Postby smj999smj » Tue Jan 29, 2019 9:59 pm
It would have to be from a 4-wheel drive. Yes, the transfer case is removable, but then you have the adapter plate. You can't just swap the adapter plate in place of the tailhouse extension on a 2-wheel drive trans because the main shaft is a different length between the two transmissions.
Looking at the Nissan catalog, there were two part numbers used in R50 4x4's with the VG33E engine. One was used up to 12/98 and the other was used from 12/98 through the 2000 model year. Those part numbers were not used on Xterras nor Frontiers. Now, that said, it doesn't mean another part number won't work, but there is obviously some difference. I believe the valve bodies were all the same, so, most likely, it was a difference in gearing inside the transmission. If that is the case....and I emphasize "IF"...you should be able to get a transmission that will work from any Frontier, Xterra or Pathfinder with a VG33E engine and 4-wheel drive. Most salvage yards have interchange manuals or software that will say what will work for a given application.
As far as the R&R, it is pretty straight-forward. If the exhaust system is rusty, that can be a problem. Most usually take the transmission and transfer case out as an assembly; be advised that it is heavy! Heavy compared to what one would pull out of an S-10 or Ranger, for example. While you have it out, you should replace the rear main seal on the back of the engine. Also, I use brake cleaner and clean up the back of the oil pan and dry it with compressed air. Then I'll apply a thick bead of RTV sealant along the side of the rear lip seal of the oil pan and use my finger to smear it and fill the gap along where the lip seal is. This seal is known for leaking over time, so this will help seal the area up, preventing the leak.