Pre or Post Facelift R50 Nissan Pathfinder: Which Should You Get? (1996-2004)

Which would you choose? Which one do you have? Let me know in the comments!
If you're looking to get an R50 Nissan Pathfinder, it's important to understand the differences between pre-facelift (1996-1999) and post-facelift (2000-2004) models. Although they're obviously very similar, one might suit your needs better than the other, especially due to the different engines. Either the 3.3L VG33 V6 in pre-facelift (and 1999.5) models, or the 3.5L VQ35DE V6 found in 2001-2004 Pathfinders.
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[@208Tyler]

Great Video! There's defenitely a pro-con between the two styles of the R50. Please keep making videos, there's not alot of people talking about how great of a value these are. A few small notes: Most commonly, you'll find that people refer to the two iterations as Pre-Facelift and Facelift (or Post-Facelift) R50's. While "refresh" is of course an accurate descrition, the community's popular terminology of "Facelift" is most common. You made a mention of 4-cylinders at the beginning...? There's no USDM/NA 4-cylinders R50's. On the availabilty of limited slip diffs: I find them quite often in the 1996-2000ish models at yards, and they're distributed randomly. Once 2002 hits, Nissan only puts them in LE trim pathfinders. The limited slips in the 96-02 are twice as strong as the 03-04's, but you're right that niether is that desireable. Swapping in 3rd member from an 00-02 Xterra or 01-02 "HG" differential equipped Frontier unit is another desireable option (140 to 180 ft-lbs break away torque) that involves less work than super-packing. And of course all R50 diffs are interchangeable throughout the generation. On the manual hub issue, all manual hubs made for any iteration R50 will fit all other R50's, provided that your wheel bore doesn't shrink as it moves away from the hub like it does on many post 2001 R50's. Keep it Up!

[@TotalOutdoorsBC]

Thanks for the support Tyler! Yeah I realized after recording and editing everything that I mentioned the 4 cylinder for pretty much no reason lol. I've been watching lots of video of diesel Terranos so I guess thoughts of 4 cylinder engines were just floating around in my mind and ended up making it into the final cut. Thanks for including that additional info about the limited slips! Definitely not my area of expertise and I didn't want to try and make an authoritative "guide to LSDs" after only a few hours of poking around on forums. Unfortunately here in Canada, pick n pull type yards are illegal which really limits the availability of used parts. Salvage yards around here have been pretty annoying to deal with and command high prices for some reason. And yes, I was thinking of your video when I mentioned manual hubs, but I made it sound like a compabitibility issue with the hubs themselves and not just the stock wheels, ugh. I wish you could still add cards to videos so I could correct myself haha. As soon as this rain holds off I'm going to try getting back out there. My footage of summer soft roading is running thin!

[@208Tyler]

@@TotalOutdoorsBC Haha, terrano's are cool. And those diesels.. there's at least one diesel R50 that I've seen pictures of in Canada, someone imported it. Bummer on the pick-n-pulls. That must make super packing a pain too (the shims are discontinued and no longer sold by nissan, you need used shims essentially). KZbin studio should still let you add video cards.... its a little of a hidden feature, but it's still there in my KZbin Studio. No worries on the hubs though, since wheels are OEM equipment and affect fitment of hubs, it can be explained both ways. Awesome! more footage would be great.

[@ghostofsparta6579]

Nice notes and analyzing.. I'll just add this The 3.3 came with a defrential of 4.6 ratio to make up for the 170hp engine which is a lower output , on the brightside it proved more efficient off roading and better acceleration take off.. the twincam 3.5 engines 240 - 250 hp came with less defrential ratios that is not the best when it comes to off roading but comes in handy for maximum top speeds.

[@208Tyler]

@@ghostofsparta6579 this is not true. The 3.3l R50’s can be found with both the 4.6 and 4.3 ratios. I’ve done a lot of hunting for the 4.6 ratios. I swapped my 03 to a 4.6 and have sold several 4.6 gearsets. Additionally, 01 and 02 R50’s with the VQ35 can come with 4.6 ratios, while the 03 and 04 are 4.3 only. They’re all interchangeable if you want to swap, and even some Xterra and Frontier 3rd members will swap in. My 03 R50 has a 4.6 LSD 3rd member from an 00-02 Xterra

[@ghostofsparta6579]

@@208Tyler i was talking about Nissan pathfinder / R50 pacificly & rang from 2000 to 2004 Most of the VG33E that i came across came with the def ratio of 4.6 and it is mentioned on the engine bay data plate.. And of course there is minoritys with spacial advance features depending on the region the car comes from but the mass production line attend to come with features in a certain way.. The nissan pickup trucks comes with a separate different differential pattern based by the company and it is set by the years of the models .. i happend to have the list (for the pickup trucks setting) , but if i found it on line I will defnetly send you the link . My 3.3 R50 SE came full option sunroof electric heated seats widows curse control and a stick to swich to 4x4 and over drive button on the gear shaft stick witch some what rare .. the only disadvantage is ofcours its and automatic transmission & my 4.6 was open defrential so i added the bloka limited slip defrential parts that is from the company.. For the past 5 years i cheaked over 2000 r50 approximately and made friends with one R50 gruop leadr who got over 400 member across the country , realy nice guy. Last but not least the R50 results is my humble personal reserch and observation over the years .. ((maybe the region this cars come from a factor as well )) really sorry for the book ⚘

[@marshaldowns8957]

I have a 99.5 model with the vg 3.3. Rock solid vehicle, and very capable off-road. I prefer the manual transfer case, because they are more reliable and easier to repair

[@jomeldemdayo3636]

I have watch this video 50+ times ended up buying the 2 pathfinder. Thanks man

[@zmoorer]

Great vid! I happen to have a 1999.5 Pathfinder. Facelift with the 3.3. So this version basically ran for 1.5 years (1999.5 and 2000). Whenever I look for parts I always say it is a 2000 because the only other option is 1999, which is pre-facelift. Mine only has 114K miles and I love it. I purchased it from the original owner 1 year ago. It is 4wd and came with open rear diff. I purchased an LSD third member from a 2001 Xterra with 95K miles and installed it. Glad to have the little extra help.

[@TotalOutdoorsBC]

Sounds like a solid build, and it's barely broken in!

[@charlespatterson9138]

I also have the 99.5i got it at 200k miles but of course the tranny went out a month later but she's been unstoppable since and there's a 3yr warrenty on that tranny so it's good to go I still get confused which other rims fit it inhear the numbers all the time.but I'm.betyernwith names lol like those Tacoma's I swear they got.those rims.n new tires on OfferUp everyday but not.sure.if.it fit around the hubs lol ok i.mwant.tomjust saynyea I love my.pathfinder haha

[@rubenmarin1448]

But, which diff is better? I own a 99 Pathfinder SE

[@olivi3339]

The horsepower and torque of the VQ35, is a big step up from the VG33 engine... In hill climbing, it makes a big difference... Also, the vq35 engine, was rated in the TOP 5 production engines, for the 4 years it was in the Pathfinder.... That is saying a lot!!. If maintained(oil changes), 300 000+ miles is common for this engine....

[@rubenmarin1448]

Hi, I just find this page. I'm glad I did subscribe, Cause just got a '99 4x4 pathfinder with 3.3 and been looking for instructional videos in order to know better what I'm about to drive... Definitively looks like I choose right! Honestly I wanted a Cherokee but they are expensive, and are so abused that they are on fair conditions on sale, Feel so lucky that I found a pathfinder in good condition, and found this great page, My English is short so I have to see videos twice, first with my eyes closed, to pay attention on that bunch of info, and "see" the video for second time to enjoy the views... Now I have many videos to see and learn... Thanks, and keep it up Saludos de phoenix AZ.

[@TotalOutdoorsBC]

Thank you for your kind words and good luck with your Pathfinder, that was definitely a good choice!

[@Jacksonavenue00]

What has surprised me most with my 01 LE is how durable suspension/structural components are. I have tortured mine, messed up and slammed into underwater potholes while launching into mud pits at 30+ mph, no broken or bent components.

[@cic-jakevanddalgeemyers.2739]

I like the older trims over the newer ones.

[@fredygonzalez6104]

I have a Pathfinder 2001 LE 3.5 in Northern Mexico, "they work well"

[@oshaeumaga4333]

I have a 4 Speed Automatic 1996 Nissan Pathfinder Ti which is the higher trim level here in Australia. It has the chrome front and rear bumper and 3.3L VG engine. In Australia unfortunately, even the later 2000's models only came with the 3.3L VG engine and not the 3.5L VQ which sucks. Not sure why we didn't, maybe because we have the Nissan Patrol here and a bunch of other popular cars like the 79 series Landcruiser. In saying that, for a cheaper reliable simple 4wd it definitely beats paying twice as much for a Hilux Surf that tends to overheat here in Aus.

[@malrofo]

I had a 99.5 SE limited and it wqs a beautiful truck. Slow as ish and gulped gas but it had power everything, heated seats and a sunroof. Old engine and new body was a great combo. Also the engine was so smooth i could barely tell it was running

[@TotalOutdoorsBC]

"slow as shit and gulps gas" hahahahahaha accurate 😅 True about the engine also, sometimes it makes me think I stalled it, tach is broken so I go by sound.

[@JeffGoesWheeling]

I just picked up a 2003 SE 4x4 with an automatic transmission and manual transfer case. Unfortunately, it's got the 4.363 gearing. But it's got a limited-slip rear, so I'll work with that. I bought it for a few hundred dollars with a seized engine and some rust-through in the cargo floor. I'm almost done with the rust repair, and I've got a junkyard VQ35DE engine on a stand, and a few boxes of parts for it. I'll be making and posting videos this summer - I'm almost healed up enough from knee surgery on April 30 to get back to the build and creating content. I've got a list of stuff I want to do to it including manual hubs and welding the front diff. I've subscribed to your channel!

[@infinid4565]

Nice editing and breakdown! Also the Re4ro1a 4speed auto trans are slightly different. The 01-04 are the HD (heavy duty) version which were also used in the supercharged xterra and frontier since it was rated for the higher torque numbers. You will be replacing your trans if you decide to put a non-HD 96-00 version in your 01-04 model. Looking forward to more videos!

[@TotalOutdoorsBC]

Thanks for the support! That's good to know, I'll update the article.

[@jomeldemdayo3636]

I have a broken 2000 automatic transmission. Is it possible to swap it on a 2004 automatic transmission? I heard bell housing size are different in size

[@DrKennyWang]

I inherited a 96 pathfinder from my ex wife. Her dad gave it to me. It was an amazingly reliable car, but the frame dampeners were worn out, so it made a horrendous front suspension noise, and we could never get the alignment right. These things also had a factory recall regarding rust in the strut tower. Basically, the strut tower would rust out and cause a critical safety flaw in the event that the strut collapsed while driving. There is a factory fix where the dealer has to reinforce the entire strut tower and rust proof the whole thing. Great car, though. Could run forever. Front frame dampener was the kiss of death, though. 😊

[@dannyagm1974]

Very well done video I have a1999 infiniti qx4 i believe they are Brothers with the pathfinder thanks for the information was very good to know all that I'll be waiting for more videos God bless you

[@TotalOutdoorsBC]

Thank you for the kind words! And yes, they are basically the same vehicles but the QX4's code is actually JR50, a Pathfinder LE would be nearly the same.

[@erikvolkmann9944]

You can also sometimes tell if it has an lsd in the rear by looking at the back of the rear diff. They came with a small orange sticker on them. My 1999.5 LE still has one despite lots of offraod use, neglect from the previous owner and 280,000km

[@midnightAlchemistOfficial]

Thanks for the upload. I run a 2003 Pathy Chilkoot. My wife and I love the features and our off-road needs are well satisfied by the capabilities of the R50. Hummm, looks like you were out at Nanaimo lakes? See you out there sometime. :)

[@r3darchive]

Your green pre facelift came from the dealer I work at. Good info

[@RabiesCrackero]

Thanks for the guide, very straightforward

[@TotalOutdoorsBC]

Thanks for watching!

[@FratddArtworks]

Great Vid I've got 98 Pathfinder, I hope they will return 90's look in the future, Current version of the pathfinder is ugly as hell.

[@DubstepMonkey42]

Love these trucks my 97 R50 terrano is a beast with my mods. Just the lockers left it will be a monster that will keep up with all the big boys out there. Even when it was stock it kept up with those rust bucket Toyotas 😂

[@the_roaming__bear]

nice a fellow r50 owner and in British Colombia !

[@clintadams8451]

I have a 99.5 R50 Terrano with the 3.3ltr, it is 175hp. It has a dial shift on the dashboard for auto, hi and lo ratio.

[@TheKPDX]

Nicely done! Obviously, I would echo Tyler's comments as he knows the R50s well. I noted you mentioned a "fold down armrest", are you referring to the center armrest in the rear seat? There are several differences between Canadian and USDM R50s, sometime it would be interesting for someone to detail the differences between all the international models. I recently acquired a 2002 QX4 and it's been amusing to note all the little differences between the QX4 and my Pathfinder, even though they were built only a month apart. Keep up the good work! I'm guessing you're in BC by the scenery (oh, and I guess the plates) BTW, I tried to sign up to your Total Outdoors site but it kept returning me an error message saying it had failed.

[@TotalOutdoorsBC]

Thanks for the comment! I really appreciate the feedback and support from you guys. I think I've come across your Pathfinder on NPORA before actually! And yeah, my brother's 2003 has a fold down armrest built into the middle seat in the back row. It's like what a lot of other cars have, but unfortunately it doesn't have cupholders and it folds down a bit low for my elbow. Yep BC, great place to have a 4wd haha. I'll see what I can do about the mailing list thing. Although I've barely put anything on the website so far I'm planning on overhauling it soon, I'll keep you in the loop!

[@mykejohnson582]

Exactly i have an Canadian version 2004 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum LE ed and mines is so different from every other one where i live and i have the towing package that it came with stock, it has alot of features, this truck is advance for its time, everyone that ask me the yr. always thinks its like 2 yrs younger than a 2004 mine is tan on the ext. and all black leather trim on the inside w/charcoal wood grain trim i think hp rating on theses particular models were the same as that of its brother/sister the Infinity Qx50 which is 260hp /280 tq. after all both is built by Nissan.

[@mykejohnson582]

@@TotalOutdoorsBC Are you sure it does'nt have one its located on the bottom base of the front seat arm rest in the rear just pull it out and it slides back in, i have an 2004 Platinum ed so it should'nt be much difference the 03 and 04.

[@liyanwang7594]

Or Myabe you can get reliabilities with most of the features from the Post face lift by just get a 1999-2000 Infiniti QX4, VG33 engine with e-lock and most of the post face lift features and better interior

[@jomeldemdayo3636]

Thanks man!

[@mathewt4309]

Awesome video buddy!

[@TotalOutdoorsBC]

Thank you, I really appreciate it!

[@jesussilva6426]

I front end swapped a 2000 front end and back end to my 1996 pathfinder it was really easy to swap

[@jesussilva6426]

All tho I'm still looking for the fuel sender unit for my 96 le 3.3l

[@dougsphilippinejourney1118]

Silly question maybe....but will the auto trans out of a '95 fit a '98? I have both. Thanks!

[@rehimrehimov3492]

thank you bro

[@totothebeast7819]

I'd pick the Pathfinder lol

[@ja9817]

Awesome vid man , Any chance you could do one on the 4 cylinder diesel engine options ?

[@jonathanho699]

I have the 1997 qx4, I being try to look at the bull bar so I could have space for the lighing. All the bullbar I find none of those fit pre-facelift model. but I'm not sure since I saw they base on same

[@timwinfield8509]

2000 and later Pathfinders use a different left rear sensor on the traction control models. When it goes bad all the dash warning lights come on and the speedo will not work. They were $350.00 CDN when they were available and they are discontinued by Nissan and I have yet to find an after market replacement. The 4WD shifting is not effected although the dash light will stay on in 2WD. You can use a GPS for a speedo but the car will not pass a safety inspection should you whish to sell it at some future time. If anyone knows of a supplier for these sensors please let me know by replying. Thanks, Tim.

[@TotalOutdoorsBC]

Interesting, sounds like an annoying issue. Unfortunately I'm not familiar with that system because mine does not have traction control. Good luck!

[@timwinfield8509]

@@TotalOutdoorsBC Just to be clear, The VDC is a different system than traction control. Sensors for traction control vehicles are still available from after market venders. It's a shame the VDC type aren't available because otherwise the Pathfinder is an awesome and powerful off roader.

[@danrowlands3705]

And i have the electric transfer and believe me if your stuck in mud or water its a game changer ... you aint swimming to go lock ur hubs 😂

[@keanudroidowner]

Anyone know if facelift tail lights fit pre facelift?

[@samuelfisherwayne5564]

Que chulas 😊

[@gizzyguzzi]

so, the 3.5 has a timing chain?

[@TotalOutdoorsBC]

That is correct!

[@randygreen3778]

Has anyone figured out how to solve the vibrations with the front drive shaft in on the 2002 ? I've changed the u joints and still have the issue.

[@TotalOutdoorsBC]

Could it be the CV axles?

[@OlazerO]

to what speed can you switch between 2H to 4H and 4H to 2H?

[@TotalOutdoorsBC]

The manual says you can shift into 4H while going up to 80kph (50mph), which is also the maximum speed while driving in 4H.

[@levihewell2357]

MY DISTRIBUTOR JUST WENT OUT AND SO DID MY TIMING BELT, sorry for the yelling just crazing that it's so common took us forever to figure it out

[@TotalOutdoorsBC]

Oh no! Hope you can get it fixed :)

[@mixstagram]

Cool video! I was inspired to build my 2004 SE Pathfinder out over the past two years thanks to people like you. I hope to make a video soon showing all my mods. I did this one explaining how and why to replace the stock bump stops with SumoSprings if you're into off-roading. I was the first to do it. Check it out if you are interested; kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2WckJ-XZtStb5Y

[@TotalOutdoorsBC]

Thanks for the support! Looks good, you're making me want to paint my undercarriage now...

[@aaronerickson8878]

just get a 1st gen xterra

[@TotalOutdoorsBC]

$$$$