The V8 Pathfinder has a couple hundred pounds extra payload

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palmerwmd
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The V8 Pathfinder has a couple hundred pounds extra payload

Postby palmerwmd » Mon Jun 12, 2017 6:43 pm

The V8 Pathfinder has a couple hundred pounds extra payload vs the V6.

Anybody know why?

Please dont say "its because it has a V8 man" because the V6 is stout enough to handle extra load as we all know.
Am certain its not a power issue.. I am thinking something must be different in the suspension.
I figure they had to beef up something due to the extra weight of the V8 and the side effect was a raised payload.

Anybody know what it is?

Cheers :)


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Postby Thupertrooper » Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:03 pm

V8 2wd
Or v8 4wd
The m205 front diff is heavier then the R180
Yes the V8 engine is heavier then the v6

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Postby smj999smj » Tue Jun 13, 2017 1:03 am

I know the front brakes are a little bit bigger, as well as the already mentioned diffs. Interestingly, the front struts are the same between the V6 & V8.

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palmerwmd
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Postby palmerwmd » Tue Jun 13, 2017 4:03 am

Thanks fellas.

So no difference in suspension we know of?

I noticed the rear suspension in my 2012 Silver Ed truck seems stiffer (in a good way) than my Xterras rear which even after recently replacing leafs is real weak kneed.

Currently own a 2012 Silver Ed (leather, Bose) w/ 104k miles.

There is a good deal within a 100 miles of an '08 LE V8 which would cost me only a couple grand to execute as the 2 trucks books so closely.

So if I do this I'd get a V8, the better transfer case (with "auto" setting), A sunroof and Nav ( love factory navs). I love each of those features..

but I'd also get a 4 yr older truck (from the rust belt), a color I like less (red vs my existing dark grey) and (as a prepper) reduce my already mediocre unrefulled range even further.

I welcome any comments...

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Postby Thupertrooper » Thu Jun 15, 2017 3:33 pm

My opinion is the v8 does get less mpg but thinking a fully loaded Pathfinder you need that extra horse power. Unless you tow then obvious V8. As for the drive train you run a little beefier rear diff and front diff. Since the V8 comes with 18" wheels i believe you might have the bigger brakes that you would find in an Armada.

I cannot confirm the suspension right now but when i was shopping for rear springs there is like 20 options. Ill do research and get back to you.

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Postby Kestral » Thu Jun 15, 2017 5:06 pm

I don't think I would want a 4 year older truck even with the V8. The only issue I know of with the V8 is the exhaust manafolds are prone to failure. Not sure if it's all years or not?

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Postby DanJetta » Thu Jun 15, 2017 7:25 pm

Transmission and rear end are different between the V6 and V8, too.

Here's a decent (albeit old) discussion: http://www.thenissanpath.com/viewtopic. ... 2a7a6d6e7a

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palmerwmd
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Postby palmerwmd » Thu Jun 15, 2017 7:33 pm

Thank you gentlemen!! :D

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Postby BullDozer » Mon Dec 04, 2017 9:03 am

The rear coil springs are different for the V8 vs V6.

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Postby DanJetta » Mon Dec 11, 2017 7:19 pm

If you're looking for a great driving experience, get the V8. If you're looking for the least amount of trouble, stay with the 2012.

I have a loaded '08 V8 and absolutely love it but I've had my share of repairs.

Here are some thoughts for you:

- The V8 feels heavier (in a good way) and more substantial. It's silky smooth and, compared to the V6, quieter. Feels more like a truck to me. It's actually a great highway car.
- I average 16 MPG in DC traffic and 19 MPG driving to the beach.
- The factory navigation is garbage, so don't let that get you excited. The streets are outdated and the routes are inefficient. You're much better off using Waze or Google Maps.
- I've replaced my exhaust manifolds three times. The first time it cost $3,500 and my catalytic converter CEL just came on again.
- I rarely use the Auto 4WD feature because it's loud. If I need 4WD, I just put it in 4H.
- The sunroof is really nice. You can always have one put in, though.
- The engine and drivetrain have been absolutely bulletproof. I'm clocking almost 200K miles (with the original spark plugs) and it's smooth as silk. The engine has never needed any repair work. I've never even had to change the oil! Kidding.
- Every winter I have to burp the coolant to get heat while idling and the AC only blow freezing air when I'm moving.
- The V8 gear ratios are a tad awkward but the additional torque allows the engine to compensate and pull through.
- The brakes SUUUCK and the added weight makes it even worse. I can jam the pedal to the floor without locking the wheels up. I've tapped a few bumpers on the beltway.
- Make sure the '08 you're buying has a new radiator.

Hope this helps!

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Postby smj999smj » Mon Dec 11, 2017 9:56 pm

Interesting that you say it's noisy in the AUTO mode. I use AUTO mode in my V6 Pathy (2006 LE) almost all the time and I don't notice any noise difference between AUTO and 2wd mode.

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Postby DanJetta » Wed Dec 13, 2017 6:14 am

Maybe not “loud†as much as I can feel it in the floor. When I accelerate in Auto, it “feels†like 4WD is engaged as the power is gradually being shifted to the front diff.

It’s not necessarily a bad thing—it’s very truck-like. It’s just not a very transparent process.


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