92 Pathfinder engine knocking/suppention problems

[Firewind]

I am looking at a very cheap 92 Pathfinder, 500 bucks he wants, newer all terrine tires. The major problems with it is, it has a really bad engine knocking.

And this is the V6 3.0l motor. It knocks really really bad sounding and fast, it almost sounds like a loud eletric spark, wondering if anyone has an idea what that may be.

The supention is really messed up, they can't aline it because it's so rusty in the back. I can't remember exactly what it's called, (Since I work with cars mostly not trucks.) but there is that large curved shapped metal that suports with the spring, where it hooks up to the frame has completely come off, on one side. rusted through, now I've done some frame repair before, and I'm thinking of just replacing the entire unit back there, but is this a common problem?

How much would I be looking for as far as cost on what it'd cost me to replace all of that, I can well it in place...

Thanks
Adam

[denisb]

The rear section of the frame on these are common rust spots (basically from the rear wheel on). Check to make sure the frame is solide right around the wheel arch and back. If not it might not be worth fixing.

As for your knocking, it could be the other common problem for these, the leaky manifolds. Does it seem to go away or quiet down once it warms up? If so it could be it. Try a mechanics stethoscope around the manifolds and see if it seems to come from around the manifolds.

If it is and you replace the studs, replace them with 300zx manifolds, they are a little beefier and will last beter.

As for cost......depends if you do it yourself or where you bring it.

Denis

[Firewind]

Yeah, the leaf springs mounts to the frame are completely rusted off. I'll see if I can tell how rusted the frame is. I kind of just need something cheap to last me through the winter.

As far as the engine knocking goes, not sure, haven't left it running that long to find out.

Would I have to replace the leaf spring mounts? Or could I clean them up and weld them back in place? I'm guessing replacement is the best option... How much do those run?

[denisb]

Hard to tell without seeing them, but I'm guessing if they broke off they should be replaced. Depending how good the guy doing the work is he might be able to fabricated them cheaper and better.

Denis

[Firewind]

Yeah sadly, apon closer inspection with a bright light, the frame is rusted through. The bottem of the beam of the frame, is falling appart. It wouldn't be fixible untill you replaced the frame basicly... Oh well.

[88pathoffroad]

Rusted frames are fixable. Cut out the rust, grind the edges smooth and weld in new steel. People do it all the time because it's such a common problem.