Is anybody using one. Looking at a new Nissan Frontier but want an automatic. Thanks

A friend used one and had nothing but trouble with it. He even carried a spare drive line due to all of the problems. Finally sold it and went to a toad with a transfer case that could be shifted into neutral.Bill

We used an axle lock on a 96 ford Tarus sw that we wanted to use for a toad. Towed it all over the US, and loved it. Never had any problem whatsoever. SO. I did have to carry a small foam pad to put my knee on while releasing or engaging the lock, but it was a 5 second thing. These may not be available any more.

I haven't seen the "axle lock" (actually a half shaft disconnect) used on FWD vehicles for quite awhile. REMCO had them and presumably others.The Frontier, as an RWD truck, is a different animal. Only manual shift versions are towable. What? You say. Put the 4WD transfer case in N and go. Nope: No Neutral in the Frontier's TC. 2WD manuals tow in N and 4WD tow in N with the TC in 2WD-High.We tow a 2009 4-cyl 5-speed manual Frontier. Great truck, but we want manual transmissions anyway. An OP here on RV.net wanted a Tacoma and to be able to tow it four-down. Went Driveshaft Disconnect and hated it. Traded trucks to get out of it.The things DO work. The problem seems to be they're temperamental about the connect/disconnect routine. I'd want a spare driveshaft as noted above.Might be a REMCO lube pump for 2WD Frontier with automatic. Many use pumps OK. Others have had transmission failure and grief with Warranty, REMCO, etc.I don't like the trucks but perhaps the GM Chevy Colorado/GMC Whatever would be an option. Their transfer case shifts to N electronically.

j-d, Only looking at an Auto because we live in Los Angeles and with traffic a stick sucks, this will be my only car. Around town I drive a VW Baja bug but no heater or air for the winter, Have towed it for 10 years but need more comfort now. Wife has an FJ if we need 4wd.

I have been using a disconnect since 1993 and it works just fine. Properly adjusted and dry lubricant are the key to easy operation.

Drive shaft disconnect | Good Sam Community

21 Replies

BIKERK9
Explorer
Mar 26, 2016
Check out: Motor Home Dinghy Guides for year 2000 thru 2015.
RVMike
Explorer
Dec 20, 2015
Thanks j-d. Have all of 70 miles on it and love it. Next is the base plate
j-d
Explorer II
Dec 19, 2015
You should like that truck! It's a solid truck with a car-like ride.
RVMike
Explorer
Dec 19, 2015
Thanks folks but I bought a Frontier with V6 and 6 speed manual. Problem solved

Mike
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Dec 18, 2015
moisheh wrote:
The posts about disconnects being a problem are often not by the owner but " my friend". We used a Remco disconnect on a Tacoma for almost 5 years. Worked great. BUT we had the factory do the install. Often the problem is the driver not the truck. Of course I would prefer not to need a disconnect but every year the list of Auto Trans vehicles that can be towed gets smaller and smaller.

Moisheh

I was the owner. hated it. do you still have to mash a stationary gear into a moving gear to engage it?
I don't remember any adverse comments in this thread other than by an owner/user.
bumpy
moisheh
Explorer
Dec 18, 2015
The posts about disconnects being a problem are often not by the owner but " my friend". We used a Remco disconnect on a Tacoma for almost 5 years. Worked great. BUT we had the factory do the install. Often the problem is the driver not the truck. Of course I would prefer not to need a disconnect but every year the list of Auto Trans vehicles that can be towed gets smaller and smaller.

Moisheh
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Dec 15, 2015
RVMike wrote:
j-d, Motorhome Mag list says yes. Have a test drive planed in the am and asked salesman to verify before I buy.
Thanks

although you solved/or unsolved this issue, do NOT ask the salesman, check the owner's manual under either towing behind a motorhome or recreational towing for the true facts.
bumpy
j-d
Explorer II
Dec 15, 2015
I was able to gOOgle "2016 Nissan Frontier Owner's Manual" and see the restriction. I don't have it up right now, but I think Page 9-36. RV.net crashed right when I was posting a reply about this last night.
RVMike
Explorer
Dec 15, 2015
j-d, you are right, I misread the list. Thanks
j-d
Explorer II
Dec 15, 2015
Maybe Nissan added Neutral to the Transfer case or decided to OK the automatic for towing. Please check carefully. Get the Owner's Manual for the exact truck and read carefully.
They didn't used to be towable with automatic, any of them. If they've been changed and towing is OK, that's wonderful. I'd love to be wrong about this.