The following is for the DIY types that have been struggling with finding a cheaper alternative to the inflated used pathfinder transmission prices.

So, I recently purchased a used Pathfinder for a steal with the water intrusion issue. The transmission cooler had already been bypassed, but the damage appeared to be done already to the transmission. I am the type that has no issue swapping in a replacement transmission, but as you all know, the TCM is connected to the valve body on these transmissions and that makes the task of simply replacing the transmission much harder as the TCM is affected by the intrusion as well and is paired with the ECM/CAN system.

The second kick to the groin was the cost of these transmissions and valve bodies both new and used. Not only is the pathfinder transmission very hard to find used, but when found, have a price tag in the 1500-2000 dollar range. This of course makes landing a good deal on a Pathfinder seem like a not so good deal.

This led me to explore other more affordable options. I looked at other vehicles with the same model transmission and of course soon found out that the 5 speed RE5R05A is used in almost all of the rear wheel drive nissan vehicles.

A quick craigslist search and I was finding G35 transmissions for 200-400 dollars with under a hundred thousand miles on them. The 08 G35 sedan apparently had very similar drive ratio's, so I pulled the trigger and bought a used one. The following is just a confirmation that I was successful in swapping a RE5R05A from a RWD 2008 G35 into a RWD 06 Pathfinder.

Keep in mind that for this to work, your valve body must not be ruined. If you had the water intrusion issue and are only having shifting issues that do not throw a TCM code (torque converter failing to lock up, shudder, falling out of gear, falling out of torque lockup going downhill), this will work. I was able to salvage my valve body and TCM by meticulously taking it apart and cleaning it.

Thing's I had to swap over from the Pathfinder transmission:

Bell housing (The G35 bell housing is much smaller, The bolt holes are identical)
Rear shaft cover housing (These almost looked identical and arguably do not need to be swapped, but there were minor casting differences so I did it anyways)
Gear shift rod and mechanisms(The shift handle is on the drivers side for the G35 transmisison and the pathy is on the passenger side. The rods and mechanisms need to be swapped)
Valve body and TCM(A new valve body can be used as long as you get it properly flashed for your pathy afterwards)
I used the G35 torque converter. There are likely differences in the stall or whatever, but I haven't noticed anything.

After your transmission is back together it's as simple(lol) as reinstalling the transmisison in the pathy. Transmission shifts great now and I am happy to have saved a couple thousand dollars.

If anyone has quiestions or needs more detail, feel free to ask. I took a few pictures as well and can post them up.

Like the way you think outside the box!

Only issue might be that the torque converter won't be up to the weight of the pathy, but if you don't tow, I don't think it would be a problem.

Good work!

Thanks!

I would be interested in knowing the differences in the torque converters someday. I know the Titan guys have some go-to companies that have the knowledge about them. One thing I did notice was a +10 stamp on the G35 torque converter and a +11 on the pathfinder. The most I will ever tow with this RWD pathy is a small to medium trailer.

It was a bit of a gamble, but there are enough pictures out there of the internals/externals of these transmissions that I felt comfortable taking the gamble...even though it's not been documented anywhere.

I know sooner or later someone will be in this situation on their pathy and the difference between 500 dollars and 2500 dollars might keep the Pathfinder from going to the junkyard.

Great information. Now to find a cheaper option for four-wheel drive Pathfinders!

I'd imagine it's possible to swap the rear section of the transmission, but I cannot be certain at this point. In hindsight, I should have documented the process in more of a tutorial manner with pictures of every step.