Postby smj999smj » Sun Apr 18, 2021 5:18 pm
Having retired from Nissan in 2003, I now work in Corrections in Virginia. A few years ago, most likely due to their low cost, the state purchased a number of 2017 Frontier SV Crew Cabs with the 5-ft. bed. They make great roving patrol trucks compared to the big Fords/Chevys/Dodges that are often used, as they are more nimble around the one-lane road and the V6 seems to do better over time lugging around between 10-20 MPH than their domestic V8 counterparts. One thing I've noticed, having spent a lot of hours driving around the 1-mile loop at night, is that the headlamps are considerably better than our R51 Pathfinders! Now, I'm not saying they're "great," but they are a vast improvement in both high and low beam compared to my 2006 and 2008. I've been comparing the pictures of the two at Rockauto, and there is some difference; it looks like the later Frontier headlamp may be a little longer and the R51 lamp has what appears to be mounting tabs for the grille. Obviously, the corners are very similar as they both share the same fenders. If I'm not mistaken, I believe the hoods are the same, as well. I'm wondering if the headlamps and grille can be swapped over to the R51 without having to swap the bumper covers? I might have to look into this more. Thoughts and opinions are welcome!