'06 Xterra 4X4 OR 6spd

[ccd8541]

New guy on the block saying 'hello'

I am in the process of outfitting the 'X' as a (light) expedition vehicle. I'm not looking to do any heavy mods in the near futrue. I have no desire to do the serious rock or mud etc. I will not be 'out' for extened periods of time. Just want a nice ride that can get me into the back country and return with minimal headache.

Looking at day trips and maybe some short overnighters. A lot of time will be spent in the Tucson area. I might overnight a few of these.

A few times a year I will head out for a 10-14 day 'tour' of a new area. These trips will involve a return to a hotel and camping out will not be needed. For example: I did a 10 days spin through Colorado, this in a awd rental and I did not get off road as I would of liked. In Sept. I will do 14 days in Utah:victory: and will be looking to do a lot of the mild trails. Get off the beaten path a little etc.

Items on hand:


The only aftermarket mod I have ordered is Shrock sliders, they should be here in a week or two.

Navigation is covered with a Garmin 350 I had already on hand. Picked up a Garmin 60cx and National Geographic State Topo to pick up the slack off road. I will keep a map and compass handy in case 'murphy' pays a visit.

Recovery gear is a little light with only a Hi-Lift, recovery bag of goodies and 30' ft of strap on hand at the moment. I will take the time to learn how it all functions, before I need to dig myself out of a rut.

Is a pull pal a worthy investment?

Comm is just a cell phone.

I have a decent stock of survival/medical gear and a fair working knowledge on its use.


On the short list of things to do/get before Utah:


New tires in the stock size 265/75/16's. The Yokohamas are looking good from the some of the reading I've done and the price is hard to beat.

Some type of air, probably one of the mid range portable units. Q89, big brother of the MV50 I think.

Might spring early for one of the heavy batteries from Optima. Yellow or Red? I will not have much in the way of xtra battery drain....Might pick up one of the little 'friges though!

Packing and how to strap everything down is being worked through.


I'm learning as I go and appreciate all that I've picked up on this forum and others. Any suggestions/feedback is appreciated!

Chad

[Scott Brady]

New guy on the block saying 'hello'

Welcome to ExPo :smiley_drive:

The Xterra is one of the few modern expedition solutions, so you have a fantastic platform to start from.



Items on hand:


The only aftermarket mod I have ordered is Shrock sliders, they should be here in a week or two.

Navigation is covered with a Garmin 350 I had already on hand. Picked up a Garmin 60cx and National Geographic State Topo to pick up the slack off road. I will keep a map and compass handy in case 'murphy' pays a visit.

Recovery gear is a little light with only a Hi-Lift, recovery bag of goodies and 30' ft of strap on hand at the moment. I will take the time to learn how it all functions, before I need to dig myself out of a rut.

Is a pull pal a worthy investment?

Comm is just a cell phone.

I have a decent stock of survival/medical gear and a fair working knowledge on its use.


On the short list of things to do/get before Utah:


New tires in the stock size 265/75/15's. The Yokohamas are looking good from the some of the reading I've done and the price is hard to beat.

Some type of air, probably one of the mid range portable units. Q89, big brother of the MV50 I think.

Might spring early for one of the heavy batteries from Optima. Yellow or Red? I will not have much in the way of xtra battery drain....Might pick up one of the little 'friges though!

Packing and how to strap everything down is being worked through.


Sliders are a wise investment even beyond the trail benefit. Jacking and roof access are great advantages.

The pull-pall is more of an advantage with a winch. As you are intending to self-recover with a Hi-lift, just lift the vehicle and fill the holes or place traction mats.

I think you approach of minimal modification is wise. Use the money to buy fuel and explore.

A few thoughts:

1. Keep the stock tires. They are LT and of good quality
2. Consider the fridge. They really are sweet
3. Consider adding a CB
4. Water storage (how to store in the vehicle and still be able to carry it if you need to hike out)

I look forward to hearing more of your adventures and watching the X mods.

[ccd8541]

A few thoughts:

1. Keep the stock tires. They are LT and of good quality
2. Consider the fridge. They really are sweet
3. Consider adding a CB
4. Water storage (how to store in the vehicle and still be able to carry it if you need to hike out)

I look forward to hearing more of your adventures and watching the X mods.


Water issues will get squared away.
CB sounds like smart money
Fridge is just too cool not to get!


I will check in the morning but I believe mine has the P265/75R16 Rugged Trail T/A(?) Not an LT?

Reading all the tire stuff on the other forums and trying to sort through it has me going :confused:

I'm happy keeping them if they should work for light/moderate trails. Get the fridge that much sooner:luxhello:

Chad

[Scott Brady]

Hmmm. P Rated would not be ideal. Let us know what it has (I am curious).

And what are your impressions to date on the Xterra?

[bigreen505]

Welcome to ExPo :smiley_drive:

1. Keep the stock tires. They are LT and of good quality


Welcome to the party! Xterras are sweet trucks. I'm sure you know about 4x4parts.com, but if not check them out. Mike is an excellent resource.

I have to disagree with Scott about the tires, my limited experience with them is they suck, both on and off road, and are prone to flats. If the truck is brand new, see if a local tire shop will trade them toward a new set of something else and give you a reasonable price for them. If not, make sure your spare is properly inflated and that you know how to access it (i.e. practice i nthe driveway, you don't want to find out the mechanism is jammed or faulty in the middle of nowhere), and then plan to replace the tires if one of them dies an early death. At that point you can take the spare and remaining three tires and sell them on Craigslist.

Take care of the X and you may be enjoying it for a long time. I have a Pathfinder that has a couple miles on it and it looks like it will be spending the remainer of its life as my dad's off-road fun truck since I needed something bigger.

[BajaTaco]

Welcome to ExPo :beer:

If you have Long trails, I would also think replacement would be wise. If you decide to get a fridge, be sure to get a "real" fridge, and not a thermo-electric unit. And if you get a fridge, be sure to address the power consumption needs so you are not left stranded with a dead battery. It sounds like with your rare campsite venues that you might be able to get away with only one battery, but I would do some testing at home before you risk a day hike in Tucson with the fridge running at the trailhead.

I agree with Scott on the pullpal. Again, I would suggest some controlled environment testing/practice with using your highlift for jacking and recovery (bring a friend and their vehicle).

I am formerly a long time Old Puebloan myself :friday:

We look forward to your progress and a trip report from UT.





I have a Pathfinder that has a couple miles on it ...

Now that's an understatement.

[ccd8541]

Hmmm. P Rated would not be ideal. Let us know what it has (I am curious).


Sidewall has: P265/75R16 114 T M+S DT. I'm not sure what the "114 T" and "DT" are for. I was just going off the "P226" and figuring I would need an "LT".

Any suggestions?

While it is a daily driver, I might actually get it off road well more than the average person. I'm just leaning towards more moderate trails for the immediate future. In my mind I was thinking an AT or a moderate MT, if there is such a thing.


And what are your impressions to date on the Xterra?

Of course I'm biased and only have owned it 2 weeks w/ 1,700 miles. No off road time. Playing it safe a waiting on the sliders.

I feel it will be a great vehicle. I like the power. It is very comfortable and has plenty of room. RF sound system is very nice! It is an option I did not want but am glad it came with it, now that I have played it.

The rear has many options for configuration and storage, fold down seats, removable if needed, fold flat front etc. Plenty of tie down options.

Roof rack and bin will come in handy for the recovery gear. I have read to not put much weight on top.

I hear the skid plate package is considered a bit light for hard off road use but I think it will be fine for me(for now). I will just keep a eye on things.

I'm disapointed it came with the tire it did. A bit more research and I may have gone in arguing for a better tire. Not sure if it would of done any good.

I did a round trip into Phoenix a few days ago to pick up the Hi-Lift and test mpg. I got just under 23mpg at a cruise of 65mph. Can't argue with that! I might do the same route at 75 and see where it is. I'm assuming a tire swap might knock this down a bit.

I have a roof net for the interior is on the way. Very interested to see how that works for storing lighter items.

My last 4X4 was a 2002 4 door Frontier and a diesel. I owned it for about three years, living in Costa Rica, and thought it a great product. Figured I would stay with a Nissan but give the 'X' a try.

All in all I think Xterra will be a great platform for me to work minor mods/upgrades on.

Chad

[ccd8541]

Welcome to ExPo :beer:

If you have Long trails, I would also think replacement would be wise. If you decide to get a fridge, be sure to get a "real" fridge, and not a thermo-electric unit. And if you get a fridge, be sure to address the power consumption needs so you are not left stranded with a dead battery. It sounds like with your rare campsite venues that you might be able to get away with only one battery, but I would do some testing at home before you risk a day hike in Tucson with the fridge running at the trailhead.

I agree with Scott on the pullpal. Again, I would suggest some controlled environment testing/practice with using your highlift for jacking and recovery (bring a friend and their vehicle).

I am formerly a long time Old Puebloan myself :friday:

We look forward to your progress and a trip report from UT.


Thanks for the input BajaTaco!

I was leaning towards the Engel 35 and going with a Optima yellow top. Think this might work?

As you suggest, I will work and test all new systems and gear prior to getting my ***** in a crack.

Chad

[calamaridog]

Chad,

The Yokohama Geolander ATII and the Nitto Terra Grappler are both great values for an AT type tire. Some sort of quick air source so you can air down.

I'd love to see some pics when you get the sliders and tires mounted.

[Scott Brady]

I have to disagree with Scott about the tires, my limited experience with them is they suck, both on and off road, and are prone to flats.

If they are P rated tires, then replacing them would be wise. If they are LT, and he only wants to do exploration trips and lots of highway miles then keep them. IMHO the money can be better spent elsewhere, like improving the camping comforts for his family. If they dont enjoy the adventure, then daddy wont :)

[ccd8541]

Welcome to the party! Xterras are sweet trucks. I'm sure you know about 4x4parts.com, but if not check them out. Mike is an excellent resource.

Thanks for the welcome!

He does have a good site. Little short on stuff for the '06 line but I'm sure that will improve as vendors catch up.

Valid points on droping the spare etc.. I will give it a go today

Chad

[Scott Brady]

Sidewall has: P226/75R15 114 T M+S DT. I'm not sure what the "114 T" and "DT" are for. I was just going off the "P226" and figuring I would need an "LT".


Thanks. With the tire being P (passenger) rated, I would recommend an upgrade to an LT.

A question on the size:

1. I have not seen a 226/75 before and that size is not listed for the long trail.
2. I dont think the 06' Xterra's have 15" rims (R15)

would you mind double checking? It will allow up to do a better job recommending a replacement.

Thanks for the great feedback on the X! What a fun truck.

[ccd8541]

Chad,

The Yokohama Geolander ATII and the Nitto Terra Grappler are both great values for an AT type tire. Some sort of quick air source so you can air down.

I'd love to see some pics when you get the sliders and tires mounted.

Thanks for the input. An air source is on the list. I'm leaning towards the q89.

I did pick up a $10.00 tire repair kit that should work for any flats. Not much good without an air source!

Chad

[ccd8541]

Thanks. With the tire being P (passenger) rated, I would recommend an upgrade to an LT.

A question on the size:

1. I have not seen a 226/75 before and that size is not listed for the long trail.
2. I dont think the 06' Xterra's have 15" rims (R15)

would you mind double checking? It will allow up to do a better job recommending a replacement.

Thanks for the great feedback on the X! What a fun truck.

My error...sorry Scott. It is a 265 not a 226....ugh and its 16 not a 15!

Might help myself if I give the correct info eh?

[ccd8541]

... like improving the camping comforts for his family. If they dont enjoy the adventure, then daddy wont :)

Daddy:yikes:
No family per say on any of the trips. A dear friend whom is elderly will be on the longer runs of 10-14 days and that will be the reason for an overnight in a hotel vs camping(fine by me!).

On my own I might do a night or two out. I just don't see my self doing any extended outings in the near future.

Chad

[Scott Brady]

Ooops :)

I think I am confusing two threads, sorry :yikes:

[asteffes]

Hey, welcome to the forum. Nice Xterrra you've got there.

You might check out some of the power-related threads here. Several folks are beginning to report "issues" with their Optima batteries. We're all slowly getting on the Odyssey bandwagon now, as they've introduced a couple of very nice Group 34 and Group 31-sized batteries that are drop-in replacements for many vehicles. Some folks are also considering the Lifeline marine batteries. You might consider one, too, if you're going to add a 'fridge.

I've found a lot of useful info for the Odyssey batteries on Expedition Exchange's site, www.expeditionexchange.com.

[ccd8541]

You might check out some of the power-related threads here. Several folks are beginning to report "issues" with their Optima batteries. We're all slowly getting on the Odyssey bandwagon now, as they've introduced a couple of very nice Group 34 and Group 31-sized batteries that are drop-in replacements for many vehicles. Some folks are also considering the Lifeline marine batteries. You might consider one, too, if you're going to add a 'fridge.

I've found a lot of useful info for the Odyssey batteries on Expedition Exchange's site, www.expeditionexchange.com.

Thanks for the heads up on that issue. I will do a bit more reading, as you suggest, on the Odyssey brand and related threads.

Chad

[LexusAllTerrain]

Congratulations and welcome to the forum, as for the tires I would recomend the Geolanders AT II in a 285 size, some mile trimming in the front and you would be set. If you have the time post some pictures of your X, and let me know how it does on deep sand!:wavey:

[jim65wagon]

I will check in the morning but I believe mine has the P265/75R16 Rugged Trail T/A(?) Not an LT?

Reading all the tire stuff on the other forums and trying to sort through it has me going :confused:

I'm happy keeping them if they should work for light/moderate trails. Get the fridge that much sooner:luxhello:

Chad
If those are P rated and they are the BFG Rugged Trail, do yourself a big favor and ditch them. You may have to use a cooler and ice for a while, but those are possibly the worst tire I've ever had the "pleasure" of owning! Dry traction OK, but rain (roads), snow, mud :yikes: I never had one go flat, but after 15,000 miles and 3 wet road donuts I broke down and bought real tires.

[LexusAllTerrain]

If those are P rated and they are the BFG Rugged Trail, do yourself a big favor and ditch them. You may have to use a cooler and ice for a while, but those are possibly the worst tire I've ever had the "pleasure" of owning! Dry traction OK, but rain (roads), snow, mud :yikes: I never had one go flat, but after 15,000 miles and 3 wet road donuts I broke down and bought real tires.
They are P rated and they should be replaced asap.:costumed-smiley-007

[BajaTaco]

Thanks for the input BajaTaco!

I was leaning towards the Engel 35 and going with a Optima yellow top. Think this might work?


You are very welcome. Yes, I think that would work. However, as was mentioned, you might consider an Odyssey or Lifeline instead of the Optima if you can afford it (I think they cost more, but I haven't checked lately). They just have a higher amp-hour capacity, which is a good thing where a fridge is concerned. I still think the Optima is a decent battery, but I am ready to try something else now.

Regardless, I would get a battery that is a deep cycle, but has enough cold-cranking amps to act as a starting battery (Optima yellow top is an example). If you get a regular auto sized (group 34) battery, then you might consider adding a 12VDC jump-start pack to your backcountry recovery kit. Much more affordable than a dual-battery system, and portable for use in other vehicles.

[asteffes]

If those are P rated and they are the BFG Rugged Trail, do yourself a big favor and ditch them. You may have to use a cooler and ice for a while, but those are possibly the worst tire I've ever had the "pleasure" of owning! Dry traction OK, but rain (roads), snow, mud :yikes: I never had one go flat, but after 15,000 miles and 3 wet road donuts I broke down and bought real tires.

How do you like the BFG ATKOs in snow?

[LexusAllTerrain]

Here is a picture of my Geolanders AT II +
I did and try some other tires and found these tires to give me what I was looking for, low noise and agreesive grip!

[ccd8541]

Put my Shrock sliders on today and the Raingler roof net. All went smooth.

Next week I think I will try and make a decision on tires and get those on. I would also like to get the new battery picked out and in.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far! Especially the heads up on the battery.

Chad

[Allahades]

Glad to hear you went with a 2nd gen. Xterra. I've been very pleased with mine as an expedition vehicle.

I plan to go with BFG ATKOs when I replace the Rugged Trails. I'm not going to do that for a while, though.

My biggest concern right now is the rear suspension. Once you've got sliders, a hi-lift, a cooler and camping gear, the rear sags a good inch and a half and bottoms out on every little bump. A stiffer leaf pack is essential, IMO, even if you're not going out for multi-day trips.

[ccd8541]

My biggest concern right now is the rear suspension. Once you've got sliders, a hi-lift, a cooler and camping gear, the rear sags a good inch and a half and bottoms out on every little bump. A stiffer leaf pack is essential, IMO, even if you're not going out for multi-day trips.

Hello,
I will keep that in mind. Do you have a vendor sourced for the leaf pack mod?

Where do you carry the hi-lift? I stuck mine(48") under the back seats.

Glad to see another X on the board.

Chad

[Allahades]

Calimini and Automotive Customizers both sell Add-a-leafs for the new X, and at least one guy has had Alcan make a custom pack. thenewx.org is the forum to check out for that sort of information-- the guys there are learning through trial and error so we can avoid the error. :ylsmoke:

I also have my hi lift under the rear seat. It fits well, although I'd like to secure it better.

[LexusAllTerrain]

Calimini and Automotive Customizers both sell Add-a-leafs for the new X, and at least one guy has had Alcan make a custom pack. thenewx.org is the forum to check out for that sort of information-- the guys there are learning through trial and error so we can avoid the error. :ylsmoke:

I also have my hi lift under the rear seat. It fits well, although I'd like to secure it better.

Those are great news, do you have more pictures of your truck?

[The BN Guy]

Sorry I've missed this thread! Welcome fellow Nissaner!

[ccd8541]

Sorry I've missed this thread! Welcome fellow Nissaner!

Thanks for the welcome 'BN'!

Added a few odds and ends pplz:


Portable battery booster
Viair 400P
ScanGuageII
WabFab


Still need to decide on and purchase:


Tires- I'm leaning towards Firestone Discovery MT.
Battery- Not sure, leaning Odyssey but might go Duralast. Will probably hold off on this until I narrow down on what amount of juice I might need....Fridge, lights, comm etc....
Fridge- Not sure on size or where/how I will mount it. Will look at it more when I get back from Utah.


Chad

[ccd8541]

Tires- I'm leaning towards Firestone Discovery MT.


Went with the Definity MT's from PePboys...265/75R16, stock tire size. I had looked at them a few weeks ago then kinda forgotten they were out there...reading the post by jeffryscott (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2354&page=2&highlight=cooper) brought them back to mind.

Chad

[bigreen505]

Went with the Definity MT's from PePboys...265/75R16, stock tire size. I had looked at them a few weeks ago then kinda forgotten they were out there...reading the post by jeffryscott (http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2354&page=2&highlight=cooper) brought them back to mind.

Chad

Hi Chad, let us know how you like them.

[Bergger]

Glad to hear you went with a 2nd gen. Xterra. I've been very pleased with mine as an expedition vehicle.

I plan to go with BFG ATKOs when I replace the Rugged Trails. I'm not going to do that for a while, though.

My biggest concern right now is the rear suspension. Once you've got sliders, a hi-lift, a cooler and camping gear, the rear sags a good inch and a half and bottoms out on every little bump. A stiffer leaf pack is essential, IMO, even if you're not going out for multi-day trips.

So how's the interior room of the Xterras, with the seats flat? I've always like them and so does the wife! I currently use my Tacoma Dbl cab for most of my trips but when it gets cold and I've been taking out the wifes 02 4Runner. It's stock but does fine on the mild trails and it allows me to sleep inside comfortably. I'm 6'2" and am wondering how friendly the Xterra is to sleeping inside it. A local dealer just gave me a quote of $23,300 on an Off Road model, manual with a few options. They are such cool vehicles it is very tempting but I'm not sure I'd be getting that many advantages over the 4Runner to make it worth while. What's your opinion?

[bigreen505]

First of all, that price is pretty impressive, easily $3,000 less than the best I could find at the begining of the year.

Bergger, you really have to look at one for yourself as the cargo area is shapped very differently -- taller and wider but several inches shorter. I think you could fold/remove the back seats and slide the passenger seat all the way forward. Might be worth checking into one with the utility package that has the folding front passenger seat, but be warned it is not as comfortable as a regular seat IMO. Dr. Craig Jones traded his Discovery (which I really wanted) for a Xterra and has some pictures and commentary on his site (http://www.drcraigmjones.com/Dr.CraigM.Jones/2006-XTerra.html).

[ccd8541]

Hi Chad, let us know how you like them.

Jury is still out.

I just finished a two week trip into Utah and put just over 3,000 miles on them. Around 400 miles were off pavement, of that, maybe 50 miles were on a rocky trails requiring low range.

I did one short venture on a muddy trail and they seemed shed the mud ok.

At about the 1,500 mile point I noticed one was splitting along the contour of the bead. I have a photo of it if you want a better idea of the location.

I had been running at about 35psi on the road but started wondering if that was too low? After the tire issue I started running at 40psi. I was at 20psi for most of the off pavement stuff.

I am glad I went with a MT as I believe they pulled my ***** through a situation where a less tire might have bogged down. That was a narrow muddy trail (it had started out dry), in the middle of nowhere, that got worse the further I drove up it. At the first opportunity I turned around but it was a hairy few minutes up and down.

I did not notice any slipping on the rockier trails.

These are the first set of MTs I've ever run and can not really quantify how good they are. I'm happy with the performance but they might have a quality control issue. I will turn the one tire in and see how they deal with a warranty issue.

Chad

[ccd8541]

What's your opinion?

Bigreen505 covered it very well. I have no experience in a 4runner and could not compare.

This post may give you some ideas Sleeping X (http://thenewx.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=1530)

Chad

[Allahades]

Here's a link to a thread about setting up the new X for sleeping:

http://thenewx.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=1530

edit: whoops, same thread as linked to above.

[ccd8541]

Xterra Test (http://members.ispwest.com/oldtrailmaster/xterra.htm) is an interesting read on one persons take and use of an Xterra.

Chad

[Bergger]

Here's a link to a thread about setting up the new X for sleeping:

http://thenewx.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=1530

edit: whoops, same thread as linked to above.


Thanks. I actually went and looked/test drove the Xterra this morning. I like it even more! I folded every thing flat and at 6' 2" I should be able to sleep in it. I could use the idea in the thread posted or by just build a simple platform to fill the void. Same as the 4Runner. Now I just have to see if the numbers will work for me. I think the price is great, $23,300 for the Off Road model. I just need to see what they will give me for the 4Runner. The wife said that if I can make the numbers work for us she's all for it. Of course it'll be her daily driver. I should make my decision by friday.

[ccd8541]

I think the price is great, $23,300 for the Off Road model.

That does sound like a good price.

I like mine and think it is a stout and well rounded vehicle right off the lot....errr...except the 'p' rated tires. Might try and get a set of 'LT' in the deal.

Chad

[LexusAllTerrain]

That does sound like a good price.

I like mine and think it is a stout and well rounded vehicle right off the lot....errr...except the 'p' rated tires. Might try and get a set of 'LT' in the deal.

Chad

Were can you buy this xterra at this price...:smilies27

[david despain]

That does sound like a good price.

I like mine and think it is a stout and well rounded vehicle right off the lot....errr...except the 'p' rated tires. Might try and get a set of 'LT' in the deal.

Chad

:iagree:

mine is a frontier not an xterra but the thought is the same, its a great all-round performer. it dosent do any one thing perfectly but it does it all very well. the value for the cost vs. features vs. quality was pretty good i thought. i too wish for better tires; it might pay to see if any local tyre shops will buy them from you and at least save you some money on a set of decent all terains.

[Bergger]

Well I did it! :wings: I traded the 4Runner in for an 06' Xterra Off Road! I got the truck for $23,077! It included a few little extras, splash guards, emergency package, tow package and cabin filter and clear bra. I've had the truck for only about an hour and I love it! The guy gave me such a good price I could not pass it up, and the wife gave me the thumbs up too. Of course it's her new daily driver. Now I'll have to pick whether to take the Xterra of the Tacoma. What a great problem to have. Geeze I haven't been this excited since I got the Tacoma. Here's a link to the photos.

http://community.webshots.com/user/bergger1

[bigreen505]

:luxhello: Congratulations! Hope you enjoy it.

On a side note, I can't believe you got such a screaming deal from Tynans. When I was looking they were the most expensive place in town by about $2,000 and totally unwilling to negotiate.

[ccd8541]

Sweet! Sounds like a great deal.

Most ditch the splash gurards before serious off roading or they tend to bottom and rip out and may cause damage.

[ccd8541]

:..it might pay to see if any local tyre shops will buy them from you and at least save you some money on a set of decent all terains.

Went to a MT about a month ago(post is up above) and glad I did.

[Bergger]

:luxhello: Congratulations! Hope you enjoy it.

On a side note, I can't believe you got such a screaming deal from Tynans. When I was looking they were the most expensive place in town by about $2,000 and totally unwilling to negotiate.

They could not have been better. Scott, the internet guy, gave me the price right up front. Also gave me a good deal on my trade. It was the easiest car I ever bought. When I emailed the guy at John Elway Nissan with Tynans quote he replied that I was wasting his time and he was not going to sell cars for minumum wage. This was after he "guaranteed" to beat Tynans price. His email was quite nasty so I made a little phone call to his boss and sent a copy of the email to Nissan. Anyway I'm really excited. I'll still us my Tacoma for more serious trails, since its all deck out for that, and use this for the milder stuff. The only mod I see myself making in the near future is a set of sliders. Know anyone who makes good sliders for the Xterra. This is my first Nissan so the whole after market scene is completely foreign to me. Tomorrow we'll be taking the Xterra to Estes Park for the weekend then Wednesday I'm taking her on a little overnight fishing/wheeling trip up to South Park.

[Bergger]

Went to a MT about a month ago(post is up above) and glad I did.

Yeah its nice that the tires are 265/75's but with the off road package I was disappointed in the "P" rated tire. Thought they should have thrown on some "LT" tires. My buddy just bought a new Tacoma TRD and yesterday I noticed has "P" rated tires on it as well!! I'll let the wife drive these around for a year then thrown on some good AT's.

[The BN Guy]

Welcome to the Nissan family! Now what's going to be the first mod?

[articulate]

...The only mod I see myself making in the near future is a set of sliders. Know anyone who makes good sliders for the Xterra. This is my first Nissan so the whole after market scene is completely foreign to me.
Fantastic! To date, the only sliders immediately available (other than custom) are from Shrockworks (http://shrockworks.com/nisbars.htm). Don't fret. Even if there were others available, these would probably be at the top of the quality list anyway. They do spectacular work.

The commercial aftermarket is pretty thin for Nissan vehicles, but the popularity of the Titan and Xterra is changing things.

Here's to life!
:beer:

[ccd8541]

The only mod I see myself making in the near future is a set of sliders.

Shrockworks (http://www.shrockworks.com/nisbars.htm) is what I went with and have no regrets.

[bigreen505]

Know anyone who makes good sliders for the Xterra. This is my first Nissan so the whole after market scene is completely foreign to me. Tomorrow we'll be taking the Xterra to Estes Park for the weekend then Wednesday I'm taking her on a little overnight fishing/wheeling trip up to South Park.

Basically anything that Jim Shrake (Shrockworks) makes is top quality. My only minor complaint is that he is willing to sacrifice just about everything for extreme durability, which tends to make his stuff a little heavier than others, but his products will never let you down and all the Xterra gear is top shelf. Very often AC will have Shrockworks stuff in stock where Jim will have to build it.

Automotive Customizers (http://www.4x4parts.com) in Florida is the place for all things Nissan, though they tend to lean pretty heavily toward rock crawlers, they buy new Nissans and build them up as personal vehicles, so you can be sure they test everything the sell on a daily basis. Mike and Jane run the show. Spencer Low Racing (www.spencerlowracing.com) and Total Chaos have some nifty stuff too, but AC carries TC now.

If you want to get rid of the P rated tires, BigO seemed more enthusiastic about it than Discount, for whatever that is worth.

Also, keep an eye on suspension component wear. The Xterra has the most frightening on-road handling of just about any car that I have driven, so be warned. The problem was the rear, not the front, but I don't know for sure if it was springs, shocks, tires or some combination of the above.

Ultimately enjoy it. Nissan struck a great balance of price/performance/durability with the new X.

As for the buying experience, John Elway/Autonation is just bad news. Find me any ten people in Denver and I bet between them they have 15 stories about Autonation. Tynan's, Peak Nissan and St. John Nissan (formerly Peak Nissan Broadway, formerly Goodman's, formerly Empire) are usually the places to go. When I talked to Scott in February he was not willing to go much of MSRP on anything.

[Bergger]

Shrockworks (http://www.shrockworks.com/nisbars.htm) is what I went with and have no regrets.

Those look awesome! They will be on the truck by next spring.

[Allahades]

The Xterra has the most frightening on-road handling of just about any car that I have driven, so be warned.

Really? I'm curious what you're comparing it with, because I'd say the 2005+ Xterra has the best on-road handling of any truck I've ever driven. (Suspension and frame-wise, it's a truck, after all...:elkgrin: )

[LexusAllTerrain]

Also, keep an eye on suspension component wear. The Xterra has the most frightening on-road handling of just about any car that I have driven, so be warned. The problem was the rear, not the front, but I don't know for sure if it was springs, shocks, tires or some combination of the above.

.

Wow! quite the opposite, I think the Xterra frontier have the best handling of any SUV in its class. Have you driven a Xterra lately?:rolleyes:

[bigreen505]

At the time a 1990 Pathfinder with about a 2" lift and more miles on it than many people drive in their lifetimes.

I took an exit ramp corner at more than 35 in the Pathfinder without much more than a slight chrirp of the driver side tire. Then did the same thing in the Xterra at 30 and the recovery took up lane and a half (most of my side of the road). Luckily there was no traffic. Think the salesman just about left a puddle. Again, I have no idea if was a tire, spring or shock issue.

[LexusAllTerrain]

My guess would be a low air tire, my suggestion would be to take another test drive.
The truth is on the drive!:088:

[bigreen505]

Possibly. I won't pass judgement and the handling was not what stopped me from buying one, read my post again, I love them. Something about one of the ones I drove (I ultimately drove three, that day I drove two back to back to see if I liked the 5 speed or 6 speed better) had very solid and confidence inspiring handling (for a truck) below the limit, but gave no warning approaching the limit and was not too friendly when I crossed it. I have never had a car get away from me that quickly or unexpectedly on dry pavement before. Checking the tire pressure would have been a good idea, but I was so tired of the salesman and his high-pressure tactics that I just wanted to go home and take a shower under hot running Purel.

[perterra]

My 02 Xterra handles head and shoulders above my last YJ and CJ. Not as good offroad, but I'm able to drive it 800 miles in a day and hit the bed without hearing windnoise and roaring in my head. I would really like an 07, but it aint likely to happen.

[LexusAllTerrain]

but I was so tired of the salesman and his high-pressure tactics that I just wanted to go home and take a shower under hot running Purel.


Ofcourse after 3 test drives, I am sure he was ready to close the deal.:hehe:

[Bergger]

Wow! quite the opposite, I think the Xterra frontier have the best handling of any SUV in its class. Have you driven a Xterra lately?:rolleyes:

I totally agree with this. After having the truck for a week and putting 400 miles, road miles, on it I think it handles great. We took it up to Estes Park for the weekend and had two kids and some camping gear in the back and the rear suspension did bottom out a few times. I'm a bit concerned about towing. I'm sure it will bottom out very easy with a few hundred pounds of weight on the hitch. Does anyone have experience with these bump stops from Timbren? Some of the guys on THENEWX.ORG swear by them.

http://www.truckspring.com/timbren-rubber-springs_899.html

I'm thinking of picking a set for the rear.

[perterra]

At the time a 1990 Pathfinder with about a 2" lift and more miles on it than many people drive in their lifetimes.

I took an exit ramp corner at more than 35 in the Pathfinder without much more than a slight chrirp of the driver side tire. Then did the same thing in the Xterra at 30 and the recovery took up lane and a half (most of my side of the road). Luckily there was no traffic. Think the salesman just about left a puddle. Again, I have no idea if was a tire, spring or shock issue.


Do I remember correctly? I think I remember reading that you can order sway bar dissconnects on some. Could be the reason it handled so poorly.

[LexusAllTerrain]

Do I remember correctly? I think I remember reading that you can order sway bar dissconnects on some. Could be the reason it handled so poorly.


No you can not order sway bar disconnect on any Nissan product at this time!

[perterra]

No you can not order sway bar disconnect on any Nissan product at this time!

Thanks, musta misread.

[bigreen505]

Good to hear it, makes me feel better knowing that it was a misfit and not a norm. I recently blew a shock on the trooper and it exhibited some similar traits, so I will write it off as a fluke.

[LexusAllTerrain]

Any coments on low range?:confused:

[Bergger]

Any coments on low range?:confused:

I have not taken the Xterra 4Wheeling yet but just messing around with it the low gearing, 6 speed MT, seems to be fairly good, better that my auto Tacoma. The crawl ratio is 40:1.