2009 Fron Grille on 2005

[bmramon]

Is it possible to fit the 2009 front grill on a 2005?

Are the mount holes and bumper the same?

[disallow]

I'm pretty sure this won't work. In 2008, there was a change made to the front of the pathy, to accomodate the V8 engine.

[SETI20]

From what I gathered, you need to swap the headlights and bumper as well, to make that fit.

[bmramon]

Anybody with a 2008+ that can post a photo of their engine bay specifically the rad area, from above and below? it would be much appreciated!

[smj999smj]

The nose extends 3" further on the 2008+ models, giving the headlamps, grille, etc., a steeper rake than the 05-07 models.

[skinny2]

Anybody with a 2008+ that can post a photo of their engine bay specifically the rad area, from above and below? it would be much appreciated!

You'd probably never notice the difference, even looking at it in person. As mentioned, it's a very slight difference and mainly in the angle. I tried to install '05-'07 headlamps in my '08 and they are so close it's comical, but they just will not fit.

[DanJetta]

You'll have to change the hood, grill, headlamps, bumper (and bumper cover) and some various internal mounts and frame-related brackets.

[bmramon]

haha oh wow.. makes you wonder why didn't they just modify the engine accessories on the v8 instead of changing the entire body and frame

[SETI20]

That's because that engine was used in more models than just the pathy, and a slight redesign and some bracketry is relatively cheap compared to redesigning engine layout and cast objects. Even taking the stamping of the parts into account.

It's also a non-load bearing structure. So there's less work to change that than, let's say, a crossmember redesign.

But I didn't realize the hood was different as well. I have some cosmetic damage to the bumper and was considering changing that out with some after market lights. The hood is expensive. I'll probably just repaint the bumper now.

[DanJetta]

And here's some useless info for ya: The refresh was also an effort to energize slowing US sales. Nissan wanted to update and soften the Pathfinder's look as well as differentiate it from the Frontier. They tweaked the front, the rear (bumper and tailgate), gave the interior an overhaul and added a few small convenience features (some of which only lasted a couple of model years). In the US, foreign cars tend to sell better when they're "softer." We're wimpy.

Believe it or not, the R52 "minivan" Pathfinder has outsold the R51 Pathfinder about 3:1 in its comparable year in the US market. Personally, I don't know why anyone would prefer the R52 "mom wagon."

[skinny2]

Personally, I don't know why anyone would prefer the R52 "mom wagon."

Probably because there are a lot more moms out there than people who need/want to off-road and tow with a 3-row SUV.... It would work fine for my wife.

[SETI20]

Now it can compete with cars like the CRV, which have always done very very well. I switched from a CRV to a Pathfinder myself. And while the pathy is undoubtedly much better off road, I've only taken mine on some unpaved roads and a few beach trips, running up sand dunes and messing around in some snow.
....the CRV could have done that, and on a daily basis the CRV was a much much much more creature comfort friendly car.