Join the Discussion "the transmission in my 1997 Z71 decided to give up the ghost.  At only 83,000 it was cooked.  I have heard of four others who knew someone who had a similar situation with 1997 or 1998 Chevys.  Is this tranny a piece of junk?" KCDAN

Related Resources • Nissan Makes and Models • Drivetrain & Traction Parts

Elsewhere on the Web • Eaton Automotive

MARSHALL, MI … Eaton Corporation (NYSE:ETN) announced that it has provided Eaton ELockerÔ Differentials to Nissan Motor Company (NYSE:NSANY) for the new Nissan Xterra prototype SUV; code named Project X. Nissan will unveiled its extreme off road Xterra prototype boasting Eaton ELockerÔ differentials at the Gathering of Xterras (GOX 2001) event on Labor Day Weekend in Ouray, Colorado.

...both axles can be completely locked allowing the vehicle to maneuver through aggressive terrain.

Nissan developed this vehicle with Eaton's Torque Control Products Division, part of the Powertrain and Specialty Controls Operations of Eaton Automotive. "The ELockerÔ will provide the Xterra with unmatched traction and mobility. With a simple flick of the dashboard-installed switches, both axles can be completely locked allowing the vehicle to maneuver through aggressive terrain. The superior traction provided by the ELockerÔ differential should minimize the trail damaging wheel spin typical of less capable systems," said Larry McAuliffe of Eaton Torque Control Products Division.

"The Eaton ELockerÔ differentials play an integral part in the vehicle's superb off-road performance," said Richard Miller, Vehicle Evaluation Engineer and "Project X" coordinator, Nissan Technical Center North America. 

Eaton has been focusing its automotive strategy and resources on fuel economy, safety and environmental impact. Other product examples include advanced gasoline vapor controls, common rail Diesel fuel controls, variable valve actuation components and patented ULVâ Ultralite engine valves, a finalist for the 2001 Automotive News PACEâ award for product innovation. For more information about Eaton automotive products, visit http://www.automotive.eaton.com.

Eaton Corporation is a global $8 billion diversified industrial manufacturer that is a leader in fluid power systems; electrical power quality, distribution and control; automotive engine air management and fuel economy; and intelligent truck systems for fuel economy and safety. Eaton's 54,000 employees work in 29 countries on six continents. For more information, visit http://www.eaton.com.