Nissan Repair: Fuel tank & Timing belt, timing belt replacement, recommended interval

Question
RE: 2001 Frontier Gas Tank Issues (dated 8/2/2005)

My '01 Frontier (VG33E) is at 95K and 5 months ago I had the same Fuel gauge malfunction as Monica. Eventually, the gauge stopped working so I then relied on my odometer, filling up every 300 miles or so. On my last oil change the shop's diagnostic machine reported a Fuel Thermostat Sensor Malfunction. I was told my Frontier wouldn't pass its annual inspection (due Feb 06) unless I fix it. Is this sensor part of the Fuel Sending Unit? If so, would it be easier to buy a tank from a same year/model Frontier sitting in a junk yard?

Also, I have 10K before the recommended timing belt replacement. Would it be wise to go ahead and change it now? Along with this, what other replacements should I include? I've put aside $1500 for preventive maintenance so let me know what you recommend.

One last thing, perhaps you've watched a submarine movie (like Crimson Tide) and heard the sound of two large underwater metal objects (like subs) brushing against each other. The sound tends to be   deep (not sharp) but distinct. Anyway, this is the  type of noise (though at a much lower decibel) that I hear when I start my Frontier on cold mornings or when I begin rolling from a complete stop. The sound is very faint, you almost have to listen for it in order to notice it. Anyway, it's been happening for the past few months too and I have no idea what it could be. The sound is more noticeable if I begin rolling in 2d rather than 1st gear. Perhaps something needs grease; any ideas?

Forgive the giant post, I hope others find it helpful too. Thanks.

Answer
Ricardo,

The gas tank replacement would be cool if it were available.  But, it is not that hard to replace the pump assembly.  Yes, everything is on the pump.

The timing belt does not have to be replaced until it is indicated.  Get the most out of the one you have before a replacement is in order.  I would change it at the recommended interval.

The noise is the transmission front bearing.  Once the vehicle gets going the noise goes away.  I have two Nissans that do the same thing and as long as you start it up and drive you are fine.  Do not let the vehicle sit at idle when you first start it up as the front bearing gets lubrication from the vehicle going down the road.  At idle, in neutral, the bearing receives no lubrication.