[Scotty574]

I've seen a lot of post on here about what transmissions are compatible with my 2007 and even some people saying you can make one out of a 2011 and newer fit my 2007 (if I use my old valve body and TCM...) Problem is... My Xterra got the SMOD... So I can't use those parts... I'm kind of in a bind because I really don't want to spend $3500 -$4000 on a new transmission for something that isn't worth more than that.

I've found newer transmissions for 2013 models on eBay for cheaper than older onesb but I want to make sure they'll work without too much hassle. Any tips for what to do? Or should I scrap this thing? It's a nice vehicle other than this transmission and I'd hate to let it go.

help me Xterra God's... You're my only hope 🙏

 

[SimpleX]

Short answer: all 2nd gen Xterra & Frontier transmissions are compatible (same transmission).

The TCM and valve bodies changed over the years & I believe are different between X & Fronty.

To save headaches most reuse their old TCM.

It is possible to clean the valve body or get it rebuilt (probably the better option). Rebuilt or reman units are usually flashed to your VIN so a safe option. Maybe someone who has done this can weigh in???

I would make sure the donor is the same configuration as your truck (2 or 4wd), again, to avoid headaches.

Make sure the shop replaces RMS while the transmission is out (5 minute job, they are @$$hats if they charge you extra labor for it).

It goes without saying but replace SMOD radiator before dropping at trans shop. No need to bypass, buy a Koyo, CSF, or later model OE radiator & flush the the old system before pulling off & flush again before final coolant fill.

Many others on this site have dealt with this exact issue. There are a wealth of posts & I'm sure you can PM people to fill in blanks.

Hopefully one of the SMOD gods reads this and can verify or correct what I put out.

If you never want to deal with this again golden opportunity to convert to stick!

Best of luck OP...

 

[RoadKiller2006]

I would go with the advice above just to avoid any issues, but I’ve don’t this with no issues:

My truck is originally a 2wd 06. When I did my 4wd conversion i used a 4wd transmission from a Canadian ‘12 truck.

It swapped right in, never had issues with it not shifting properly.

 

[Scotty574]

I would go with the advice above just to avoid any issues, but I’ve don’t this with no issues:

My truck is originally a 2wd 06. When I did my 4wd conversion i used a 4wd transmission from a Canadian ‘12 truck.

It swapped right in, never had issues with it not shifting properly.

So you think I could make something like this work relatively easily?

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My Xterra is a 2007 4WD S. thanks for the replies too

 

[RoadKiller2006]

It might. But you can find lower mileage transmissions for cheaper.
I know some people had issues, some like myself had none. I believe either way the dealership can reprogram the transmission to the truck if necessary.

I would try to stay with a transmission from an Xterra it it were me. Probably a better chance for it to work “out of the box”

here’s a quick example of one that comes out of an Xterra, it’s cheaper and has 66k on it

 

[SimpleX]

The answer is already yes to any RE5RO5A transmission out of ANY 2005-19 Frontier & Xterra (& some Pathfinders but better not to open that can of compatibility worms) working on your Xterra. Same bellhousing, same casing, same gearing, same internals, same tailhousing, same transfer case for the entire run.

Nissan made this work for the Frontier by giving it a longer driveshaft, no other changes.

As noted previously, the valve body & TCM are the only major items that changed.

I was being lazy telling the OP to stick with 4wd earlier. I checked and mount pattern on trans, transfer case, and tailhousing are the same, meaning any 2 or 4wd trans should fit. Pop off a 2wd tailhousing if it came with the unit & it will bolt straight to your transfer case.

Feel free to do more checking, but as Roadkiller2006 pointed out, you should probably be more concerned about miles and condition.

Also, consider changing input & output seals on trans & transfer case while everything is apart, cheap insurance.

 

[Scotty574]

It might. But you can find lower mileage transmissions for cheaper.
I know some people had issues, some like myself had none. I believe either way the dealership can reprogram the transmission to the truck if necessary.

I would try to stay with a transmission from an Xterra it it were me. Probably a better chance for it to work “out of the box”

here’s a quick example of one that comes out of an Xterra, it’s cheaper and has 66k on it

View attachment 132840

You got a link to that thing? Thanks again man

The answer is already yes to any RE5RO5A transmission out of ANY 2005-19 Frontier & Xterra (& some Pathfinders but better not to open that can of compatibility worms) working on your Xterra. Same bellhousing, same casing, same gearing, same internals, same tailhousing, same transfer case for the entire run.

Nissan made this work for the Frontier by giving it a longer driveshaft, no other changes.

As noted previously, the valve body & TCM are the only major items that changed.

I was being lazy telling the OP to stick with 4wd earlier. I checked and mount pattern on trans, transfer case, and tailhousing are the same, meaning any 2 or 4wd trans should fit. Pop off a 2wd tailhousing if it came with the unit & it will bolt straight to your transfer case.

Feel free to do more checking, but as Roadkiller2006 pointed out, you should probably be more concerned about miles and condition.

Also, consider changing input & output seals on trans & transfer case while everything is apart, cheap insurance.

Okay cool! Thanks again guys. My TCM and valve body did go through a case of SMOD but I caught it early on... Flushed the transmission and installed a new radiator a few months ago... Then my trans failed about a month and a half after. So you all think I could use the TCM and Valve body on the new one? I keep seeing that I have to re-use those but the did encounter smod so I'm a little concerned... Haha I'm new to this shit.

 

[SimpleX]

No idea, the last auto trans car I had didn't have electronics, manual purist because I don't want a computer & hydraulics shifting whenever they feel like it (I tell you when to shift car!!!). TCM is between my ears for my X, Porsche, & motorcycle.

That said, many on this site have had this issue & posted about it.

SMOD TCM, TCM Swap, SMOD valve body searches should give you a full day of reading if you want. They will also give you a tick list of knowledgeable sources you can PM. Some of the site moderators are also good for this.

Here is a link to what appears to be a reputable company that deals directly with your issue OP, read & I hope it helps.

Trans Shop Info

Fwiw if I were dealing with your issue I would try to find a wrecked car that has the correct valve body & get the TCM/TCU (whatever nissan calls it) flashed to my VIN to make sure it works the first time.