Granite4x2's 2004 build

[Scott Peele]

Here is my 2004 Granite XTerra. I bought it new in March '04 and just recently caught the Mod Bug. One thing I have always liked is a build that is subtle, without that 'just went to the auto accessory aisle at Wal Mart and threw every useless gadget at my car' look.
Mods include:
K&N FIPK Cold Air Intake, where I also eliminated all of the factory air box stuff including inside the fender - done myself.

Magna Flow cat back exhaust system - tried to do myself, ended up taking it to a muffler shop. $80 well spent after hours of swearing at and beating on the old exhaust.

Front seats reupholstered. Drivers' side had a tear on the side bolster but I had both seats done to match.

LED's installed in map lights, dome lights, turn signals (with load resistors) brake and reverse lights

Raceline wheels - 981 series-Raptor black 16"

Running boards and mud flaps removed

Pioneer DEH-X6500BT head unit, Pioneer 6x9 3 ways in back, 6 1/2 3 ways in front. Stock tweeters

Nissan logos bedlined black

Rear sway bar removed

New bumper finisher and kick plate assembly from courtesyparts at 71500
http://www.courtesyparts.com/85834-f...04-p-4227.html
http://www.courtesyparts.com/kb_sear....php?keywords=[74988X]+\(wd22&cPath=532_14_17_21

New distributor cap and rotor

OEM fog lights installed - wired to stay on when using high beams.

Front end lifted 1 1/2" with torsion bar adjustment to level out the stance.

Bilstien 4600 series shocks on all 4 corners

Cooper Discover ATP tires 265/70/R16

Front and rear door sill plates bedlined black

All exterior plastics removed and painted with Krylon Fusion satin black

Rear bumper top trim bedlined black.


My X is not a 4X4, so a lot of you may find it rather dull and pedestrian. But hey, it's my daily driver and with the exception of replacing a timing belt before it blew I have never had any trouble with it. Hope you all like it!

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[drbandkgb]

Right on man!

 

[metzican]

Nice start on your build. That mod bug can burn a hole in anyone's pocket. I don't think anyone will look down on a 2x4 there are some real nice ones on here and a lot of times they make more sense for where people live and how they use them.

 

[Scott Peele]

Thanks! It's been fun to see and feel the improvements in power and appearance. I'm not sure what I will do next. Power and torque are things I would like to improve, but I am limited by the # of California legal aftermarket performance parts. The CAI and cat back exhaust did make a huge difference - even my seventeen year old daughter noticed the power increase :happy: and I highly recommend these mods to the nation. I am leaning towards improving the handling next, as it is still riding on the 2004 suspension. I've thought about maybe a PML on the front just to level it out. I've never really liked the lower in front stance. So maybe some KYB or bilsteins will be in the near future.

 

[Muadeeb]

I put some KYBs on about a year ago and they now feel like my 10 year old factory shocks: bouncy. Save up for the Bils.

Sent via wild ferrets on crack

 

[Scott Peele]

Getting the timing belt replaced today, along with the water pump and thermostat.

 

[granitex]

Do all of the belts and hoses while you art in there, cheap insurance in the long run.

 

[Scott Peele]

I agree - actually had all the drive belts and hoses replaced in September. Hey Granite, do you have any suggestions for a good aftermarket shock (front and rear) for a 2WD X?

 

[Scott Peele]

Well, the front end is finally done. All the plastic trim, the grille , the bumper cover, and the lower air dam have been painted Krylon Fusion satin black. The center trim bar on the grille has bee painted with KY2 touch up to match the body, and the foglights are installed. It looks really good - many comments on how it makes the X look new. I see so many other X's around town that have badly faded plastics and I wish I could tell them all how easy it is to restore them.
Tomorrow - the PML gets done, but only on the front as my goal is to level out the truck - getting rid of that nose down rake.

 

[Scott Peele]

PML is finished. I only did the front because my main goal was to level out the truck. There is now only 1/2" difference front to back, instead of the 2" stock rake. The X looks so much better now. So far I do not notice any difference in steering or handling. Many thanks to the Nation for all the guidance, advice, and great ideas!

 

[drbandkgb]

Looking great man!

I love that color

 

[Scott Peele]

Thanks drb!

 

[Xterraforce]

That's a good looking Xterra. I understand why Nissan kept the front lower for aerodynamics and such but I'll take the level look any day. That was one of the first mods I did.

 

[Scott Peele]

Thanks Xterraforce! Can't say that aerodynamics was a big concern for me. I will never get more than 15-16 mpg anyways, so I might as well have it look the way I want, IMO.

 

[Scott Peele]

New Cooper ATP's!

New tires today! Got Cooper Discover ATP's in 265/70/R16. 55,000 mi warranty, $144 each minus $18 trade in per tire from Discount tire.

 

[Scott Peele]

Also put the Bilstein 4600's on all four corners last night - Hour and a half start to finish, no need to jack up the truck or remove any tires. Easy Peasy.