Faults:

Sputtered around 2500 RPM. Changed plugs, wires, cap and rotor. Then a few days later started like it was not getting fuel. Changed fuel filter. Nothing. Changed MAS. Nothing. Problem got worse. No power. Sputtered like it was a motor boat.

Took it to a dealer. No code. Checked compression and found it had a blown head gasket between #2 and #3 cylinders.

The mechanic stated it was a very common problem.

General Comments:

Oldie but goodie.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Bought mine when they first came out in 1986. Nice, reliable work truck. Nothing fancy, just the cheapest new small truck I could find for my business. We bought a used one a few years ago to use at farm/hunting camp. Lots cheaper than an ATV/UTV, and hauls a lot more.

Faults:

I think the thermostat is getting stuck open; the engine takes forever to warm up, and never gets 100% to operating temp.

Due to neglect, the engine is dirty because of insufficient oil changes.

Also due to neglect, it has about a half-dozen vacuum leaks.

Muffler fell off at somewhere around 228,800 miles.

The truck has been dropped 3 inches, and because of it, you feel every bump and crack in the road and then some.

I am pretty sure that at least one motor mount (maybe a tranny mount) has gone bad. The truck 'wobbles' around 35-40mph.

I noticed the engine has a tendency to backfire around 2000 RPM when cold; might have something to do with the distributor advancement.

General Comments:

First off, I currently have this (86 D21 Hardbody) and a project 79 Mustang. Prior to these cars I have had 6 cars in the last 2-3 years (mostly all were "lemons"). In all of these cars I have owned, I missed none more than my 1984 Toyota Truck (Hilux) - my Toyota was a physical POS (missing both front fenders, grille, and headlights), but underneath the hood was both a beauty and a beast. I had searched for a replacement that I hoped I would like just as much, if not more, than my old 'Yota... Well, this Nissan is as close as I have gotten.

This car can be peppy; I was once carried 2nd gear from 15mph to 55mph, and the engine didn't sound anywhere near its redline.

The truck has potential to be an econo-truck. I got 14-1/2 US MPG a couple tanks ago, and got 17-1/2 US MPG on my last tank. This is with a half-dozen vacuum leaks and driving mostly on a cold engine.

Handles great, even for being dropped 3 inches. The rear leaf-springs sit about 2 inches above the ground. My friend took one look at the lowering blocks and the leaf springs, and said "the first time it snows, you ARE going to get stuck"... I drove in 4 inch untrodden snow with no problem; in fact, I had very little tire slip.

Plan to use this truck for some cross-country driving/traveling once I get out of school and fix some things on it. I may even try it as a hunting rig.

Faults:

My clutch has been replaced at 250000 miles, and again at 487000 miles.

Head gasket blew at 510000 miles.

Seats wore to the cushions in some spots.

Odometer died at 527000 miles (at least 50000 miles ago).

Most seals and gaskets replaced due to mileage and age.

General Comments:

This truck is the best truck I've ever owned. It's very cheap to maintain and operate, as well as perform normal repairs caused by age and mileage. My truck still runs every bit as good as it did brand new, and has never left me in a bind.

I use my truck for work (construction), to pull my quads on a trailer, hunting, and frequent cross country road trips. I use my truck for anything and everything, putting it through anything necessary to get done what's needed. I'm probably a bit rough on it sometimes, but this truck will outlast any vehicle on the road from any era, whether the same year or brand new, nothing beats the quality, dependability and craftsmanship of a Nissan vehicle (I own a 95 200SX and a Nissan based sandrail as well).