Frontier King Cab Vs Crew Cab

The Nissan Frontier, a stalwart in the mid-size truck market, offers two main cab configurations: the King Cab and the Crew Cab. While both share a common platform and many mechanical components, their differences in cabin space and practicality translate into distinct maintenance considerations and common problem areas. This article explores these differences, focusing on maintenance, troubleshooting, and real-world issues encountered by Frontier owners and mechanics, using a problem-solution approach.

Body and Interior

The most obvious difference is the cab size. The King Cab (also known as an extended cab) features a shorter overall cab length and rear-hinged, forward-opening "suicide doors" for accessing the rear jump seats. The Crew Cab, on the other hand, offers four full-sized doors and a significantly larger rear seating area. This difference impacts several areas:

King Cab: Rear Door Latch and Hinge Issues

Symptom: Rear doors difficult to open or close, latch not engaging properly, excessive rattling.

Cause: The complex mechanism of the rear-hinged doors is prone to wear and tear. Road grime, salt, and lack of lubrication contribute to corrosion and binding. The unique latch design can also suffer from misalignment after impacts or prolonged use.

Solution:

1. Lubrication: Start by thoroughly cleaning and lubricating all hinges, latches, and cables with a high-quality penetrating oil. Use a silicone-based lubricant to avoid attracting dirt and grime in the long run.
2. Adjustment: Inspect the door alignment. Loose hinge bolts can cause sagging, preventing proper latch engagement. Tighten or replace worn bolts as needed. The striker plate on the B-pillar (the center pillar where the rear door latches) may also require adjustment. Loosen the bolts, reposition the striker plate slightly until the door closes smoothly, and retighten.
3. Latch Replacement: If lubrication and adjustment fail, the latch mechanism may be damaged or worn. Replacement latches are readily available. Refer to a repair manual or online tutorial for proper installation procedures.
4. Cable Inspection: The rear doors often use cables to connect the interior handle to the latch. Inspect these cables for fraying, kinks, or damage. Replace if necessary.

Example: Owners of earlier Frontier King Cabs (2005-2010) often report issues with the rear door latches failing due to corrosion, particularly in regions with harsh winters.

Crew Cab: Rear Door Window Regulator Problems

Symptom: Rear windows slow to operate, grinding noises, window not moving at all.

Cause: The window regulators, especially on older models, can suffer from wear and tear on the motor, cables, or plastic guides. Debris accumulation inside the door panel can also impede movement.

Solution:

1. Inspection: Remove the door panel (refer to a service manual for specific instructions) and visually inspect the window regulator mechanism. Look for broken cables, cracked plastic components, and excessive rust.
2. Lubrication: If the mechanism appears intact, try lubricating the moving parts with a silicone-based grease. This can sometimes restore smooth operation.
3. Regulator Replacement: If the regulator is damaged beyond repair, replacement is necessary. Window regulators can be purchased as complete assemblies or as individual components (e.g., motor only). Consider replacing the motor and regulator together for optimal reliability.
4. Window Track Cleaning: Clean the window tracks with a brush and a mild cleaning solution to remove any accumulated dirt or debris. Lubricate the tracks with a silicone-based spray.

Example: The rear window regulators on 2011-2015 Frontier Crew Cabs are known to be a common failure point, often requiring replacement after several years of use.

Engine and Drivetrain

Both the King Cab and Crew Cab models typically share the same engine and drivetrain options. Common issues are related to the engine, transmission, and suspension, which are largely independent of the cab configuration.

Timing Chain Whine (VQ40DE Engine)

Symptom: Whining noise from the front of the engine, especially at idle or low RPM.

Cause: The VQ40DE engine, commonly found in both King Cab and Crew Cab Frontiers, is prone to timing chain wear. The timing chain tensioners can also fail, leading to chain slack and noise.

Solution:

1. Inspection: A mechanic can diagnose timing chain wear by listening for the characteristic whine and by checking the timing chain tensioner extension.
2. Timing Chain Replacement: If the timing chain is worn or the tensioners are failing, replacement is necessary. This is a complex repair that requires specialized tools and expertise. It's recommended to replace the entire timing chain kit, including the chains, tensioners, and guides.

Example: Many Frontier owners report timing chain issues on VQ40DE engines with over 100,000 miles, regardless of cab configuration.

Automatic Transmission Problems (RE5R05A Transmission)

Symptom: Harsh shifting, slipping gears, delayed engagement, transmission overheating.

Cause: The RE5R05A 5-speed automatic transmission can suffer from valve body wear, torque converter issues, and general wear and tear. Neglecting regular transmission fluid changes exacerbates these problems.

Solution:

1. Fluid Change: Start with a transmission fluid flush and filter replacement using the correct Nissan-specified fluid (typically Matic-S or Matic-J depending on the year).
2. Valve Body Inspection: If the problem persists, a mechanic can inspect the valve body for worn valves or solenoids. A remanufactured valve body may be a cost-effective solution.
3. Transmission Rebuild or Replacement: In severe cases, the transmission may require a complete rebuild or replacement. Consider the vehicle's age and overall condition when making this decision.

Example: Frontier owners experiencing transmission problems often report symptoms similar to those seen in other vehicles using the RE5R05A transmission, such as the Nissan Pathfinder and Xterra.

Suspension and Steering

Both King Cab and Crew Cab Frontiers share a similar suspension design, with independent front suspension and a solid rear axle. Therefore, maintenance and troubleshooting steps are largely the same.

Leaf Spring Sagging and Rear End Sag

Symptom: Rear of the truck sagging lower than the front, reduced ride quality, bottoming out over bumps.

Cause: The rear leaf springs are prone to sagging over time, especially if the truck is frequently used for hauling or towing.

Solution:

1. Leaf Spring Inspection: Visually inspect the leaf springs for cracks, rust, or broken leaves.
2. Add-a-Leaf Kits: Add-a-leaf kits can provide additional support and lift the rear of the truck. These kits are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
3. Leaf Spring Replacement: If the leaf springs are severely damaged or sagging, replacement is the best option. Consider upgrading to heavy-duty leaf springs if you frequently haul heavy loads.
4. Airbags: Helper airbags can be installed inside the coil springs to provide adjustable load support.

Example: Frontier owners who frequently tow trailers or carry heavy loads in the bed often experience leaf spring sagging, regardless of cab configuration.

General Maintenance Tips for All Frontiers

1. Regular Oil Changes: Follow the manufacturer's recommended oil change interval (typically 5,000-7,500 miles) using a high-quality synthetic oil.
2. Transmission Fluid Changes: Change the transmission fluid every 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. Use the correct Nissan-specified fluid.
3. Coolant Flushes: Flush the cooling system every 3-5 years to prevent corrosion and maintain optimal engine temperature.
4. Brake Inspections: Regularly inspect the brakes for wear and tear. Replace brake pads and rotors as needed.
5. Tire Rotations: Rotate the tires every 6,000-8,000 miles to ensure even wear and prolong tire life.
6. Check Fluids Regularly: Monitor fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid) and top off as needed.
7. Inspect Belts and Hoses: Regularly inspect belts and hoses for cracks, wear, and leaks. Replace as needed.
8. Address Problems Promptly: Don't ignore warning signs or unusual noises. Addressing problems early can prevent more serious and costly repairs down the road.

By understanding the specific maintenance needs and common problem areas of the Nissan Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab, owners and mechanics can proactively address issues, maintain their trucks in top condition, and enjoy years of reliable service. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are key to extending the life of your Frontier.