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Nissan Frontier King Cab 4x4 musters more power with new V6
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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EAGLE ROCK, Mo. -- In remote creases of the Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri, a brawny 4-wheel-drive version of Nissan's redesigned Frontier pickup truck -- toting a new 6-pack of power enthused with muscle -- crawled slowly up a steep and rutted hillside trail, which was studded with stones and slick from recent rain.
This rough and lumpy trace challenged forward progress of the pickup with every inch of ground gained, but nubby tires gripped with assurance and sturdy shock absorbers from Frontier's off-road suspension package filtered the bumpy ride while still delivering sure-footed control for driver.
Beyond a thick cluster of hardwood trunks to the right, the terrain cascaded hundreds of feet down the hillside to a scenic valley dotted by oak and pine. Behind the tailgate, a jolting path over fallen logs through silted chutes had led to this high spot, which would be inaccessible to a conventional 2-wheel-drive vehicle.
Despite adversities along the route, Nissan's truck forged ahead, smothering stone and trail goo with deep-tread rubber while mustering an armory of low-gear torque and applying the strength of 170 horses to propel almost two tons of truck metal deep into the backwoods.
For off-road adventures like this as well as tough truck chores, Frontier needs the V6 engine.
As the newest nameplate in Nissan's stable, Frontier rolled out as a 1998 compact truck outfitted with either rear-wheel or 4-wheel traction plus regular and extended cab variations but only a single 4-cylinder choice for power.
For 1999 models, the truck allows an upgrade to the V6 when coupled to one of two 4-wheel-drive models in stretched King Cab configuration.
Frontier's 3.3-liter V6, borrowed from Nissan's Pathfinder sport-utility wagon, stacks a single cam on top and sequential multi-point electronic fuel injection inside to generate 170 hp at 4800 rpm.
Its torque -- a measure of the muscle that turns the wheels -- runs up to 200 lbs/ft at 2800 rpm.
The V6 ties to either the standard 5-speed manual shifter or an optional 4-speed electronic automatic.
Despite its compact bulk with 4x4 rigging, Frontier with V6 aboard leaps to action when commanded.
That muscle became particularly apparent in sticky off-road conditions, such as trail mud experienced in the Ozark outback and on pavement at higher speeds like maneuvers passing slower traffic, or when hauling a heavy load.
Frontier's twin-cam 2.4-liter 4-in-line plant hits 143 hp and mates to manual or automatic transmission, although all 4x4s with this engine use the manual exclusively.
Optional 4-wheel-drive has as the standard a 2-speed transfer case with high and low ranges for off-road trekking. With the V6 King Cab, automatic locking front hubs appear, enabling driver to shift from rear-drive to 4x4 traction while under way at speeds up to 50 mph.
You must stop Frontier before shifting from 4-high to 4-low, which is designed for conquering off-pavement obstacles at slow speed.
Organization of Frontier begins with a sturdy ladder-type chassis reinforced with strong cross braces to enhance torsional rigidity.
To the steel platform suspension elements attach, with double wishbone arrangement up front and in the rear a solid axle with leaf springs.
The steering mechanism, using a recirculating ball mechanism, adds power assistance for all models above the 4x2 Standard entry model.
Brakes for the 4x2 include a rear anti-lock system.
With the optional 4-wheel-drive system, brakes improve to 4-wheel anti-lock with smart computer capacity that can read road surfaces via special sensors and then modulate brake pressure during bumpy situations with loose traction caused by gravel, sand or road dirt.
Other safety elements include dual air bags, with a key-activated shut-off switch at the passenger's side for installation of a child's seat. The structure has a front crumple zone and protective steel beam in each side door.
Burly exterior styling of Frontier starts at the composite grille with flanking wrap-around headlamp clusters set atop a chrome bumper. This leading edge rakes rearward in aerodynamic fashion as lines flow over the rounded hood and up the windshield to a flat cab roof.
Sides, drawn tautly with several shapely contours, emphasize strong horizontal lines sweeping back to an aggressive rear end with corner lamps and forceful bumper.
Fender flares become part of the standard exterior treatment for 4x2 SE version and all 4x4 models.
The back bed, a flat rectangular box stretching more than six feet long and spreading wide to five feet, is also deep -- 17 inches.
Within the bed, Nissan's flexible loading system functions through the installation of partition boards in special slots to create two-tier loading plus three sectional divisions for front, center and rear areas.
Frontier's tailgate can be removed quickly in a simple manual maneuver. Also, it closes easily in a one-hand lift-and-lock operation.
Favorable prices in a range from $12,000 to $24,000 work for Frontier because Nissan skirts the add-on cost of imports by constructing the truck in the United States at Nissan's Tennessee assembly plant.
Models commence at the price-leading standard Frontier configured as regular-size cab with rear-wheel traction mode and engine equipped with manual 5-speed shifter.
Frontier's 4x2 issues also include XE Regular Cab and King Cab in XE and SE editions, while 4-wheel-drive Frontiers show up as XE Regular Cab plus King Cab XE or SE.
The latter two XE or SE King Cab editions are the only ones which carry the V6 engine.
Frontier's cabin provides comfortable amenities.
Bench or bucket seats are available, as covered in woven cloth or velour in upgraded trims.
The stretched King Cab applies twin side-mounted and side-facing rear jump seats, plus a new front center console as standard for SE King Cab or option on XE King.
1999 NISSAN FRONTIER TRUCK
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1999 NISSAN FRONTIER KING CAB 4X4 Specs |
| Description: |
Compact pickup truck |
| Model Options: |
Compact pickup truck |
| Wheelbase: |
Regular: 104.3 inches
King: 116.1 inches |
| Overall Length: |
Regular: 184.3 inches
King: 196.1 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 2.4-L I4
SOHC 3.3-L V6
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| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Rear 4x2, part-time 4x4 |
| Braking: |
Power disc/drum/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
I4 4x2 M/5: 22/26 mpg
V6 4x4 M/5: 16/19 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 12,000 to $ 24,000 |
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