Nissan · 1986-1997
Hardbody D21
The Nissan Hardbody (D21), built 1986-1997 in Smyrna, Tennessee, is one of the most respected small pickups of its era. It offered Z24i/KA24E 2.4-liter fours or a 3.0-liter V6, standard and King Cab bodies, 2WD or 4WD, and a double-wall bed that gave it its name.
- Years
- 1986-1997
- Drivetrain
- RWD · 4WD
- Engines
- Z24i · KA24E · VG30i
- Sold in
- US · Canada · Mexico
Spec sheet
- Production
- 1986–1997
US/Canada production: November 1985 to 1997.
- Assembly
- Smyrna, Tennessee (US/Canada)
- Nissan Shatai, Kanda, Fukuoka, Japan
- Cuernavaca, Mexico (1993-2008)
- Samut Prakan, Thailand
- Zhengzhou/Changchun, China (licensed)
- Sold in
- US
- Canada
- Mexico
- Global as Navara/Pickup/Big M
- Codes
- D21
- Z24i / KA24E / VG30i / VG30E engines
- Body styles
- Regular cab
- King Cab (extended)
- Crew cab (international markets only, not US)
- Bed lengths
- 6 ft (standard)
- 7 ft (long bed)
- Drivetrains
- RWD
- 4WD
- Transmissions
- 5-speed manual
- 3-speed or 4-speed automatic
- Trims
- Base
- XE
- SE (top; limited-slip rear)
- ST (to ~1989)
- Desert Runner (2WD King Cab with 4WD-height suspension)
- Wheelbase
- 104.3 / 116.1 in
- Length
- 174.6 / 190 / 195.5 in
- Width
- 65 / 66.5 / 66.7 / 67.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,602 lb (one configuration)
Engines
| Engine | Disp. | Config | HP | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z24i | 2.4 L | I4 | 106 | 1986-1989 | throttle-body fuel injection; a 100-hp carbureted Z24 existed in other markets |
| KA24E | 2.4 L | I4 SOHC 12-valve | 134 | 1990-1997 | three-valve-per-cylinder head; same family as the 240SX |
| VG30i | 3.0 L | V6 | 140 | 1986-1989 | |
| VG30E | 3.0 L | V6 | 154 | 1990-1995 | EPA lists no V6 Nissan Truck for MY1996-1997; Motor Trend: 1996-97 were four-cylinder only |
Related
Overview
The Hardbody replaced the Datsun 720 in late 1985 for the 1986 model year. Its name came from the double-wall bed and the stiff sheet metal. Standard and King Cab trucks were sold in the US with 6-foot or 7-foot beds; a crew cab was available in other markets but never in America.
Early trucks used the 2.4-liter Z24i four (106 hp) or a 3.0-liter V6 (VG30i). For 1990 Nissan introduced the KA24E, a 12-valve SOHC four of 134 hp related to the 240SX engine, and the fuel-injected VG30E V6 became standard fare. Transmissions were a five-speed manual or an automatic; 4WD trucks used manual or auto-locking hubs with a two-speed transfer case. Trim levels ran from Base to XE, ST and the top SE, with the Desert Runner being a 2WD King Cab built on the higher-riding 4WD frame.
The truck was refreshed for 1993.5, and again for 1994 with a new dash. Rear ABS was added in 1990 and a driver airbag in 1995. The V6 uses a timing belt that needs changing every 60,000 miles.
The Hardbody is remembered as a durable, simple truck and many are still running; it was replaced by the Frontier (D22) for 1998.
Trims, Bodies and Drivetrains
Trims
- Base
- XE — late-model XE value package added air conditioning, power mirrors, alloy wheels and chrome trim
- SE (top; limited-slip rear) — limited-slip rear differential; option package with sunroof, power windows, locks and mirrors, air conditioning and alloy wheels
- ST (to ~1989)
- Desert Runner (2WD King Cab with 4WD-height suspension) — special edition built after a Hardbody won its class in the 1987 Baja 500; about 1,000 made
Cab and bed
- Body styles: Regular cab, King Cab (extended), Crew cab (international markets only, not US)
- Beds: 6 ft (standard), 7 ft (long bed)
Drivetrain and transmissions
- Drivetrains: RWD, 4WD
- 5-speed manual
- 3-speed or 4-speed automatic
Highlights
- "Hardbody" refers to the double-wall bed and overall sheet-metal strength
- Rear ABS on both 2WD and 4WD from 1990
- 1993.5-1997 refresh with ergonomic dash; driver airbag late 1995
- 1995 first MY with center high-mount brake light; V6 timing belt interval 60,000 miles
- Designed by Tom Semple (1982)
Known Issues
- V6 timing belt needs replacement every ~60,000 miles (Wikipedia).