cab 4-door King cab
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine(s)	0.9L D10 I4 (Datsun 120) 1.0L C I4 (Datsun 220) 1.2L E, E-1 I4 (Datsun 320) 1.3L J13 I4, 1.6L L16 I4 (Datsun 521) 1.6L L16, 1.8L L18, 2.0L L20B I4 (Datsun 620) 2.0L L20B I4, 2.0L Z20S I4, 2.2L Z22 I4, 2.2L SD22 Diesel, 2.4L Z24 I4, 2.5L SD25 Diesel (Datsun 720)

The popular and economical Datsun/Nissan compact pickup truck was produced in Japan from 1955 and imported to the United States, Australia, Finland, the Middle East and various European countries. Modern versions of this vehicle are still in production around the world, currently known as the Frontier & Navara.

The post war truck, the 120 series, was produced from 1955 - 1957 and used the Nissan D engine.

[edit] Datsun 220

1957 November, the type 220 was introduced. Engine and chassis, appeared at 210 and the same type, inline four-cylinder OHV 988cc Nissan C engine (34ps). It was produced from 1957 - 1961.

1958, exhibited at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It was exported to North America soon after.

[edit] Datsun 320

August 1961 the 320-series was release,and was produced from 1961 - 1965. The 320 series was largely inherited from the earlier 120-220, with improvements to the body and frame. It used the Nissan E engine.

Vehicle type, SINGLECAB "truck" (320), DOUBLECAB "pickup" (U320), 2-door, "van" (V320) of the three bodystyles, based on a wider wheel track (G320) with increased ground clearance. Though described as a van, it also resembles a 2-door SUV, an apperance approach that was internationally introduced in 1986 with the Nissan Pathfinder.

Bed and luggage space were in addition to the expansion, with the support of the market characteristics and the robust chassis engine was easy to handle, it was a best seller in the truck market segment.

This chassis was also a sales hit 310 in the reinforcement of the type Nissan Bluebird, a variation of the same series, in which the X-members plus a reinforcement of the FairLady roadster of the S310-type CSP311 It was also used for the new Silvia coupe.

1963, 410 in-migration.

In 1964, minor changes, and competitors from Toyota called the Hilux and Mazda called the Mazda B-Series.

[edit] Datsun 520

The Datsun PL520 was built from 1965 - 1968.

[edit] Datsun 521

The PL521 was the next generation of Datsun pickup truck. It used the Nissan J engine and later had an Nissan L16 engine, with a straight rear axle and somewhat resembled a Datsun 510 from the front. It was manufactured from 1969 - 1972, preceded by the 520 and followed by the 620. The 521 was the first compact half-ton pickup in 1968.

[edit] Datsun 620

In February 1972, the 620 series truck was released. It was a single cab truck and two types of wheelbases were offered, and it consisted of six models of pickup seating, it was related to the delivery van offered only in Japan. It continued to use the Nissan L engine. This was the first series to offer an automatic transmission as an option.

Nissan continued the strong rhythms and styling of its previous vehicles, with a shoulder "wing line" accent running alongside the vehicle. Later the KING CAB was introduced to Japan.

In 1976, production started at Nissan Kyushu plant.

In 1978, the first diesel car DATSONTRUCK (SD22 2.2 L 65hp ) Add a flat-floored and the car deck.

[edit] Datsun 720

The Datsun 720 came in regular cab and "King Cab" models, with regular and long bed options. The King Cab proved very popular. There was also a 4-door variant offered in some overseas markets. Also, a utility body style like the early Toyota 4-Runner was also available. (Was called the Bushwacker, available as an aftermarket conversion)

The 720 was manufactured in the newly built Smyrna, Tenn plant from 1983.5 to 1986

Early (1980-1983) models had single wall beds with protruding side lips and rope ties, 2 faux hood vents, and tail lights on the lower rear valance.

For a limited period, 1983.5-1984 models built in the USA had the single wall beds with rope ties, yet used tail lights on the rear bed corners with amber turn signals over the red stop/tail lights while the backup lights remained under the tailgate. The front end underwent transformation as well, with a larger grill, bumper, and corner lights. There was also a revised dashboard with round instead of square gauges. At the same time, the regular cab was lengthened slightly and the air extractor vents behind the cab doors changed from the high "flag" look to long, narrow ones that matched the height of the window opening. The cab of King Cabs was unchanged.

Finally, the late model trucks produced from 1985 - 1986.5 utilized double wall, smooth sided beds, with revised tail lights on the corners which resembled those on Chevrolet/GMC S-series trucks. Some overseas models continued with the early style beds.

Other US model variations besides KC (King Cab) were the GL (???), DX (deluxe), ST (sport truck) and Cab and Chassis models (2wd only).

In most other parts of the world, one could purchase a 4-door cab version of the 720, but such trucks are rare and were never sold in the US.

The Datsun 720 was available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, although prior to 1984 the front suspension in 4WD models was an adaptation of the 2WD suspension.

In 1979.5 and 1980, models were powered by Datsun's 2.0L carbureted L20B engine, but soon after switched to the Nissan Z engine line, In the Middle East it was powered by Datsun's 1.8L carbureted L18 engine. The 1981-1982 models used the Z22 carbureted 2.2L engine and an optional SD22 Diesel. In mid-1983 Nissan introduced the Z24 2.4 Liter, Z20 2.0 Liter and the SD25 Diesel; this happened at the same time that the 720 series was marketed as a Nissan (the Datsun name, which had disappeared entirely after 1984, was now only seen below the Nissan name on the left corner of the tailgate). In the American market the diesel engine was only available in the 2WD 720 (from 1982 to 1985). The Z24 was upgraded to Z24i fuel-injection (option) for the 1986 models. Additionally, some overseas markets received versions with the 1.5L J15, 1.6L J16 or 1.8L L18 carbureted engines. The 720 Series was never available with any of the Z22E or Z20E multi-port fuel injected engines. These engines are, however, easy to adapt and integrate into the chassis and can be found with the genuine appearance of being original equipment.

[edit] Nissan D21 series

Nissan D21 series truck

Manufacturer	Nissan
Also called	Nissan Navara (Australia) Nissan Hustler Nissan Camiones (Mexico 1993-2008) Nissan D21 (Chile)
Production	1986-1997 for the United States & Canada Up to March 15, 2008 in Mexico
Assembly	Smyrna, Tennessee, United States Kyūshū, Japan Cuernavaca, Mexico
Successor	Nissan Frontier
Class	Compact pickup truck (1986-1997)
Body style(s)	2-door,4-door and king cab truck
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	2.4L KA24E I4 1.6 L Z16 I4 1.8 L Z18 I4 2.0 L Z20 I4 1.6 L NA16S I4 2.0 L NA20S I4 3.0L VG30E V6 2.3L SD23 I4 diesel 2.3L TD23 I4 diesel 2.7L TD272 I4 diesel 2.7L TD27T2 I4 turbodiesel
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 4-speed manual 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	104.3 in (2649 mm) 116.1 in (2949 mm)
Length	174.6 in (4435 mm) 190 in (4826 mm) 195.5 in (4966 mm)
Width	65 in (1651 mm) 1986-1992 & 1995-97: 66.5 in (1689 mm) 1993-97: 66.7 in (1694 mm) 1993-97: 67.1 in (1704 mm)
Height	62.4 in (1585 mm) 62 in (1574.8 mm) 66.7 in (1694 mm) 67.1 in (1704 mm)
Related	Nissan Pathfinder

The Datsun 720 was replaced in the 1986.5 model year with the D21 known in North America as the Nissan Hardbody. The Hardbody can be visually distinguished from the earlier 720 by its two larger headlamps rather than the 720's four smaller units, but the entire body is in fact different. The Hardbody used a chassis and suspension similar to the 720, and the fuel-injected Z24 was carried over as the base engine, but its body and interior were an all new design.

The truck's name, "Hardbody", refers to its double-wall bed and overall styling. The Hardbody was produced for the U.S. Market from 1986.5 until 1997, and were direct competition to the Toyota mini pickup. The old to new Nissan body style changed in mid-year 1986, so the new 'D21' 1986 Hardbody trucks are referred to as 1986.5; they can be distinguished from the earlier 720 body by their two large headlights rather than four smaller.

The Nissan Pathfinder was derived from the North American market Hardbody Truck and started in the same model year with chassis code WD21. The Pathfinder originally started out as a D21 series 2-door delivery van with a factory installed, removable back seat, similar to the first generations Chevrolet Blazer and Ford Bronco. The Toyota 4Runner was a competitor that had a removable rear roof section for open air motoring as also found on the Blazer and Bronco. The Pathfinders roof was not removable.

1986-1989 Nissan Hardbody Truck extended cab

In the US, the Hardbody cab styles were 'Standard' and 'King' (also known as 'Extended'). Bed lengths were 'standard' 6-foot (2 m) and 'long' seven foot. International markets also received the 'Crew Cab' (4-door) version with a short four and a half foot bed. Both 4-cylinder and V6 engines were available, with the 2.4L 4 cylinder KA24E being a respectable-performance SOHC engine that replaced the Z24i for 1990-1997. The 6 cylinder 3.0L VG30E engine increased power and torque only modestly (with 1995 being the last year the VG series engine was available until the replacement Frontier), and was not available on all the Hardbody variations. Five-speed, including overdrive, manual transmissions were the most common, but an automatic transmission was available for some configurations. Both rear wheel drive (4x2) and four wheel drive (4x4) versions were made in quantity. A limited slip differential was standard on the top 'SE' trim. Major options included air conditioning, larger wheels/tires, sliding rear window, radios, and rear bumper. There were several trims available including base, XE, and top of the line SE. The XE could be ordered with a 'value package' starting in 1994 which included air conditioning, power mirrors, alloy wheels, and chrome on body trim such as the mirrors and bumpers. The SE was better equipped and most came fully loaded from the factory with sunroof, power windows and locks, air conditioning and alloy wheels. A new more ergonomic dashboard arrived for 1994 replacing the previous angular design. A driver's side airbag was added for 1996 while rear wheel ABS came with both 2WD and 4WD models.

Nissan Hardbody Truck with second facelift

A 1997 Nissan Hardbody Truck 4WD is shown in foreground. The last year the Hardbody model was made

These low-cost, dependable Hardbody small pickup trucks sold very well worldwide, and are still often seen both on-road and off-road. They are renowned for their reliability and endurance, with the exception of body panel and frame rust over time. Other things to look for are a noisy timing chain on the 4 cylinder which may mean the timing chain guides or timing chain are worn. The V6 engine has a timing belt that requires replacing every 60 000 to 80 000 miles. Should the belt break, serious and costly engine damage is likely to occur due to the valvetrain's interference design. Exhaust manifold studs are also know to fail prematurely on the V6.

This D21 design was still available new in some Latin American countries, made in Mexico until the 2008 model year. In its current home country a range of four basic variations of the D21 are sold together as the Nissan Camiones (literally "Nissan Trucks"). Nissan Mexicana ended production of the Camiones in March 15, 2008 after 15 years of production in the Cuernavaca plant.

[edit] External links

• Nissan DATSUNTRUCK
• Nissan DATSUNPICKUP
• NISSAN HERITAGE COLLECTION
• http://www.pickuptruck.com/html/history/nissan_segment1.html
• http://trucks.about.com/cs/classicgallery/a/datsun_trucks.htm
• http://rohling.com/auto/pl521/
• http://www.datsunhistory.com/

Nissan Hardbody at the Internet Movie Cars Database

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