81 720 4x4 diesel 5spd build

[MAster-O-Turbonics]

And it rolls on its own off the lift...
I put 620 leaf springs in the rear, and just have some regular stock datsun coil springs up front, but are wayyy too weak. Just there to hold it up to roll around.

height of the 521 vs. my 04 frontier



My 6'4" buddy posing next to my truck:

[HillBilly_Young01]

Truck is looking good! Hopefully my pos is back up and wheeling by the time ya finish.

[MAster-O-Turbonics]

Originally Posted by HillBilly_Young01

Truck is looking good! Hopefully my pos is back up and wheeling by the time ya finish.

LOL yeah.. get that thing SAS'd or you'll be getting beat by a 40 year old Nissan!

Not much done recently, but I should be able to get some work in this weekend.
Here is how it sits now.

[Midget28]

The cut on that front end is damn nice it just needs some 37s to fill the gap now. So what are the plans for the bed of this thing? All tube or some modified version of the stock bed or just a stock bed for now?

[MAster-O-Turbonics]

Originally Posted by Midget28

The cut on that front end is damn nice it just needs some 37s to fill the gap now. So what are the plans for the bed of this thing? All tube or some modified version of the stock bed or just a stock bed for now?

Its going to be cool... patience. :-D

[MAster-O-Turbonics]

Got the Panhard bar in so...
First flex pics(sorry its blurry, I'm in an unlighted shop):




Tire is hitting the turn signal on the driver's side... time for more trimming. :-D

[PrarieDatsun]

Looking real good. Cant wait to see it on some trails.

[MAster-O-Turbonics]

Originally Posted by PrarieDatsun

Looking real good. Cant wait to see it on some trails.

Thanks!


Here are some pics from today:

I cut up the 521 bed on the donor truck(all rusty on the bed bottom)


Mocking up the passenger side:




Driver's side:





Looks like I'm going to have to lengthen the stock wheel well openings... Still want to look somewhat original but I'm putting together a plan on how to go about opening them up and keep the look.

[slickrock209]

DOVETAIL!! DO IT!!

[MAster-O-Turbonics]

Originally Posted by slickrock209

DOVETAIL!! DO IT!!

but also




and
(ignore the springs... they are just to hold up the front end for now... lol)

[MAster-O-Turbonics]

Got some more work done today...

Worked on getting the right side mounted. The left side was removed(un-bolted from the locking hub) for reinforcement like what you see in these right side pics.

Nowherre near done yet but at least the bed side isn't going to collapse under its own weight.

[Idaho Hillbilly]

I'm loving this build!! I have a '69 521 that I want to build very similar to this. I already have a set of wagoneer dana 44's to put under it. Been trying to decide what power train I want to run. I'm definitely gonna be watching your progress. KEEP IT UP!!

[MAster-O-Turbonics]

Originally Posted by Idaho Hillbilly

I'm loving this build!! I have a '69 521 that I want to build very similar to this. I already have a set of wagoneer dana 44's to put under it. Been trying to decide what power train I want to run. I'm definitely gonna be watching your progress. KEEP IT UP!!

Thanks man!

I eventually want to run a bigger/better drivetrain, like maybe a VG30ET or other similar sized engine. An engine swap is so easy with plenty of room over the transmission and a decent amount of engine bay room. Maybe a newer Nissan 4 cylinder turbo-diesel.
This SD22 motor should be good for slow crawling but I have a feeling its going to be really slow on the road even with a turbo haha.

I definitely recommend using a 720 4x4 frame as it already has the transfer case setup in the chassis and the 521 body is pretty close to fitting on the 720 frame. If you are going to keep the IFS, MAKE SURE that the front axle boots are in great shape.... those axle shafts are not sold any more(if you can find them, they are VERY expensive) and when I figured it was going to cost the same to do the solid axle swap as to rebuild the stock front suspension... might as well do the swap.

[Idaho Hillbilly]

It will definitely be going solid axle. I've got so many ideas going through my head its driving me crazy though. I just saw a guy post a king cab on craigslist the other day for $250 no glass but all mine is good. I'd love to have that cab for the leg room.

http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/2856651887.html

I'm kicking around building a tube chasis and sticking it all on that.... also thought of stuffing it all on top of a small reg cab ranger chassis and powertrain... save myself the fab work and just go wheel it. I just love the look of these little datto's.

[MAster-O-Turbonics]

Originally Posted by Idaho Hillbilly

It will definitely be going solid axle. I've got so many ideas going through my head its driving me crazy though. I just saw a guy post a king cab on craigslist the other day for $250 no glass but all mine is good. I'd love to have that cab for the leg room.

http://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/2856651887.html

I'm kicking around building a tube chasis and sticking it all on that.... also thought of stuffing it all on top of a small reg cab ranger chassis and powertrain... save myself the fab work and just go wheel it. I just love the look of these little datto's.

Just gotta get at it man! Start cutting and welding on stuff or it'll never happen!




So an update finally....

painted the engine bay and misc front end metal


scuffed and painted the wheelwells







Worked 95% of the fender bender damage out of the LF fender. Just needs a skim coat of some polyester finishing putty.



one of the next projects:


And just some general shots of the truck... have plenty of minor bodywork spots to touch up...





Getting some wheels and 33's for it tomorrow night.

[MAster-O-Turbonics]

Got some roll-around wheels/tires FINALLY

[MAster-O-Turbonics]

[boardbysled]

Looks good. One question, those front springs are temporary right?

[MAster-O-Turbonics]

Originally Posted by boardbysled

Looks good. One question, those front springs are temporary right?

Yes, they are just to hold up the front end for the time being. Lol.
Trying to decide on coilovers or air shocks

[boardbysled]

Originally Posted by MAster-O-Turbonics

Yes, they are just to hold up the front end for the time being. Lol.
Trying to decide on coilovers or air shocks

If its gonna see street time, my vote is coilovers. FOA's or Profenders can be had for right around the price of a set of new airshocks.

[Lebanese Showoff]

Wow, i must tell you, I'm impressed, very good job . Cool to see SAS swaps into nissans, my boss has an XTERRA with 60's front and rear on 42's. I like seeing projects like this, can't wait to see the final product.

[RestForYourSouls]

This is great! I've been looking for a 520 or 521 to do an Ultimate Adventure type rig and stumbled across this build. I thought I was gonna be the first one to build a 500 series! Oh well, I dig yours.

[MAster-O-Turbonics]

Its getting there!









Racing Honda 3 core radiator and Optima 34R reversed terminal battery (Thanks to MetalMonkey47 for the screaming deal at AutoZone!).


some close-ups of the hose setup


IT RUNS!

Sd22 Datsun 521 running - YouTube

May 1, 2012 20:09 - YouTube

The motor is pretty much solid mounted, which I am going to re-do with some hydraulic mounts. I thought there was going to be enough isoation between the chassis and cab for the vibration, but its pretty much ridiculous, LOL!

[nissannut]

Pretty cool. Its getting there.

[Idaho Hillbilly]

That thing is gonna be SO sweet when done!! Love the build man, keep up the good work!