Xterra questions.
- Thread starter mnfeo2
- Start date
Dmski
Adventurer
I don't believe there is a detroit for the front but could someone verify? I know the front pretty much is stuck with ARB and Lokka, and are both great options. I've had both the first and second gen now and have loved both.
The first gen is a simple design, easy to work on but does lack power and refinement that the second gen has. First gen also had a few recalls and things to pay antention to such as the fuel sending unit and early gens cracking exhaust manifolds. It is an interferance engine as well which means the timing belt needs to be changed at 100k. But the VG33 engine has been around for years and is a work horse of an engine. Very stout little rigs.
I've been pleased with the second gen so far, and the only ailments to be wary of is the automatic transmissions having the SMOD issue and what people say is a weaker front diff, but that is usually overplayed with talk on the forums and I have yet to meet someone who has actually blown one, but it is something to keep in mind and go easier on the skinny in rocky/high wheel spin situations I suppose. They do very well off road stock, and returns excellent fuel mileage for a 265HP SUV in my opinion. Plenty of aftermarket for your upgrade needs, and are not overly complicated to work on even with the added electronics. If you want/need a locker, wait for a Pro-4x in the later years with a 6 speed manual and just have at it!
The first gen is a simple design, easy to work on but does lack power and refinement that the second gen has. First gen also had a few recalls and things to pay antention to such as the fuel sending unit and early gens cracking exhaust manifolds. It is an interferance engine as well which means the timing belt needs to be changed at 100k. But the VG33 engine has been around for years and is a work horse of an engine. Very stout little rigs.
I've been pleased with the second gen so far, and the only ailments to be wary of is the automatic transmissions having the SMOD issue and what people say is a weaker front diff, but that is usually overplayed with talk on the forums and I have yet to meet someone who has actually blown one, but it is something to keep in mind and go easier on the skinny in rocky/high wheel spin situations I suppose. They do very well off road stock, and returns excellent fuel mileage for a 265HP SUV in my opinion. Plenty of aftermarket for your upgrade needs, and are not overly complicated to work on even with the added electronics. If you want/need a locker, wait for a Pro-4x in the later years with a 6 speed manual and just have at it!
drbandkgb
Xterra Junky
I have personally seen 5 go.. From the case actually cracked to the internals chewed up.. and Almost every time it was do to wheel hop (Too much skinny pedal)
I can tell you one thing about the community though.. They are tight.. They seem to help each other like crazy..
No matter what part of the US you're in.
Here is our basic X we bought a few years ago..
Now: 2" Nisstec SL, White Knuckle sliders, Ironman4x4 awning, Heps designs drop in roof rack, InSAIN fab rear tire carrier
Raingler nets
My 2000
Now:
Id look at what people do with them on the forums..
www.xterranation.org
www.thenewx.org
PolarBearX
Observer
As said before, 2005- 2010ish Xterra's run the risk of SMOD. Get a brand spanking new one.
Dmski
Adventurer
Dang 5?! That is incredible! You are making up for the lack of my sightings i guess. DRB is right though, there is a very great community on the forums and in the form of clubs all around that are willing to help with advice, get togethers/trail runs and troubleshooting stuff. If anything, its a great group of people that love X's!
Nice 09' by the way! That is more or less my goal at the early stages.
ryandavenport
Adventurer
He is right about too much throttle causing it. I'm sure there is some relation to tire size and weight, but I have been wheeling mine for 2 years on 34s and full armor with no issues (knock on wood). Knowing how to drive and proper throttle control can take you a long way in the X. Not only does it help keep the front diff together, but it also works well with ABLS which is an EXCELLENT traction aid when there are multiple wheels off of the ground.