I found this little Datsun pickup riding high at Home Depot, trying hard to fit in with all the other high-riding big pickups. It even sported a 4×4 badge. Undoubtedly it’s sitting on a chassis of something a bit more modern and with actual four wheel drive.
If it had a double cab, it would really fit in.
Cool find! And don’t be so sure about it being on a newer chassis; 4WD conversions were rather popular in the ’70s using Jeep CJ-5 components. These trucks, (and Chevy LUV’s) have a 26 inch center to center frame spacing up front – same as a Jeep CJ-5.
Yeah that was my first thought, but with the 6 lugs and that style of hub it is unlikely. You can convert the CJ axle to GM brakes and have the correct 6 lug pattern to match the rear but those use the internal style locking hubs.
My father had a truck like this and I believe it came with 6 lug hubs. Hard to believe but true when everyone else was using less.
Considering the way all the smaller pickups disappeared years ago, and how short the Rampage’s life was, can’t help but wonder how the Maverick will do.
Pretty neat .
-Nate
I’m sure that’s a late model frame and drivetrain under there. With the lightweight bodywork, I suspect that thing will scoot right along under a heavy throttle foot.
Looking at the frame that is visible, I am pretty certain it is sitting on a Nissan D21 chassis.
My old Mazda B2200 2WD had 6 stud wheels… A nice upgrade where the Chrome ones from a Nissan as they were a direct fit…
I’d much prefer the Datsun for pretty much everything. Especially for zipping around minimum maintenance/ fire roads. Other than having a lot less power I bet it would run circles around that Dodge on trails. Only beef is no roll bar so the old noggin doesn’t get squished.