Datsun 720

Infobox Automobile
name=Datsun 720 Pickup


manufacturer=Datsun
Nissan
production=1980-1986
predecessor=
class=Compact pickup truck (1980-1986)
body_style=2-door truck
similar=Mazda B-Series
Toyota Hilux

The popular and economical Datsun/Nissan 720 compact pickup truck was produced in Japan from 1980 to 1989 and imported to the United States, Australia, Finland and some other European countries throughout that period.

Body Styles

The Datsun 720 came in regular cab and "King Cab" models, with regular and long bed options. The King Cab proved very popular. There was also a 4-door variant offered in some overseas markets. Also, a utility body style like the early Toyota 4-Runner was also available. (as an aftermarket conversion)

The 720 was manufactured in the newly built Smyrna, Tenn plant from 1983.5 to 1986

Early (1980-1983) models had single wall beds with protruding side lips and rope ties, 2 faux hood vents, and tail lights on the lower rear valance.

For a limited period, 1983.5-1984 models built in the USA had the single wall beds with rope ties, yet used tail lights on the rear bed corners with amber turn signals over the red stop/tail lights while the backup lights remained under the tailgate. The front end underwent transformation as well, with a larger grill, bumper, and corner lights. There was also a revised dashboard with round instead of square gauges. At the same time, the regular cab was lengthened slightly and the air extractor vents behind the cab doors changed from the high "flag" look to long, narrow ones that matched the height of the window opening. The cab of King Cabs was unchanged.

Finally, the late model trucks produced from 1985 - 1986.5 utilized double wall, smooth sided beds, with revised tail lights on the corners which resembled those on Chevrolet/GMC S-series trucks. Some overseas models continued with the early style beds.

Other US model variations besides KC (King Cab) were the GL (???), DX (deluxe), ST (sport truck) and Cab and Chassis models (2wd only).

In most other parts of the world, one could purchase a 4-door cab version of the 720, but such trucks are rare and were never sold in the US.

Powertrains

The Datsun 720 was available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, although prior to 1984 the front suspension in 4WD models was an adaptation of the 2WD suspension. In 1980, models were powered by Datsun's 2.0L carbureted L20B engine, but soon after switched to the Nissan Z engine line. The 1981-1982 models used the Z22 carbureted 2.2L engine and an optional SD22 Diesel. In mid-1983 Nissan introduced the Z24 2.4 Liter, Z20 2.0 Liter and the SD25 Diesel; this happened at the same time that the 720 series was marketed as a Nissan (the Datsun name, which had disappeared entirely after 1984, was now only seen below the Nissan name on the left corner of the tailgate). In the American market the diesel engine was only available in the 2WD 720 (from 1982 to 1985). The Z24 was upgraded to Z24i fuel-injection (option) for the 1986 models. Additionally, some overseas markets received versions with the 1.5L J15 or 1.8L L18 carbureted engines. The 720 Series was never available with any of the Z22E or Z20E multi-port fuel injected engines. These engines are, however, easy to adapt and integrate into the chassis and can be found with the genuine appearance of being original equipment.

uccessors

The Datsun 720 was replaced in the 1986.5 model year with the D21 Nissan Hardbody. In 1997, the Nissan Frontier replaced the Hardbody pickup. The Hardbody can be visually distinguished from the earlier 720 by its two larger headlamps rather than the 720's four smaller units, but the entire body is in fact different. The Hardbody used a similar chassis and suspension as the 720, but its body, interior, and engines were all new (although the fuel-injected Z24 was also carried over as the base engine).