Casper's Xterra Build

[Casper]

I was told of this forum a few weeks ago while at the Adventure Trailers Pyramid Lake adventure. After looking through the pages I like what I see and figure I would tell you alittle about my X.

Starters
2000 Xterra XE Silver Ice

Mods
3 inch Calmini Lift
Roger Brown Rock Sliderz
Calmini Front and rear Bumpers
Warn 9000 winch (many years old but it works great)
Garmin iQ GPS
Apline stereo
Infinity speakers and amp
Cobra 75 CB w/firestick antena and fold over mount
32' 11.5' Goodyear MTR's
PIAA Ion crystal fog lights
PIAA Xtreme White headlight bulbs
Custom back seat area for one 135lb Alaskan Malamute

And with it
Adventure Trailer Chaser with preatty much every option including matching wheels, tires and paint.

So far I love it. I have many plans to continue building it. SAS, gears, gobi rack and much more all all in the plans. I just need some more $$$$$. All in good time.

I haven't quite figured out how to link pictures yet, but I will soon. In the mean time here is the link to my webshots page with some good shots http://rides.webshots.com/album/551030427pLoGhn

http://rides.webshots.com/album/439022452SNdtPJ

Hope I can join some of you on a trip from time to time, and hope to get some good ideas from you as well.

Casper
:jumping:

P.S. Hey, I have figured out how to post pics.

[hattrik21]

Sweet, another X on board. Nice looking rig.

[slomatt]

Hey Josh, trailer looks good!

- Matt

[FourByLand]

Nice set up!

[The BN Guy]

Very cool setup!

BTW, where'd you get that antenna mount? I've seen them in pix but never in person.

Oh yeah, welcome to ExPo!

[hattrik21]

BTW, where'd you get that antenna mount?

I would love to know as well.

[Casper]

I would love to know as well.

It is called an E-Z over antenna mount. Here is a link to one spot to purchase it, however not where I got mine. Same price though.
http://www.hamstick.com/203ez.htm
Thanks for the comments about the X. I will be working on the rear storage setup and a few more things in the next 2 weeks, so stay tuned.

Casper:smiley_drive:

[Scott Brady]

And you have a cool dog too! Porthos :jumping:

Do you have any pics of the pup?

[hattrik21]

It is called an E-Z over antenna mount. Here is a link to one spot to purchase it, however not where I got mine. Same price though.
http://www.hamstick.com/203ez.htm
Thanks for the comments about the X. I will be working on the rear storage setup and a few more things in the next 2 weeks, so stay tuned.

Casper:smiley_drive:

I was actually asking about the black part you have attached to the factory roof rack. Do you remember where you got that or what its called? I've googled and googled and have yet to find it.

[Casper]

And you have a cool dog too! Porthos :jumping:

Do you have any pics of the pup?

Thanks, and as a matter of fact I do have a shot or two of the pup. These photos are from this last weekend. We took a trip up by Brewer lake for a few days.

Here is a link to the whole album. July 4th Trip (http://www.xplorx4.com/gallery2/v/offroad/20070701_brewerlake/)



Casper
:smiley_drive:

[Casper]

I was actually asking about the black part you have attached to the factory roof rack. Do you remember where you got that or what its called? I've googled and googled and have yet to find it.

Oops, sorry about that. Here you go, ARB bolt on antenna mount (http://www.expeditionexchange.com/arb/bullbarsmain.shtml)

It is down towards the bottom uf the page I linked. This is the one I have on my X, just mounted upsidedown.

Casper
:smiley_drive:

[hattrik21]

I would have never thought to try that on the roof rack. I'm gonna have to get one ordered so I don't have to drill holes in my truck.

Thanks for getting back to me.

[Casper]

Anytime, glad could help.

Casper
:smiley_drive:

[XJINTX]

Hey Casper "How's It ?" Have not heard a lot from you since last years MOAB. I'm still interested in that trailer and I really need the gas can holders like you gave away at GONE ;)

Blue Skies & Dusty Trails,
Roger

[Casper]

Hey Roger,
Good to here from you. I missed you this year in Moab. Hopefully you will be able to make it next year.
As for the trailer, you really need to get one. I can't imagine what I would do without it now. If you have any questions about it let me know.

Casper
:smiley_drive:

[Casper]

So, I have done a few new things since my last post. I do not have pics of all of then yet. I will post the ones I do have.

First, I got a Gobi rack. I have to say that pics do not do this rack justice. It is very well built. I don't have the lights yet, but they are coming soon.
Second, I picked up a snorkel. his is the longer one from safari snorkels. Instal was a pain in the butt, and is not done yet. I still have to finish the fab on the intake conection.
Last, not the truck, but the trailer. I finally got around to getting my propain tank mounted. I had a shop in Reno (Totally Off Road) modify a power tank bracket to fit the propain tank. I then mounted it to the passenger rear side of the trailer. This way I can hook it up to my stove and have a light. Now on to the pics.

[taco2go]

Nice setup with the tank- does it have a support at the bottom as well?

[Casper]

Nice setup with the tank- does it have a support at the bottom as well?
Thanks, and yes. The botton plate does not cover the entire bottom of the tank since it was made for a 20lb powertank. It does cover enough. After I installed it I stood on the tank and mount to see just how stong it was. And no, I do not have any pics of that since I was on my own.

Casper
:wings:

[Andrew Walcker]

Welcome Aboard!!! :beer:

Can't believe I missed your first post Josh! Really enjoyed meeting you and Porthos at the Pyramid Lake run and checking out your great set-up. Glad to see that you finally licked the propane holder, lookin sweet!:26_34_3:

[Casper]

Hey Andrew,
It was good to meet you as well. Hopefully we can go on another run sometime. As for the tank mount, I think it came out good. Just wish it hadn't taken all summer to get it finished.

Casper
:smiley_drive:

[Willman]

Welcome to the ExPo!!!!

Love you rig and trailer!!!

Can't forget you pup too!!!!

:)

[LaOutbackTrail]

http://thumb1.webshots.net/t/30/31/5/39/0/2196539000073033181LcGrwg_th.jpg (http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2196539000073033181LcGrwg)

Good looking Xterra!

The cargo nets in the X, are they the ones from AC? How do you like them?

You said the snorkel was a pain to install. I havent heard of (which doesnt mean much) Safari Snorkels. There is an ARB snorkel available, right?
Looks good on the X regardless.

Scott

[Casper]

Wow, it's been awhile since I have updated this. (Kinda forgot about it) I have done quite a bit to the X over the last year plus. I will try to update everything over the next few days.
First, LaOutbackTrail. The nets you see are "Raingler" pet barriers. I now have two over them. I have redone my passenger area. The rear seats have been completely removed to make way for a custom platform for Porthos.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2096.jpg
On top of the platform is a ¼ rubber matt that runs all the way to the rear on the X.
On top of that is a 4-inch thick dog bed for Porthos.

Right behind the front seats is a Raingler Pet Net I installed. This is to keep Porthos from coming in the front.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2095.jpg

More to come.......
Behind Porthos is a second Raingler pet net. This is installed to both keep Porthos out of the tool storage area, and to keep tools out of Pathos’s area should something bad happen.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2098.jpg
Well, might as well move to the cargo area from here. Rear storage has a roof mounted Raingler net that holds some basic stuff I like to keep in the X “Just in case”. Blanket, spare cloths, sleeping bag, 100’ of rescue rope, and walking stick.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2100.jpg
I have an Engle 15 mounted on the left side for trail drinks and lunches. The right side has a 10lbs CO2 tank and fire extinguisher. In the center is a simple box I made to hold the ramp Porthos needs to get in and out of the X. Under the box I keep my tools, recovery gear and spare fluids. The fluids are kept in a plastic battery box incase they leak.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2101.jpg

[Casper]

On to the front interior.
The basics are an Alpine head unit, Polk Audio speakers all around, Infinity 800 watt 4-channel amp. Below the head unit is a small switch panel I made. To the left of the head unit is my Cobra 75 CB, to the right is the control/display for the National Luma dual battery setup.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2093.jpg
My first GPS was a Garmin iQ 3600 (still have this one as a backup) (Sorry, no photo of that one yet.)
Second GPS was a Compact Armada running Garmin GPS 18 with a USB puck antenna. I got this because I wanted a bigger screen to view the maps on. This is mounted on a homemade mount.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2070.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2071.jpg
Worked pretty well with two major drawbacks. First it takes up WAY too much space. I can’t have a passenger when it is in the cab. Second, while the big screen is nice it sucks in the sun. Thus I can't read it on bright days. I was going to mount it under the passenger seat and find a monitor to mount somewhere but I could not find the right size monitor at a good price. So, thanks to lots of web searching I found the perfect solution.
Third GPS EEE pc by Asus running the above software. Much smaller designed “netbook”. Fits perfectly in the cab and still has a bigger screen then any hand help gps units.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2073.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2074.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2076.jpg
I used a RAM mount to mount it to the dash.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2077.jpg
So far I love this setup. I may have to add a small plate to help support it, we shall see.
In the front of the cab I also have a Scangauge II, Sirus satellite radio, Cobra 75 cb, homemade switch panel, fire extinguisher, and mag-light.
(photo to be added when I find it)

Casper

[Casper]

Let see, one to the outside of the X.
Roger Brown Sliderz.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2116.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2117.jpg
I chose these for a few reasons. First, I just don’t like round tubes for sliders. At some point I will use them as a step and since I am not the most graceful I will end up falling on my ***. Second they stick out farther than most of the others I’ve seen. Third, for the price they can’t be beat.

Gobi Ranger Rack. All I can say about this is “Hell Yea”. Build quality is perfect.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2112.jpg

With the shovel/axe mount
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2113.jpg

And the Highlift mount.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2114.jpg

I have the rear ladder option (it doesn’t normally have a license plate mounted to it. I will explain that a tad later)
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2105.jpg

Casper

[Casper]

Roof lights are Lightforce 140’s. I chose them because they are adjustable from flood to spot. Just spin the lens (like a mag-light)

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2110.jpg

On to the rear bumper, it was a standard Calmini with a tire carrier.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/RearBumperClosed.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/RearBumperSideViewClosed.jpg

While this worked, it is the only Calmini product I have never been very happy with. First, because of the latch setup, second because it only holds a tire, third because with the trailer I tow (more on that later) I can’t open the swing arm when the trailer is attached. So it was time for a change.

I took the idea from a LC bumper I saw. First we moved the swing point out to under the taillights.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2103.jpg

We then mirrored this to the other side.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2104.jpg

Then we made two swings that meet in the center of the bumper and latch together.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2107.jpg

One side holds the spare tire.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2106.jpg

The other holds two scepter cans of fuel or water.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2108.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2109.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2102.jpg
This now allows me to open the swings and rear hatch with the trailer attached, and now you know why the license plate is mounted to the ladder.

Casper

[Casper]

More to come in the next few days. As you can probebly tell, the tires are a tad bigger. This last winter I did a MAJOR change to the entire front and rear suspention. I need to write that part up and take a few photos of it. In the mean time I hope you have enjoed the update. Feel free to ask any questions you have about anything.

Casper
:smiley_drive:

[ZooJunkie]

Josh! Nice truck. I'll trade you my two little dogs and my Trooper for your spare tire? See you soon up in CampWamp!

[Creek]

I'm really diggin that rear bumper setup Josh! Nicely done!!!

[02TahoeMD]

Thanks for updating your build. Great job. Subscribed! :lurk:

[fangars]

Awesome rig, I need to get some of the Raingler products soon.

[hattrik21]

Very nice setup man!

[The BN Guy]

Very nice looking. Tire carrier has me thinking again... What is the setup for the hinge? Parts from...? That's been my biggest hangup was the hinge setup.

[Casper]

Very nice looking. Tire carrier has me thinking again... What is the setup for the hinge? Parts from...? That's been my biggest hangup was the hinge setup.
Thanks BN Guy. The hinge is actually very easy this way.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2091.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2090.jpg

These are two hiem joints. Tapped into the swing arm and a simple bolt running through. It works great, is not that expensive and easy to do. I think they are 3/4 inch hiems, but am not sure. I will go measure them and let you know.

Thanks for the compliments guys. As you can see I have gotten some ideas from this site and you guys.

Ok, time to go out and take somemore photos. There is a bunch more stuff to tell.

Casper
:smiley_drive:

[rroadkilll]

Nice x!!!

[Funrover]

That is one sweet looking X

[Casper]

Thanks again guys.
Now for another update.

Here is the Calmini front bumper in it’s first faze.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/FrontBumper.jpg

I mounted a set of PIAA Ion Crystal fog lights and an old Warn winch I had from a previous truck. This setup worked well for a few years. I then upgraded the winch to a T-MAX 9000lbs with synthetic line.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2120.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2121.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2122.jpg

The line is off in this photo because I am in the process of removing the bumper to paint it, too much rust. I will be painting it with Duplicolor Spray on Bedliner. Once it’s done I will post more photos. I also decided to move the lights as they were in the way if I came up to push something.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2130.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2123.jpg

I had some tabs welded on to the top tube to get them out of the way. Lastly I am sure someone noticed the big holes in the bumper and skid.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2124.jpg

I did this to increase airflow to the radiator. Behind some of those holes you might just see my next add on.

Casper
:coffeedrink:

[Casper]

I have been chasing a running hot problem for the last few years. Pulling hills under load tends to heat the engine up above normal. I did all the normal stuff (t-stat, water pump, temp sending unit etc.) I then added an engine oil cooler with fan from flex-a-light.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2136.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2135.jpg


I mounted this just behind the front skid plate. The fan is wired to a switch in the dash. The lines run from an adapter that bolts to where the filter goes.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2133.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2134.jpg

This has defiantly helped keep the engine 15 to 20 degrees cooler. Next on the list is a tranny cooler. I will post up photos and stats of that once I do it.

Next post, suspension...

Casper
:coffeedrink:

[Casper]

On to the suspension:

I have been running the Calmini 3 inch kit for quite a few years. I have been happy with it, for an IFS setup, but it was time to step it up a notch. This winter I bit the bullet and installed the Calmini SAS kit.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2129.jpg

I have to say this is one heck of a kit. Very well thought out and designed. Easy to install. It uses a D44 out of an 80 to 85 Jeep Wagoneer. I started the build with the goal of running a 35-inch tire without a body lift. With that in mind I had to beef up a few things. Steering was the first. The kit is designed to use the stock Waggy steering.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2165.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2160.jpg

I tossed that and got some 1-ton Chevy tierod ends. This is coupled with 1 ½ DOM tubing with weld in bungs.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2164.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2159.jpg

Next upgrade was the track bar mount on the axle. It was single sheer. A small gusset fixed that.

(Bugger, I am missing that photo, I will take another and add it later)

That’s about it. The last upgrade I did because I thought it needed it. The swaybar that comes with the kit bolts on.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2061.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2062.jpg

This is fine if you don’t want to be able to remove them for better articulation, I wanted to do just that. So I purchase a few Hiem joints, some 1/2 inch bolts nuts and some 1/8 inch quick pins.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2063.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2064.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2068.jpg

Casper

[Casper]

Then I just rounded the heads of the bolts off, drilled a hole in each one for the pin and bolted them in place.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2153.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2152.jpg

Vala, quick disconnect sway bar ends.
The axle is geared with 5.13’s and has an ARB locker.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2162.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2127.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2163.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2151.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2150.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2149.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2148.jpg


Casper

[Casper]

The rear was next. For this I just did a simple SOA.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2154.jpg

I still have the Calmini 3 inch lift setup with this. Eventually I will be getting a set of Alcan springs. I also moved my rear shock mounts last year. The stock ones got ripped off one to many times. The tops of the shocks are mounted in the center of the vehicle to a custom made tubular cross member.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2157.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2158.jpg

The bottoms of the shocks are mounted to the top of the axle tube. This setup makes for great articulation, but you give up a little rear stability. Not much, but you do notice it. The rear also has an ARB and 5.13 gears.
This setup works great. I have some very minor trimming to do at the back of the front wheel, but that’s it.

Well, thats it for now. I have to get some photos of the dual battery setup/move and the compressor install, but that may take me a week or so. I will also post up photos of the newly painted bumper when it's done.

I hope you all injoyed the updates so far.

Casper
:coffeedrink:

[roninjiro]

you definitely have an awsome build going on here. i do have a question for you though, where did you get your 3/4" hiem joints from?

[Casper]

you definitely have an awsome build going on here. i do have a question for you though, where did you get your 3/4" hiem joints from?
The hiems for the sway bar links I got from Moab 4x4 Outpost (http://www.moab4x4outpost.com/) when I was last in Moab. The hiems for the swing arm on the bumper I got from Off Road Innovations of Reno Nv (http://www.orireno.com/). ORI does all my welding work (since I can't weld yet), they are the only shop I will let work on my rig, and I have to say their work is top notch. If you are ever in Reno you should stop by.

Hope that helps.

Casper
:smiley_drive:

[The BN Guy]

Very nice write-up on the SAS kit. Good pix. Cool rig!:ylsmoke:

[Casper]

Thanks BN Guy.

A few more updates from this last weekend. As I am sure some of you noticed, my front bumper looked like c@@@. Very rusty. Well, I spent the weekend fixing that.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2172.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2171.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2173.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2170.jpg

Took it and the grill off, completly sanded them down and sprayed them with Duplicolor spray on bedliner. I think they came out good, but I should have practiced spraying it more, some parts came out smooth and some parts had a ton of textcher to them. Overall I like it.

Now a few photos of a semi clean X.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2175.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2176.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2177.jpg

So, thats it until I get some more photos. Hopefully I can get some of the dual battery system and engine bay, but it may be a week or so. Hope you all enjoy.

Casper
:smiley_drive:

[Justice R]

Awesome build!:ylsmoke:

[The BN Guy]

Niiiice!

[Casper]

Thanks guys.

Ok, on to the next part of the Rig. The trailer.

It is a basic Adventure Trailer (http://www.adventuretrailers.com/) Chaser model. It has:
Overland RRT with queensize air matress w/pillow top (I like to be comfortable)
19 gallon water tank
2 5 gallan fuel cans
Deep cycle battery in nose box
Engle 45 freezer/fridge
Easy Awn Awning
and tons of cargo room.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2195.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2197.jpg


The trailer tows like a dream and is the perfect wheel base for the Xterra. It will go ANYWHERE the X can go and more.

You can get a set of stainless steel trays that attach to the sides for a kitchen setup. I had these at first. They are nice. If you are cooking for yourself, and maybe a significant other they will work fine, however I tend to find myself cooking for 3 to 15 people, so they were too small. Adventure Trailers then designed a table to attach to the fender. I decided to try my hand at making one.
First I added 2 small plastic "bushings" to the fender.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2202.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2203.jpg

These will keep the table from sliding out once it is on the fender. The side of the trailer will keep it from tipping over once istalled as well.

Next was the table itself. As I am not very good with wood working I chose to buy a pre-built piece. It is made from 5 pieces of 1x6 pine joined together on the ends. I cut it to size and rounded the corners off. I then gave it a light coat of stain and about 7 coats of spar-urithain.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2205.jpg

I drilled 2 holes for the "bushings"

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2206.jpg

Vala, nice big table for cooking and food prep.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2208.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2207.jpg

Next was propane. I HATE using those little green bottles. Besides the fact that the are not good for the enviroment, they also run out in the middle of cooking a meal. So I purchase a 4 lbs (I think, I forget the size now) propane tank and set about finding a mount for it. Well, I looked everywhere and could not find any premade mount. So I bit the bullet and bought a power tank mount and modified it to hold the tank.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2199.jpg

Let me tell you it is very hard to cut up a perfectly good, brand new $75 dollar mount, but I figured it had to be done to get what I wanted. About three days after I had it mounted and was very happy with it, a friend sent me a link to a mount MADE for the tank I have. $25.:eek: AAAARG, now that I don't need the mount anymore I can find them everywhere. Figures.

Casper

[Casper]

Up next, cover for the kitchen. I added the awning since at least 2 or three times a year I end up getting rained on. I have to say I use it every time I camp. It is nice to have shade, and keeps the pine needles and sap from falling on the kitchen.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2210.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2211.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2212.jpg

One drawback to the awning is the fact that you can't use the poles that hold the tent flap open with it. To fix this I searched around and found the perfect length bungy cord.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2214.jpg

One end attaches to the tent flap via the hole for the tent pole.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2213.jpg

The other end hooks to the awning leg.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2215.jpg

This also fills in the space between the awning and the tent.

Next is the stove. I have spent quite some time looking/searching for the perfect stove. IT DOES NOT EXIST. However I have found one I like. It is the Coleman Roadtrip Grill LX.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2217.jpg

It has different topps to it that let you change what you can use it for.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2218.jpg

You can have two burners for pots, or two grills for BBQ, or 2 flat top gridles for frying, or a combo of those. I really like this grill. The only drawback I have found is that it is big and has a round top so it is hard to pack, but I was able to sovle that with my storage setup.

Casper
:smiley_drive:

[Casper]

On to the storage.

The inside of the trailer box is very big and open. I have tried a few different things to keep it organized and make it easy to access everything.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2219.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2220.jpg

The fridge is stored towards the front of the box, which gives me easy access to it. Behind that I have a plastic storage container with stuff I like to keep it the trailer "just in case" Games, extra batteries, toys for the pup and such. To the left of the fridge is a platform I made. this supports my chairs, cloths and such and still alows access underneath it.

From the back you can see the storgae for the grill.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2221.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2222.jpg

The top lifts up to alow access.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2223.jpg

Behind that you can see the drawer that sits under the platform.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2224.jpg

This houses all of my cooking supplies. Pots, pans and the like. As I said I find myself cooking for more that just me, so I like to have everything I need.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2225.jpg

Casper
:chef:

[Casper]

Now, you may find your self saying "well sh*t, he has everything except the kitchen sink" Well, you spoke too soon.

On to the sink and On demand water heater.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2227.jpg

I am sure noone has noticed I have a thing for "gadgets". I know, it's hard to tell, but I do. This next one was given to me by my dad. It is a Colman On Demand Water Heater. I tad big to carry around, unless you have a trailer. :bannana: I LOVE this. Just tuurn the nob and you get hot water, and if you turn it all the way it will dam near burn you. Great for washing dishes, or just washing your hands on a cold night.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2231.jpg

It comes with a pump that hooks to a tank of water. I just dropped the pump into my water tank on the trailer. The white cap houses/covers the conections.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2228.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2229.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2230.jpg

Just plug it in, add a tuperware for a sink and vala, kitchen is done.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2231.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2232.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2233.jpg

Well, that's it for now. I think I am caught up on my build of the truck and trailer. If you have questions feel free to ask. As I do more, I will update.

Casper
:coffeedrink:

[bobDog]

WoW! I'm a long time XJ man but I must say your Xterra is the best one I have ever seen....not only well done but every detail thought out and the craftsmanship is ever tight. Good Job! I'm subscribing tho I don't know what more you can do. :smiley_drive:

[red_5]

Holy cow dude! That's awesome! :Wow1:

[Casper]

WoW! I'm a long time XJ man but I must say your Xterra is the best one I have ever seen....not only well done but every detail thought out and the craftsmanship is ever tight. Good Job! I'm subscribing tho I don't know what more you can do. :smiley_drive:

Thanks bobDog. It's been a long build, but very fun. I had to do a few things twice (or 3 times, gps) to get it the way I wanted it but I an very happy with the final outcome. I still have some ideas kicking around in my head so you never know, I may post more. Plus I need to get the rear lights on, rock lights on and a few other things done so stay tuned. Oh, and with a new sponcer, well you just never know :Wow1:


Holy cow dude! That's awesome!
Thanks red_5. You should come by and see it in person some time. Did you make up your mind on a trailer yet? Oh, hows the new baby>

Casper
:wings:

[Casper]

Ok, a small update. You probably noticed that the trailer tires didn't match the trucks. Thanks to ORI and some extra funds I now have matching rims and tires on the trailer.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2242.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2243.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2244.jpg

I have to say it looks much better now.

Casper
:wings:

[Martyn]

Ok, a small update. You probably noticed that the trailer tires didn't match the trucks. Thanks to ORI and some extra funds I now have matching rims and tires on the trailer.
Casper
:wings:

ORI http://www.orireno.com/ is heading towards becoming Reno's new Expedition shop. I've been down talking to Don about products to carry. Looks like they are moving away from the Rock Crawling and into Exploration, with a leaning toward family fun.

Last time I was down there your rig was in having some work done to it. Now back to you Casper

[Casper]

ORI http://www.orireno.com/ is heading towards becoming Reno's new Expedition shop. I've been down talking to Don about products to carry. Looks like they are moving away from the Rock Crawling and into Exploration, with a leaning toward family fun.

Last time I was down there your rig was in having some work done to it. Now back to you Casper

That's correct. They are a quality shop with excellent fabrication skills. They have done all the custom fab work and welding to my rig. You may also see my X and trailer down at their shop and displayed at shows for them to show off their work.

Casper
:smiley_drive:

[red_5]

I'd like to see your rig in person. We might be heading up to Tahoe in the near future so maybe we'll arrange a stop to meet up with you.

The baby is doing great! He's almost big enough to take me at diaper wrestling now...:xxrotflma

We are finally getting a trailer. :wings:

I was staring longingly at pics of various trailers in their natural habitat here on ExPo, specifically a Conqueror Compact, when I hear the wife's voice from behind me say "I really like that, it has a downstairs with a floor... And you can stand up! Why don't we get one of those?". No argument from me.

As luck would have it, there happened to be an unused Compact for sale here on ExPo so we're in the process of working out the details of getting it here to Chico.

And now back to Casper's Awesome build...

:sombrero:

[Steel_City_X]

Hey Casper,

Can you provide a little more detail on the new hinge configuration? I had come to the same conclusion to extend the pivot point outward. I think I have a sketch at work and will scan and post. My idea had the arm nesting into a channel to provide more support over the length of the arms.

Heading to another music festival this fall and will be taking the truck. I pulled a utility trailer this summer, but would like to see if I can eliminate that during the next year. Since I am back to running little tires - 31", the spare still fits underneath. I have to carry two CPAP machines for Anthon-e and I, so we have to have electricity. I will be mounting my generator on the drivers side with fuel on the passenger side. I am looking at having a longer roof rack fab'd to extend a little further forward to store a couple boxes in front of the RTT, more like a lumber rack.

Back to your truck. Again, I would appreciate more details on the hinge assembly and parts utilized.

Hope you are finding the trails enjoyable this summer, and that the snow is plentiful and soft this winter.

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Hey, I don't have an Xterra anymore, so I can give you an unbiased opinion of Caspers X

Don't believe what he tells you about these little mods on that truck !!!

----------------IT'S BIGGER & BETTER--------------------------------

The way he's got that sweet X rigged, he could pull that AT trailer and camp anywhere on the RUBICON

You really should see it and ORI is a neat, personal, business !!

I was impressesd Casper

:costumed-smiley-007:victory::safari-rig::safari-rig:

[Casper]

Hey Casper,

Can you provide a little more detail on the new hinge configuration? I had come to the same conclusion to extend the pivot point outward. I think I have a sketch at work and will scan and post. My idea had the arm nesting into a channel to provide more support over the length of the arms.

Heading to another music festival this fall and will be taking the truck. I pulled a utility trailer this summer, but would like to see if I can eliminate that during the next year. Since I am back to running little tires - 31", the spare still fits underneath. I have to carry two CPAP machines for Anthon-e and I, so we have to have electricity. I will be mounting my generator on the drivers side with fuel on the passenger side. I am looking at having a longer roof rack fab'd to extend a little further forward to store a couple boxes in front of the RTT, more like a lumber rack.

Back to your truck. Again, I would appreciate more details on the hinge assembly and parts utilized.

Hope you are finding the trails enjoyable this summer, and that the snow is plentiful and soft this winter.

Good to hear from you, and glad you decided to keep the X. Trails have been nothing but fun.

As to your rack, are you thinking of extenting over the hood or keeping it just over the roof of the truck? If your not going to extend over the hood, I would suggest looking at the Gobi rack. I know they are pricey, but they have much more useable space on them than the factory rack.

I think you are asking for more detail on the rear swing arms???? If so no problem.

The swing arms have two hiems in the ends.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2090.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2091.jpg

This makes for a strong smooth opening and closing. The brackets that weld on to the bumper are actually identicle left side and right side, just flipped over. They are identicle top to bottom as well.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2104.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2103.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2080.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2082.jpg


If you look at the center of this photo, you can see the support bracket under the latch. It's a simple piece of L channel, spaced out from the bumper about 1/2 an inch or so.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2107.jpg


ORI did the rear bumper for me, and I have to say they do fabulous work. I have had so many folks coment on it I am going to see if they will make some of them to sell, since they can be welded onto any aftermarket steel Xterra bumper.

Let me know if I answered your questions ok, and if you need more/better photos. Oh, and say hello to Anthon-e for me.


Jimbo,
Thanks for the compliments. It was good to meet you at ORI the other day, hope you can make the next one.

Casper
:smiley_drive:

[Casper]

Ok, small update. I decided it was time for a new hitch. My old one was a Lock & Roll. Great hitch, worked well but I bent it before I knew your not suppose to jackknife the trailer.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2262.jpg

Here you can see the twist in the hitch.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2263.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2264.jpg

I don't think it would have failed, and it was still very usable but a tad harder to get hooked up since it was bent.

On to the new hitch. AT's multi-axis coupler.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2265.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2266.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2267.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2268.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2269.jpg

As usual, fit and finish of this product is second to none (and I have a prototype, the production ones are even nicer). I can see how this is less likely to bind up, but I will not be jackknifing my trailer anymore to find out. I do see one small issue, it is a tad harder to hook up to the truck. You have to have the hole lined up perfectly to get the pin in. With the old L & R you just needed to be close and as you lowered the trailer jack you could "rock" the trailer and the hitch would drop into place. It may just take practice, we shall see. Either way I think it's a better coupler all around.

Take care.

Casper
:coffeedrink:

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Yo Casper, I have the "lock & Roll" hitch too

Although my trailer is much lighter than the AT's, I've still been very careful to "NEVER JACKKNIFE" it

I'm sure the NEW couplers are better than the "old", but I can't condone the welding jobs that you show on yours

Don't forget to cross your chains !!!

Cheers

:costumed-smiley-007:safari-rig::safari-rig: JIMBO

[Casper]

:sombrero: Yo Casper, I have the "lock & Roll" hitch too

Although my trailer is much lighter than the AT's, I've still been very careful to "NEVER JACKKNIFE" it

I'm sure the NEW couplers are better than the "old", but I can't condone the welding jobs that you show on yours

Don't forget to cross your chains !!!

Cheers

:costumed-smiley-007:safari-rig::safari-rig: JIMBO

Yea, I try to never jackknife it either, but from time to time find myself in places where there is no other way out without unhooking the trailer. Guess I will be unhooking it.

As to the welds, it's a prototype. They are strong, which is all I am worried about. The production ones look much cleaner.

Casper
:coffeedrink:

P.S., chain are ALWAYS crossed. No other way is safe. :smiley_drive:

[CoastalDefender]

Let me tell you it is very hard to cut up a perfectly good, brand new $75 dollar mount, but I figured it had to be done to get what I wanted. About three days after I had it mounted and was very happy with it, a friend sent me a link to a mount MADE for the tank I have. $25.:eek: AAAARG, now that I don't need the mount anymore I can find them everywhere. Figures.

Casper

Link for a mount for the small tanks?

[eXpeditionXterra]

Hey Casper, maybe I missed it, but what size tires you running now?

[Casper]

Hey Casper, maybe I missed it, but what size tires you running now?

Good to here from you. I am looking forward to seeing your SAS in person some day, maybe goneMOAB 2010?????? :victory:

Anyway, tires are BFG KM2's 315-75-16. Basically a 35 12.5 16. So far I love them. On trail I am usually running them at around 8 psi.

Cheers

Casper
:smiley_drive:

[Casper]

Link for a mount for the small tanks?

I have this link somewhere in my e-mail folder. Give me a few more days to find it.

Casper
:victory:

[Casper]

Well, I have a small update.

As I do quite a few trips a year where I don't need spare fuel, the 4 fuel cans I carry tend to be just "dead wieght" I also tend to wheel with a group that can be quite large and go through quite a bit of water. The said, I found a place that sells Scepter water cans. It took longer than I thought to get them (3 months)

So now I can carry 20 gallons of fuel, or 20 extra gallons of water, or any combination of the 2. :wings:

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2400.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2402.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2404.jpg

Not a big mod, but still a mob.

Casper +8
:smiley_drive:

[KUMA]

Wow Josh, seeing your X at gone was awesome but after seeing these pics! It is incredible! I really like what you did with the bumper! Really give's it a new clean look and looks good with black. I am sure Portjos likes it too... haha

Did you do it from the spray can or the roll-on stuff? And did you strip any of the old powder coating? I have been thinking about doing it to my sliders and bumpers.

*Edit* Nevermind didn't read I guess, I am dummy! But boy does it look good! My girlfriend says she wants one of those trailers asap!

[Willman]

Very nice Casper! I love all your mods to your AT!!

I'm on my second Lock N' Roll......Mine did the same thing....I have a fix that i will be posting up soon...

Jack knifing is really not a bad thing....You just have to have you hitch ready for battle = Grease!!! Just got back from the Maze in Utah....In order to make a few turns....i had to jackknife the trailer.....The hitch is still perfect! Lock n' Rolls and grease = to no damage if your careful!

Keep the great mods coming!!!

:)

[jeepmedic46]

Very nice mods.:sombrero:

[RamRod]

wow great build up!!
Love what I have seen so far, whats next??

[Casper]

wow great build up!!
Love what I have seen so far, whats next??

Thanks, what next, well that's a good question. I am going to be replacing the front coil-overs with 12 inch ones. Need new rear springs, just not sure which ones. I also have some changes to the trailer storage, that will happen this winter. Lastly, I find myself wanting to "lighten" the rig. So, I may redesign some things to accomplish that. Stay tuned.


Very nice Casper! I love all your mods to your AT!!

I'm on my second Lock N' Roll......Mine did the same thing....I have a fix that i will be posting up soon...

Jack knifing is really not a bad thing....You just have to have you hitch ready for battle = Grease!!! Just got back from the Maze in Utah....In order to make a few turns....i had to jackknife the trailer.....The hitch is still perfect! Lock n' Rolls and grease = to no damage if your careful!

Keep the great mods coming!!!

:)
Grease, I thought I had it greased enough. Guess not. I will make sure to grease the new one more. I do have to say I don't think it is possible to bind this one.

Casper +19.75
:smiley_drive:

[Casper]

Wow Josh, seeing your X at gone was awesome but after seeing these pics! It is incredible! I really like what you did with the bumper! Really give's it a new clean look and looks good with black. I am sure Portjos likes it too... haha

Did you do it from the spray can or the roll-on stuff? And did you strip any of the old powder coating? I have been thinking about doing it to my sliders and bumpers.

I used Duplicolor Spray on Bedliner. I chose that one because it seemed to have the most good reviews. Being a spray my thought was "touch ups" would be easier. The rear bumper just got sanded for the most part. Some grinding was done for the rusty sections. As for the front bumper, that's a different story. It was really rusty. I pretty much stripped it completely before painting it. I did not use any primer (directions said not to) and did many coats.

My only real recommendation would be to practice first. If I had it to do over, I would take a smaller used part and completely paint it to practice.

Good luck.

Casper +19.75
:wings:

[KUMA]

I used Duplicolor Spray on Bedliner. I chose that one because it seemed to have the most good reviews. Being a spray my thought was "touch ups" would be easier. The rear bumper just got sanded for the most part. Some grinding was done for the rusty sections. As for the front bumper, that's a different story. It was really rusty. I pretty much stripped it completely before painting it. I did not use any primer (directions said not to) and did many coats.

My only real recommendation would be to practice first. If I had it to do over, I would take a smaller used part and completely paint it to practice.

Good luck.

Casper +19.75
:wings:

Lol thanks, I went back and read threw and realized you had said that, my bad! I really do like that bedliner just so far I haven't done anything other then the wheels on my truck but trust me that stuff is hard to take off unless you use a grinder or a rock. For just a simple cheap rattle can it is great stuff!

[Blain]

Man that thing is killer! Running the GOBI Ranger rack, that thing is nothing but awesome.

[Casper]

Thanks Blain. I love the Gobi Ranger. I have to say it may be pricey, but it is worth every penny. Stay tuned this winter. Although the funds are going to be a tad low I do have some plans for the X and the trailer.


Casper
:wings:

[RonapRhys]

Casper - I'm looking at that Raingler net you put up to keep Porthos out of the front. As I've got a chocolate lab who really really wants to come up front, I'm interested in that. How'd you mount it up front? It looks like some sort of custom mount. And was it the RBN Barrier net?

[Casper]

Casper - I'm looking at that Raingler net you put up to keep Porthos out of the front. As I've got a chocolate lab who really really wants to come up front, I'm interested in that. How'd you mount it up front? It looks like some sort of custom mount. And was it the RBN Barrier net?

The net is the same Raingler net they sell for the back "Pet Barries" I think they call it, just moved forward. It fits perfect. As for the mounts, they are custom, but simple to find. They are just "strap" holders, I will get a photo tomorrow and post. The hard part was bolting them in. You could just use self tapping screws. This will keep the pup from coming forward on his own. However, this WILL NOT work if you get into a head on colision or rollover. Your pup will end up come forward, and, well you can imagine the rest. I wanted the nets for HIS protection and safty, not just to keep him from eating my beef jerky. So I made small plates out of steel that go behind where it mounts and then bolted it through those with lock nuts. To say the least this was a PITA to do and keep the factory trim looking good.

To test them once installed, I hooked up a strap and pulled it with a buddies winch. The screw head sheered off just before the truck tipped completly over. Will it servive a head one with Porthos's full wieght hitting it................................................ ............................I hope to never find out, but am comfortable in the knowledge that I have done the best I can to ensure his saftey without putting a full cage in it.

Wow, sorry, long post. But worth the read. I will take some photos of the mounts tomorrow and post them up.

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos
:smiley_drive:

[RonapRhys]

Josh - that's great info. My wife wanted to get one of the metal ones that just kind of lock in place based on friction, but I want something that's functional for everything you mentioned above. I didn't realize you had a plate behind the trim, but that's a great idea and I'm definitely interested in seeing the pics. No rush as I'm not going to be buying this quite yet.

One question, though - do you have the side curtain airbags in your X? If so, do the mounts appear to interfere? That's really my only concern here with your set up. If not, I'm on it like white on rice.

[Funrover]

Looks great!

[KUMA]

Hey Josh, I was just thinking the other day how you were telling us about your plans for the engine *wink wink* back at the last gone. I was wondering have you started that? I don't know if you are keeping it under wraps or not, but if you aren't and you have a thread some where else on it I would love to see if I could!

[Casper]

Hey Josh, I was just thinking the other day how you were telling us about your plans for the engine *wink wink* back at the last gone. I was wondering have you started that? I don't know if you are keeping it under wraps or not, but if you aren't and you have a thread some where else on it I would love to see if I could!

Not under wraps, just don't have everything in line yet. Engine, got that. Tranny, think I have that. Going with the one I got with the engine. Tranfer case, not sure yet. Thinking atlas, but haven't made up my mind. Wiring, this is one of the hard parts. I have been in contact with Painless and will have a harness made by them so the engine and computer interface with the xterra gauges and a small laptop, all plug and play. Fitting seems to be looking ok. May need a small BL, but still measuring. Now it's on to the cooling, don't want "getto" and AC. Yes, I want my AC. The pup needs it :sombrero:

I am trying to make sure I have everything ready, so as not to have to many "Oh C$$ps" I should of thought of that. Won't be done this year, hopefully next winter I will start the swap, pending money, time and research. Once I do the swap I will document EVERYTHING, and post it EVERYWHERE I can think of. So don't worry, you won't miss it. :wings:

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos.
:smiley_drive:

[KUMA]

Awesome Josh! Yeah I was going to say isn't cooling one of the biggest downfalls of doing something like this? But sounds great! I will look forward to see when this happens! :D

[XJINTX]

So am I going to see this rig at GONE this year? ;) :)

[Casper]

So am I going to see this rig at GONE this year? ;) :)
Hey Roger,

Oh, I just may be able to make this one. We shall see. :wings::victory:

Did I see your driveing an XJ on 32's now? No more X?

Josh
&
Porthos
:smiley_drive:

[SKT]

I really like this rig and trailer...awesome job on it!!!

[Casper]

I really like this rig and trailer...awesome job on it!!!

Thanks man. In the mist of some changes to both right now. Nothing too major. I am lowering the truck by about 1 1/2 to 2 inches to fix a front driveline angle. New rear springs, new bigger tranny pan and relocated pickup tube. For the trailer I am continplating getting rid of the noise box. (it's hit the back of the X too many times) and will be replacing the Overland tent with a Maggilona (sp) Extreme.

I will post up when I get things done.

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos
:smiley_drive:

[XJINTX]

Yea, the X was built to where SAS was next. Just went back to an XJ for solid axles:)

Switched in a dana 44 in the rear and locked front and rear.

No regrets :) I'm gona run in the back and away from the coverage at GONE :)

Looking forward to seeing you... Ryan (airebornenurse) and I are in the cabins again this year.

[Inc]

Did you ever decide if you were going to run some hood louvers on your X, Josh?

I know you were contemplating it after seeing mine at ORI that day.

I'm looking forward to the changes in your rig and trailer. :ylsmoke:

[Casper]

Yep, I want to get louvers in before the summer. As I can't remember where you said to get them, can you remind me :coffeedrink:

Cheers
Josh
&
Porthos
:smiley_drive:

[Inc]

Yep, I want to get louvers in before the summer. As I can't remember where you said to get them, can you remind me :coffeedrink:

Cheers
Josh
&
Porthos
:smiley_drive:

Mine are made by Genright (http://www.genright.com/category.aspx?categoryID=117), you can also look at run cool (http://www.raceace.com/index.html). gen Right has a better variety, but the run cool are larger. It all depends on what will work on your Nissan I guess.

[Noxious007]

I want to make babies with that Xterra. :wings: I have an 02 that is still in it's off-roading infancy. If it turns out half as nice as yours I will consider it a huge success.

[Viggen]

Sorry if I missed it but stock motor? How does it handle the 35's, equipment and hauling the trailer?

[Casper]

Sorry if I missed it but stock motor? How does it handle the 35's, equipment and hauling the trailer?

Yea, still the stock motor for now. Only addition is the Volant CAI. As far as how it does, not bad. The 5.13's in the axles help. Hills tend to slow me down. If it's a big enough hill I can get down to 40-45 mph, that's fully loaded with the trailer. I am use to it by now. Gas millage is also ok. Not on hills and driving "nicely" I get around 17mpg.

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos

[Casper]

Ok, time for some updates. It's been a busy winter, and I had to fix a few issues with the X, and upgrade a few things. I don't have photos of everything, but I will post what I have. First off, as the truck sat pretty high, I have been having an issue with the front drive line angle, and as such I have burned up 3 of them last summer. There are lots of fixes for this, ranging from almost no cost to a complete redisign of the front suspention at a very high cost. I have opted for the "free" cost option for now. So what does that intale, well the X now sits almost 2 inches lower than before. For the front it just meant re-adjusting the front coil-overs to sit a tad lower, for the back it meant pulling out some of the AAL's. As I had a small issue with my rear springs last year I went ahead and replaced the set.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Ranom%20Trip%20Photos/IMG_2416.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Ranom%20Trip%20Photos/IMG_2420.jpg

I am now running a set of springs off a 2wd Frontier with only one AAL and the Calmini shackles. Sorry, no pics of the new ride highth. I think it looks good, but short. One of my friends says she can't tell I lowered it.

Next, axle shafts. The stock D44 shafts are good, but I broke 2 last year. So time to upgrade. Full chromoly inners and outers. These things are huge compared to stock. :wings:

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/AxleShots002.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/AxleShots001.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/AxleShots006.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/AxleShots004.jpg

These should be a tad stronger. This also solved another problem I had. The front end had a vibration when the hubs were locked that I thought was the drive shaft. Turns out one of my shafts was slightly bent. :Wow1:
More to come.

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos
:smiley_drive:

[Casper]

Ok, so next issue. As some of you know the Xterra with an auto tranny has a small issue. When climbing a steep angle that is quite long the tranny can sometimes get starved on fluid as it all runs to the back of the pan. With the help of a fellow Nissan friend (thanks again penski) I hope we have sovled this problem. He came up with the idea to make the pan deaper and extend the pickup tube. So, off to the junckyard he went. A dodge engine oil pan seamed to fit the bill. Trim it down, cut a hole in the stock Xterra trans pan and weld the two together. Volla, deaper pan.


http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/Transpan3.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/Transpan4.jpg


Next, the pickup tub. Of course Nissan could not make this one easy. The dam thing is square and not a standard size. So, off the the steel shop for some scrapp metal and then to ORI to have them weld it up for me. (no, I still can't weld, but am going to learn this summer) This is what we came up with.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2554.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2555.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2556.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2558.jpg

It now sits just shy of 1/2 an inch off the bottom of the pan. Same as when it had the stock pan. Hope this works. If not I am not into the mod for that much $$, and adding coolant capacity is always good. Of course, one project always seems to lead to the next, and with the deeper trans pan my skid plate no longer fit. So, got out the grinder and sawzall and this happened.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/SkidPlate001.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/SkidPlate003.jpg

The boys at ORI are finishing up the rest. (yes, I know, the lack of welding again, it's a dam good thing they sponsor me) New skid addition added, with cooling holes. Nuts welded to the backside so I can remove it to change out the fluid.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/Skid2.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/Skid1.jpg

So, I think that is it for now. Sorry for the lack of photos. When I work on the truck I just get so excited to get things done that I forget to take them.

Next up will be changes to the trailer. New tent gets picked up this week, and the nose box is going under the knife... but more on that towards the end of the week.

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos

[Casper]

So, on to a few trailer mods.

I love my rear bumper design, but it has an issue. When off road the fuel can holders can come in contact with the nose box of the trailer. So time to fix that. I have been going over in my head how to do it. I looked for new boxes, thought of maybe no box and the decided on this idea. Since I will not be using the original nose box with any of these ideas, and I really don't think its worth anything used, I decided to see if I could modify it to work. Another no cost solution.

First off, deciding how short to make it. Easy enough, the only thing I really need to keep in here is the battery. So after some measuring I came up with 11 inches. Next mark the box.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2608.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2611.jpg

The box then sat this way for a few days, as I remeasured everything several times. Then, last night this happened

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2614.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2615.jpg

Well, no turning back now.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2616.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2617.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2618.jpg

Side note, Martyn or Mario is you see this, I need some new "Built for Offroad" stickers.

Ok, next was to cut some notches in the corners to make bending it easier.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2620.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2621.jpg

Next post soon.

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos

[Casper]

Ok, next up was bending. I bought a set of sheet metal Visegrips. The front panel I tryed to bend the way it was. This worked ok, but not perfect. The corner came out a tad "rounded" and it was hard to do with the small sheet metal visegrips. I decided to make "releaf" cuts along the edge about 6 inches apart. This worked much better, allowing me to bend each smaller piece in one shot. Again, I got a tad excited, so I only got photos of the finished product.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2623.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2622.jpg

Valla, shortend nose box. It came out pretty darn good I think.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2625.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2624.jpg

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2626.jpg

Ummm, oops. Might have forgot one small part. :Wow1:

The box is now down at ORI getting a bottom welded in. Once done I can mount it and mount the battery inside.

Next mod some of you might have seen in another thread. I love my Overland tent. Nice and big, and comfortable. However I have been wanting one of the Maggiolina's for awhile. Easier to set up, and even more comfortable. Well, after talking with Mike I ordered one. Finally got it yesturday. Only one photo right now, but I will get more in teh next few days.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/downsized_0421001851.jpg

Thats it for now, but more to come later.

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos
:smiley_drive:

[Daddy]

I absolutely love your X!

Any new pictures of the new tent?

[Casper]

Thanks for the compliments.

I have some new photos but am having issues uploading them to my photobucket account. Once I figure that out I will get them up.

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos
:smiley_drive:

[Casper]

Updates, finally.
So, as most know I broke a few things in Moab this year. Passenger side radius arm short part and the driver’s side radius arm mount. As we know this seems to be the next week link in the Calmini design. From the research I have done, this seems to be more a problem with me pushing the kit past what it was designed for then a problem with their design. When you flex a radius arm setup like this to (or past) it’s binding point one of two (or both) things will happen. Since the binding stress is all on the short side of the radius arm, you will either break it, or the mount. Hmmm, go figure.

Anyway, I don’t want to have this problem again, so I dropped the X off at the shop. Unfortunately being sponsored has a down side (yea, I know. Who would have thought?) They have been so busy with customers that they didn’t have a chance to work on it until now. However, as usual the guys at ORI came through with flying colors. When I dropped it off I talked with Lance, the lead fab guy, told him my problem, and that I didn’t want to be fixing this again. He said he had just the perfect idea. So I let him come up with the design, and I have to say I like it.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/Newfrontsuspention001.jpg

He kept the main radius arm tubes, but removed the shorter arm. He then got the upper arms from a Rubicon Express long arm kit, made some mounts on my radius arms and welded them up.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/Newfrontsuspention003.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/Newfrontsuspention004.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/Newfrontsuspention007.jpg

He also ordered the axle mounts for the arms from Rubicon Express. The drivers side is a truss that goes over the pumkin, and the passanger side is a tall straight one to match the hiegth of the drivers side. We also moved the axle forward by about an 1 1/2 inches or so. It seems to flex great, even better than before.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/Newfrontsuspention005.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/Newfrontsuspention006.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/Newfrontsuspention002.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/DSC_0022.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/DSC_0021.jpg

And with the new setup I don’t get the binding anymore. Sweeeeeet. The down sides, no more front sway bar. Just ain’t enough room. It does however still drive nice, just can't take the round-abouts in town very fast. Perfect timing as well, since the Camp WAMP trip is this weekend.

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos
:bannana:

[Casper]

It looks like I also forgot to post up photos of my new RTT, so here you go.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2627.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2628.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2629.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2631.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2632.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2636.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2637.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2641.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2642.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Trailer%20Photos/IMG_2645.jpg

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos
:smiley_drive:

[Casper]

So, the last photos did not do it justice. You can "kinda" see the flex, and "kinda" see the brackets, but that just ain't good enough. So when I got home tonight I decided I owed you more and needed to flex it out better. So here you go.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2753.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2750.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2754.jpg

Ok, ok so it's not flexin on rocks and suuch, but hey, you work with what you got right.

Nice shot of the passenger side setup

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2752.jpg

Good clearance behind the drivers side front tire.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2759.jpg

Hmmm, not so good clearance in front on the same tire though. Gonna has to fix that.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2758.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2757.jpg

Good flex out of the rear.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2755.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2756.jpg

And a few more.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2760.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2761.jpg

And one of my two favorites.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2762.jpg

Lance and the guys at ORI know there **** and did one hell of a job.

More to come.

Josh
&
Porthos

[Casper]

Now, on to the front.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2764.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2765.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2766.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2767.jpg

A couple shots of the drivers side setup.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2769.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2768.jpg

Good stuffage of the rear.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2770.jpg

Enough clearance infront of the drivers side rear tire.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2772.jpg

Not so much room behind the rear tire though, more fixen

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2771.jpg

Shot of the passenger side front. Notice that it is "just" barely touching the bump stop.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2773.jpg

Nice side shot.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2777.jpg

And my second favorite shot.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2779.jpg

Notice in this one, and the one like it in the last post that the bottom of the raised tire is at, or just slightly higher that the top of the tire on the ground.

He flexes like a beast now.

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos

[Jean-Seb]

Wow ! Nice build ! It's giving me lots of ideas, thanks for sharing. :)

[4307]

NICE Build!:safari-rig:
I read your thread and developed a curiosity, maybe I missed something.
Just wondering, why didn't you go with high steer arms and machined knuckles?

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2159.jpg

NICE Build!:safari-rig:
I read your thread and developed a curiosity, maybe I missed something.
Just wondering, why you didn't go with high steer arms and machined knuckles?

[hovenator]

Awesome X. I noticed you have a T-Max winch......How do you like it? I am thinking of getting one as well, just would like some feedback from someone who actually uses one. Thanks for any info you could provide.

[Casper]

NICE Build!:safari-rig:
I read your thread and developed a curiosity, maybe I missed something.
Just wondering, why didn't you go with high steer arms and machined knuckles?

Simple really, with the track bar mount on the axle, this setup provides the best steering with absolutely no bump steer what so ever.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2160.jpg

As you can see, they line up perfectly. If I was to run high steer I would have to
A) Redesign where and how the track bar mounts, and still have some bump steer
or
B) Have suck wicked bump steer I would not want to /be able to drive it on the street.

So instead I decided to keep the design I have, and run a bullet proof drag link. :smiley_drive:


Awesome X. I noticed you have a T-Max winch......How do you like it? I am thinking of getting one as well, just would like some feedback from someone who actually uses one. Thanks for any info you could provide.

I absolutely love it. I got it from a sponsor I had. It pulls well, not super fast, but not super slow either. Is very controllable, meaning it stops when I want, starts when I want, no hesitation. It has been on the bumper for at least 3 or 4 years now, through very rough Truckee, Ca weather and still even looks good. Only one real complaint, and it's minor. The controller it has, has the ability to work plugged in with a nice long cable, or unplugged as a remote. After the first year the remote started working sparatically. Still works great plugged in though, so not really an issue. If I had it to do again, I would buy it again.

Hope that helps. :wings: and thanks for the compliments. :victory:

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos
:smiley_drive:

[hovenator]

Thanks for the info, just what I was hoping to hear. Is it the EW9000 you have?

[Casper]

No worries, I have the EW 9500.

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos
:smiley_drive:

[4307]

Simple really, with the track bar mount on the axle, this setup provides the best steering with absolutely no bump steer what so ever.

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2160.jpg

As you can see, they line up perfectly. If I was to run high steer I would have to
A) Redesign where and how the track bar mounts, and still have some bump steer
or
B) Have suck wicked bump steer I would not want to /be able to drive it on the street.

So instead I decided to keep the design I have, and run a bullet proof drag link. :smiley_drive:



I absolutely love it. I got it from a sponsor I had. It pulls well, not super fast, but not super slow either. Is very controllable, meaning it stops when I want, starts when I want, no hesitation. It has been on the bumper for at least 3 or 4 years now, through very rough Truckee, Ca weather and still even looks good. Only one real complaint, and it's minor. The controller it has, has the ability to work plugged in with a nice long cable, or unplugged as a remote. After the first year the remote started working sparatically. Still works great plugged in though, so not really an issue. If I had it to do again, I would buy it again.

Hope that helps. :wings: and thanks for the compliments. :victory:

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos
:smiley_drive:

I hear ya. just wondering.
In the Tacoma world most run high steer. I'm on the fence which suspension (linked or leafed) I want to run. I'll be running the same d44 as you.
Leafs, ya definitely need high steer to clear the leafs. 3 link, or radius arms i can either run high steer or the stock waggy knuckle, which I already have.

Did you rotate your knuckles?

[Casper]

I hear ya. just wondering.
In the Tacoma world most run high steer. I'm on the fence which suspension (linked or leafed) I want to run. I'll be running the same d44 as you.
Leafs, ya definitely need high steer to clear the leafs. 3 link, or radius arms i can either run high steer or the stock waggy knuckle, which I already have.

Did you rotate your knuckles?

Both setups you are considering are good, and have their good points and bad points. I really just like linked and radius arm setups.

I see the need for high steer with a leaf setup. With anything else I really don't. My steering is strong enough to support the truck (slipped off the jack and landed on the drag link :Wow1: ) The tubing is 1.5 but I don't remember the thickness. I can look it up if you need. It has Chevy 1 ton TRE's, and I carry spares just in case. It also sits high enough that I haven't really hit it on anything. I am not worried if I do.

Knuckle, I wish I had rotated them. I don't have a good drive line angle because of it. I tend to go through a set of u-joints a year. This however will be solved this summer. I am pulling out the Waggy axle and putting in a HP D44 out of a 77 F250. This will do a few things for me. One, solve my drive line angle. Two, give me a true 63' WMS to WMS without running spacers. I still have to narrow the long side axle tub, but that is easy. The nice thing is, once it's narrowed I will be running a long side waggy axle shaft on the long side and a stock F-250 axle shaft on the short side. This means I can still run off the shelf (or wrecking yard) shafts. :wings:

Good luck with yours. Question for you though, way not use a Trail gear housing for your front axle instead of a waggy? You could then run a HP in front and not worry about rotating the C's. Plus, with a set of "Dirty 30's" from them or longfields it will be WAY stronger then my D44. Just curious.

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos
:smiley_drive:

[Blain]

This X rocks!! The upside down PIAA Covers are a nice touch!

[4Rescue]

EDIT: ...http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/Xterra%20Modifications/IMG_2098.jpg... Whoops... Should have been this pic I posted... This is what I have that's simillar. a roof net.
First off SWEET rig Casper. I have the same net set-up (sort of, mines the full length of my top) and it's aone of my favorite camping mods. Wehn it get's too warm or too cold, the blankets (we sleep in the rig) are right there easy to find in the dark. Plus I put my clothes up there cause I can find them quickly when it's time to get up and I can leave everything in my pants and not have to stash everything in a cubby.

Neat rig, i can't wait to read all about it... I'm only on page 2 and I'm really impressed!!!

Cheers

Dave

[Casper]

Thanks for the compliments Dave. Only page two, you've got some reading ahead of you. Be warned, it could get kinda boring. :wings:

I like the idea of a full length roof net, however I don't think Porthos would like it, he barely fits as it is. :victory:

It's still a work in progress. Right now the big thing is putting it on a diet. I wieghed it a few weeks back, completely empty of gear, Porthos and parts, 5920. :Wow1: No wonder I can't climb a hill on the freeway at over 40 mph. :smiley_drive:

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos
:victory:

[Noxious007]

Casper,

You mentioned a dual battery in a post early on in your build thread. Do you have pictures? Where you able to fit a second battery in the engine bay?

[Casper]

Casper,

You mentioned a dual battery in a post early on in your build thread. Do you have pictures? Where you able to fit a second battery in the engine bay?

No pictures yet, kind hard to get to. Unfortunatly when I did my dual setup I just couldn't squeeze a second battery under the hood. At the time I didn't want to go with smaller batteries, so it just wouldn't fit. Thankfully I had no use for the area behind the front seats since I built a platform for Porthos to be nice and comfy back there. So the batteries are located under his plateform, just behind the front seats, one on each side. I really liked this area for a couple reasons. First, kinda wasted space for me since I have the plateform covering it, and second it gets the wieght of the batteries (those suckers are kinda heavy) as low as possible and out of the elements. Of course, there is the one drawback, if you carry passengers back there, it won't work. So not for everyone.

Search for "expeditionxterra" in this forum. He put two batteries under the hood in his X. Nice setup, he is useing smaller batteries, but they have just as much power (if not more) then mine.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos
:smiley_drive:

[Noxious007]

I'm looking at these Heim joints for my hinge.
http://rightsideperformance.com/i-4751554-rod-ends-heim-joints.html
I was thinking the .875"- 14 Thread .75" bore. They are rated for 39,000 pounds.

Does this look like a good option?
Do you remember what size Heims you are using?

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Yo Casper, how goesit ?

Haven't seen/talked to you since the lunch at ORI, which-

Brings me to my question-They've moved to Patrick-which is about 15 minutes from my place in Fernley-

Have you been to there new spot and would you recommend them installing a set of 5.13s in my JKU Rubi (yellow)??

Hows that little pup of yours ??

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

[Casper]

Hey Noxious007, Those look to be good. I don't remember what size I used, but I can go out and measure them later today.

Jimbo, good to hear from you. Yea, they moved and I think they may have even changed their name as well. I haven't been there or had any contact from them since they moved. As long as Lance is still their lead tech then I can still recommend them. He has always done great work whether it was wrenching or custom fab.

Porthos is doing great, outside now playing in all this new snow. At least he likes it. :)

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Great, thanx Casper-I'm going up there Sunday and I'll visit them next week and find out about if Lance is still there-



Hey Noxious007, Those look to be good. I don't remember what size I used, but I can go out and measure them later today.

Jimbo, good to hear from you. Yea, they moved and I think they may have even changed their name as well. I haven't been there or had any contact from them since they moved. As long as Lance is still their lead tech then I can still recommend them. He has always done great work whether it was wrenching or custom fab.

Porthos is doing great, outside now playing in all this new snow. At least he likes it. :)

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos

The JKU Rubi Dana 44s aren't much different than the others, it's just the touchy LOCKER position and I'm not about to doit myself in a 30 degree garage-

Is the Jackson Meadow Reservoir road closed, or can you go south -snow probably pretty deep towards Bowman/Sawmill ??

Cheers

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

[Noxious007]

Hey Noxious007, Those look to be good. I don't remember what size I used, but I can go out and measure them later today.

Jimbo, good to hear from you. Yea, they moved and I think they may have even changed their name as well. I haven't been there or had any contact from them since they moved. As long as Lance is still their lead tech then I can still recommend them. He has always done great work whether it was wrenching or custom fab.

Porthos is doing great, outside now playing in all this new snow. At least he likes it. :)

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos


If you could measure that would be great. Thanks Josh!

[Casper]

So, in my never ending quest to improve my X I have decided it needs to loose weight. Had it at the scales about a month ago and it came in at 5920. No wonder it's so underpowered.

First off was the dual swings for the rear bumper. Though I like them, I really don't need them, since I have the ability to carry 20 gallons of water and 10 gallons of gas on the trailer, and I can carry the spare inside the X or on the trailer if needed. Just unbolted them for the time being, plans are to replace the bumper completely....I think. As I pull stuff of I am weighing it. The two swings together with nothing on them weigh in at just under a 130lbs. (it's actually scarry when you think about it, 130 for the metal, 100 for the tire, 40 for the fuel, 40 for the water. That's 310 lbs hanging off the very back of the X)

Next off was the rack. I love this rack, but in reality I just don't use it for it's intent. It weighed in at just over 150 lbs. :Wow1: Not sure if I am going to put the lights back on the roof or not, kinda like the look of it bald. :victory: Matches me. :victory:
So, all said and done the X lost almost 300 lbs this weekend. Took it for a spin, he's more "peppy" and doesn't lean anywhere near as much going around coners. I'm happy, now to find more things that weight too much and pull them off.

Couple photos of the "bald X"

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/816939123_photobucket_46690_.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/816939123_photobucket_46692_.jpg

Cheers,
Josh
&
Porthos
:smiley_drive:

[mortonm]

Great truck! great trailer! Great Build!

This may make me seem like a grammar nazi but when you use the phrase Valla! i believe what you are looking for is Voila!

its French, a combination of the words vois (to see) and la (there) literally means look there.

keep up the great work!

[Casper]

Great truck! great trailer! Great Build!

This may make me seem like a grammar nazi but when you use the phrase Valla! i believe what you are looking for is Voila!

its French, a combination of the words vois (to see) and la (there) literally means look there.

keep up the great work!

Thanks mortonm, as for being a grammer nazi, no worries. I fully except that I can't spell or use the right words from time to time. I'm better with numbers and vehicles than I am with spelling and grammer. :)

Nothing new to report on the X at this point. Things stalled out last year do to lack of money, lossing Porthos and then moving out of California. But things are looking up. I have a great new job in Colorado, and will be moving into a place I can start working on the X again next week. So stay tuned, as I have some rather large plans. :)

Cheers,
JP

[JIMBO]

:smiley_drive: oh crap, Casper, I'm really sorry to hear about Porthos--and your job-



Thanks mortonm, as for being a grammer nazi, no worries. I fully except that I can't spell or use the right words from time to time. I'm better with numbers and vehicles than I am with spelling and grammer. :)

Nothing new to report on the X at this point. Things stalled out last year do to lack of money, lossing Porthos and then moving out of California. But things are looking up. I have a great new job in Colorado, and will be moving into a place I can start working on the X again next week. So stay tuned, as I have some rather large plans. :)

Cheers,
JP

I hope everything else is OK-

:coffee: JIMBO

[Casper]

Hey Jimbo,
Thanks. Loosing Porthos was really tough. He was just too young. I truly thought I would never get another pup again. Well, things change. I moved to Nederland, Colorado last October for a new job (truly love both the job and the area). While I have good friends here already, and made many more when I moved I still felt a tad lonely at night. A good friend close by told me about a friend of his that bred Alaskan Malamutes. I had a look and one thing led to another. I now have a new (not a replacement, just a new mind you) traveling buddy and furry friend. His name is Aramis (yep, I still love the Musketeers) He was born on January 15th of this year.

His first ride home.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/18d37294.jpg

Checking out the new house.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/e7296074.jpg

Eating my shoe.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/52984a51.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/f3e9320e.jpg

Squeaky ball fun
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/23f25f0c.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/8edb0ef3.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/91075070.jpg

All tuckered out from a big first day.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/7838a025.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/9658e3c2.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/9d1cd1a6.jpg

First shopping trip.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/7e27804a.jpg

Being a goofy puppy. :)
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/f43b3bcb.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/36c9824a.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/8e23513c.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/4391cbfd.jpg

Chilling outside.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/f6351100.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/4a2f75c6.jpg


First ride in the X.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/8b287fa8.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/eb519efa.jpg

And finally big enough to get on the sofa.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/f5f4a1c0.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/2d060a22.jpg


Having a puppy is..... a learning experience, but I'm getting it.

Cheers,
Josh

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Beautiful pup and I'm sure you're gonna see a lotta Porthos inem--

We all have to move now and then and we can be real lucky if the "MOVE" has more +'s than -'s, I'm glad you found a goodun--

I probably won't getta chance to seeya, I doubt if I'll be going to Colorado for a while--I'm going over to the Bowman area for 3/4 days and I have to goto Coeur-D-Alane for a week, then Las Vegas, so

Everybody's gotta story-

Glad everythings OK-

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

[scottymcdonald]

Hi there, Can you post some photos of the custom back seat set up you made for your dog?

Thanks!

[Casper]

Hey Scotty,
I think I posted all the ones I had, but if you can give me a few day I will see about taking some new ones. Any particular shots you are interested in seeing?

Cheers,
Josh

[Adventure IQ]

Hey Jimbo,
Thanks. Loosing Porthos was really tough. He was just too young. I truly thought I would never get another pup again. Well, things change. I moved to Nederland, Colorado last October for a new job (truly love both the job and the area). While I have good friends here already, and made many more when I moved I still felt a tad lonely at night. A good friend close by told me about a friend of his that bred Alaskan Malamutes. I had a look and one thing led to another. I now have a new (not a replacement, just a new mind you) traveling buddy and furry friend. His name is Aramis (yep, I still love the Musketeers) He was born on January 15th of this year.

His first ride home.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/18d37294.jpg

Checking out the new house.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/e7296074.jpg

Eating my shoe.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/52984a51.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/f3e9320e.jpg

Squeaky ball fun
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/23f25f0c.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/8edb0ef3.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/91075070.jpg

All tuckered out from a big first day.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/7838a025.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/9658e3c2.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/9d1cd1a6.jpg

First shopping trip.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/A%20new%20begining-Aramis/7e27804a.jpg

Being a goofy puppy. :)
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/f43b3bcb.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/36c9824a.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/8e23513c.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/4391cbfd.jpg

Chilling outside.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/f6351100.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/4a2f75c6.jpg


First ride in the X.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/8b287fa8.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/eb519efa.jpg

And finally big enough to get on the sofa.
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/f5f4a1c0.jpg
http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv22/JSPalmieri/2d060a22.jpg


Having a puppy is..... a learning experience, but I'm getting it.

Cheers,
Josh

Been luking in the X area a bit since my 4x4 is a wrangler and my X is 2wd. Looking for an affordable 4x4 X now...
Understand about the pup. Lost my best pal in a Jeep accident a 18 months ago. Not long afterwards I picked up Trigger, who by no means is a replacement....just a new pal.

Anyway, love the thread and giving me tons of ideas for my next X. Looking in the 2003 to 2007 range....