ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
I know! I have nothing to do this weekend too! I just don't have a clue where to go, and nobody to go with me. I am too noob-ish to go alone. Bay area sucks for wheeling.
ShuManChu's Build Thread
- Thread starter ddddddd
- Start date
I know! I have nothing to do this weekend too! I just don't have a clue where to go, and nobody to go with me. I am too noob-ish to go alone. Bay area sucks for wheeling.
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
A friend let me borrow his 12" 1/2" extension bar, so it looks like I'll be changing the front diff fluid this weekend. I have the transmission fluid as well, but I don't really like the idea of having to pump 10 quarts into the tranny using the dinky little screw on pump that I have. Just filling the rear diff with 3 quarts took about 25 mins to pump.
Pull the shifter and dump it in the top? Grab some hose so you can get the bottle vertical?
Sent via wild ferrets on crack
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
The only problem I have with that is that there would be a bunch of wasted fluid in the hose, and I have *Exactly* the right amount of redline mt-90 for both the tranny and x-fer case. I think I have like less than 1/2 a quart to spare. So I think i'll just have to man up and get pumping.
Well, then blow some compressed air through the hose when done.
Sent via wild ferrets on crack
- Location
- Denver Adjacent
If it wasn't PITA to pull the shifter I totally would do it that way. That's how I change the fluid in the Mustang tranny. On the truck it's so high off the ground that it's actually pretty easy to pump it.
Pneumatic actuated fluid pump, btw.
/the easy way
Pneumatic actuated fluid pump, btw.
/the easy way
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
Thanks for the suggestion, I had to google that. Might be overkill for this though. Plus my dinky air compressor is worthless. I have been scouting out the black friday leaked ads for a new air compressor. Then I can get a 800 ft-lb impact gun and actually be able to supply 4 SCFM at 90 psi.
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
Well, then blow some compressed air through the hose when done.
Sent via wild ferrets on crack
I will have to try this. Thanks for the tip.
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
Finished the front diff drain/fill on Saturday. While I was down there I found some troubling signs.
1. There was some oil around the bottom of the timing belt cover. I am worried that the crank oil seal I replaced may be leaking. At this point, the leak is extremely slow, it will make 1 drop of oil every few days.
2. There was some coolant around the transmission. At the front of the transmission. Hard to describe where. But again, there was just a little drop there, and my coolant level has held pretty much constant for the last few weeks.
I'll post a video in a bit showing what I am talking about.
1. There was some oil around the bottom of the timing belt cover. I am worried that the crank oil seal I replaced may be leaking. At this point, the leak is extremely slow, it will make 1 drop of oil every few days.
2. There was some coolant around the transmission. At the front of the transmission. Hard to describe where. But again, there was just a little drop there, and my coolant level has held pretty much constant for the last few weeks.
I'll post a video in a bit showing what I am talking about.
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
Ya that would be great!
there used to be 4x4norcal aka norcalxterra but i don't see many people post there anymore. need to get them here
Last edited:
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
It's been a while, I have been kept really busy at work. Had some time yesterday to remove and repaint the cowl and wiper arms. This was the last bit of plastic (aside from the door handles) that was still nasty faded grey, so it looked out of place with all the nice bedlined trim everywhere else.
I decided to use regular flat black auto primer, instead of bedliner. I just figured it was in a place that wasn't going to be scrapped up or bumped much.
Here are a couple of pics, but they don't do it justice. I wish I had done a before pic, but I forgot of course.
I decided to use regular flat black auto primer, instead of bedliner. I just figured it was in a place that wasn't going to be scrapped up or bumped much.
Here are a couple of pics, but they don't do it justice. I wish I had done a before pic, but I forgot of course.
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
I went to the desert for some dirtbiking, and took my car up the nearest hill. It was quite fun, I added several racing stripes to my paint job. Here are some pics:
I'm the photographer in this photo.
After we got back, I noticed that my X is sagging on the drivers side, rear axle. I wonder if I busted something on the leaf pack. I'll have to check it out and post some pics.
I'm the photographer in this photo.
After we got back, I noticed that my X is sagging on the drivers side, rear axle. I wonder if I busted something on the leaf pack. I'll have to check it out and post some pics.
xterraminator
Wheeling
- Location
- Maple Ridge,BC
Getting the cowl out how hard is it? I wanted to do this, just have had no time to see what is required in getting it out. Looks so much better!
Not too bad. Pull the wiper arms, pull the rubber seal on the front of the cowl under the hood, remove the antenna, then start yanking on the passenger half. You'll probably want a screwdriver to help pry underneath it. Shouldn't have to say this, but do be careful on the windshield as the edge there could chip easily.
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
100% accurate. Couldn't have said it better myself.
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
I went on a backpacking trip last weekend which started out at Voyager Rock Campground by Courtright Reservoir. That means I had to drive the first part of the Dusy Ershim trail. This was the most difficult 4x4 road I have ever done, and it was pushing the limits of my xterra. I had issues with ground clearance, suspension travel, and traction. I know that the section of the Dusy Ershim that I drove (entrance to voyager rock) is considered the easiest part of the trail, but it was still scary to me at times. I had a lot of fun getting through it and I am very proud of my Xterra for making it though, especially loaded down with tons of gear and 3 people.
After going through that trail, it makes me want to get a 3" SL and 33" tires. Based on the 3" SL how to thread, the whole upgrade (shocks, AAL, UCAs, TBs, IAB, HD TRAs) with the recommended HD steering upgrade would run me about 4,000.
1,100 for the AC lift kit
1,300 for the AC Steering kit
1,200 for 33" tires
400 for 15" wheels
What do you guys think? Are there cheaper options to the AC packages?
After going through that trail, it makes me want to get a 3" SL and 33" tires. Based on the 3" SL how to thread, the whole upgrade (shocks, AAL, UCAs, TBs, IAB, HD TRAs) with the recommended HD steering upgrade would run me about 4,000.
1,100 for the AC lift kit
1,300 for the AC Steering kit
1,200 for 33" tires
400 for 15" wheels
What do you guys think? Are there cheaper options to the AC packages?
Last edited:
Cruecible
Titan Swapped / SAS'd
- Location
- Albuquerque, NM
The guy who said "Ahhhhhhhh thasa flex shot" made me want to punch a kitten. That trail looks pretty timid to me, but it could just be the video angles and what not.
Folks have their opinions on body lifts, but I like mine in the 2" flavor and it makes running 33's a little easier. You can piece together your own steering "package" for around $400 total (that's off the top of my head, but I think that's about right), and you can piece together the suspension kit if you keep an eye out for people selling things. I'd say every other month or so, someone parts out a lifted Xterra and it's a chance to get most of the things you need for cheap.
Depending on what wheels you want, those can be had for a little cheaper too, and I think you're grossly over-estimating the cost for 33" tires. Unless you're going for 12.5" wide BFG mud terrains
Folks have their opinions on body lifts, but I like mine in the 2" flavor and it makes running 33's a little easier. You can piece together your own steering "package" for around $400 total (that's off the top of my head, but I think that's about right), and you can piece together the suspension kit if you keep an eye out for people selling things. I'd say every other month or so, someone parts out a lifted Xterra and it's a chance to get most of the things you need for cheap.
Depending on what wheels you want, those can be had for a little cheaper too, and I think you're grossly over-estimating the cost for 33" tires. Unless you're going for 12.5" wide BFG mud terrains
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
Yeah that guy was my brother. He drives a GTI and doesn't go off road.
The trail is probably timid, but like I said it was a big step up for me and my experience.
My 32" GY Duratracs cost me 980 out the door. So I figured an extra 50 bucks a tire for 33's was reasonable. Also, I might end up buying 5 tires and 5 wheels and ditch the stock spare.
I don't really want to do a body lift at this point. I would rather stick with suspension lift and 32" tires, or just do the cutting required to fit 33".
Cruecible
Titan Swapped / SAS'd
- Location
- Albuquerque, NM
Totally understandable with the body lift, like I said it's really a coin toss on people's opinions of them. As for the Duratracs though... those wheels you have now are 16's right? I can only speak on going from a 17" wheel to a 15", but the price difference for tires was drastic between them. I think it was like $75 more per tire for the 17" one than the 15". It's been a while since I looked though.
It was more so your brother's voice than what he said lol
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
Haha yeah I'll have to tell him that. I told him not to do any commentary but he didn't listen.
Cruecible
Titan Swapped / SAS'd
- Location
- Albuquerque, NM
I think it's programmed into men's DNA to John Madden everything when behind a camera lol
- Location
- All over PA
"On this third down play they're going to want to either run or pass..." lmao
Cruecible
Titan Swapped / SAS'd
- Location
- Albuquerque, NM
"When the quarterback gets the ball and he has an open receiver, it's just a smart move to throw it to him."
My kids will never know the joy of watching an NFL game while he commentates
My kids will never know the joy of watching an NFL game while he commentates
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
Maintenance work
FINALLY got around to replacing the transmission and x-fer case fluid. It only took me 3 years.
It was a good thing I did replace the fluids, because only half a quart came out of my x-fer case. It holds 3.5 quarts!!
First I drained all the fluid:
Take a look at the drain plug. This is 160K miles of gunk buildup:
And here is the drain plug all cleaned up:
Then I pumped the new fluid in, which took a long time and the cheap harbor freight transfer pump hoses kept collapsing under the suction:
FINALLY got around to replacing the transmission and x-fer case fluid. It only took me 3 years.
It was a good thing I did replace the fluids, because only half a quart came out of my x-fer case. It holds 3.5 quarts!!
First I drained all the fluid:
Take a look at the drain plug. This is 160K miles of gunk buildup:
And here is the drain plug all cleaned up:
Then I pumped the new fluid in, which took a long time and the cheap harbor freight transfer pump hoses kept collapsing under the suction:
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
I also started working on my next mod:
Too bad they aren't wired up yet. I'm still waiting on the rest of the stuff to show up in the mail (should be here today though).
Too bad they aren't wired up yet. I'm still waiting on the rest of the stuff to show up in the mail (should be here today though).
- Location
- Denver Adjacent
Looking good!
- Location
- All over PA
nice.
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
Here's a sneak peak at what's next.
- Location
- Denver Adjacent
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
If only it would stop raining! Bet you didn't expect that to come out of a Californian haha but seriously, drought or not, wiring the car in the rain is no fun.
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
Wiring project part 1
I was able to get a bit of work done in the garage last night.
I installed a dual 2.1A USB charger with battery voltmeter in the spot where the aux 12V plug was. It was a direct drop in replacement, no cutting needed.
Then I went to work on the switch panel.
I was able to get a bit of work done in the garage last night.
I installed a dual 2.1A USB charger with battery voltmeter in the spot where the aux 12V plug was. It was a direct drop in replacement, no cutting needed.
Then I went to work on the switch panel.
Joey
First Fill-Up (of many)
- Location
- Indianapolis
Hey, I'm looking for a thin piece of plastic like that to mount gauges, were did you get it?
- Location
- All over PA
I was able to get a bit of work done in the garage last night.
I installed a dual 2.1A USB charger with battery voltmeter in the spot where the aux 12V plug was. It was a direct drop in replacement, no cutting needed.
Then I went to work on the switch panel.
Very nice. I like that alot.
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
That was kydex, a thermo-mold plastic which I use for making knife sheaths. I have a bunch of it on hand so I used it. There are probably more suitable materials out there though.
Here is a link to the kydex if you're interested:
http://usaknifemaker.com/accessorie...ex-related/kydex-black-080-x11-75-x11-75.html
Joey
First Fill-Up (of many)
- Location
- Indianapolis
Thank you, I think it will work perfect!
ddddddd
Bought an X
- Location
- los angeles
Hey guys, PSA: don't buy cheap chinese LED lighting products.
18W my a$$:
.9A * 12.5V = 11.25W
11.25W right off the bat! It only went down from there as the light heated up and couldn't dissipate the heat properly. After 30 minutes of being left on, the light was piping hot and was drawing 0.8A which is 10W.
Additionally, when they cut away the wire jacket, they cut deep into the actual wires which reduces the actual wire gauge, and creates exposed wiring.
Lastly, they WAY over-tightened the screws on the side caps, causing the cheap gasket sealing them to split in two.
What do you expect for 20 bucks I guess?
18W my a$$:
.9A * 12.5V = 11.25W
11.25W right off the bat! It only went down from there as the light heated up and couldn't dissipate the heat properly. After 30 minutes of being left on, the light was piping hot and was drawing 0.8A which is 10W.
Additionally, when they cut away the wire jacket, they cut deep into the actual wires which reduces the actual wire gauge, and creates exposed wiring.
Lastly, they WAY over-tightened the screws on the side caps, causing the cheap gasket sealing them to split in two.
What do you expect for 20 bucks I guess?