ShuManChu's Build Thread

ddddddd · Oct 24, 2013

Hello, here you will find my build thread and the latest pics of my X.

2001 Xterra SE 4x4 5 speed

Stock:

Current:

List of Mods:

Exterior:

Removed side steps
Chrome Exhaust Tip
Shrockworks front bumper
Repainted Grille (black bedliner)
Repainted trim (black bedliner)
Repainted roof rack (black bedliner)
Repainted cowl & wiper arms (flat black)
Installed Bottle Opener on front bumper
Electrical wiring
- Blue sea systems fuse box
- 100A resetable breaker
- 4x SPDT fully potted waterproof relays
- 5x Toggle switches in cab
Installed front LED Spot lights 18W each
Installed front 20" LED Spot/Flood combo lightbar 130W
Installed rear backup LED flood lights
Installed Prodigy P3 trailer brake controller and 7 pin harness

Interior:

Panasonic Head Unit
2x 10" Polk Audio subs
300W mono amp
Maglite holder (Driver door)
Added cabin air filter

Engine:

Flowmaster Muffler
Intake Mod (removed resonators, cleaned MAF)
K&N Drop in Air Filter
Knock Sensor Bypass
'02 S/C Radiator

Suspension and Tires:

Rear sway bar delete
PML
265/75/R16 123Q GY Duratracs (32")

Maintenance:

Spark Plugs (120K)
Spark Plug Wires (120K)
Distributor Cap (120K)
Distributor Rotor (120K)
Clutch Master Cylinder (90K) (135K)
Clutch Slave (135K)
Clutch hose (135K)
Battery (120K)
Oil Change (133K, 138K, 144K, 149K, 154K, 160K)
Wheel Alignment (151K, 158K)
Replaced wire clamps with worm clamps on P/S system (133K)
New P/S return pressure tube (133K)
Timing Belt (133K)
Water Pump (133K)
Cam & Crank Oil Seals (133K)
Thermostat (133K)
Drive Belts (133K)
Rear Diff drain/fill (134K)
Front Diff drain/fill (135K)
Fluid Flushes (Tranny, X-fer) (160K)
All new radiator hoses (161K)
Coolant Flush (161K)
Power Steering fluid flush (161K)

To Do:

Re-polish and SEAL headlights (this time i'll seal them I promise)
Rear diff breather extension
IAB
Bilstein HDs front & rear
Cut fog light holes in Shrockworks bumper
Bosch Compact 100 Selective Yellow fog lights with Narva Rangepower +50 55W H3 halogen bulbs
Full skid plates
Sliders
Shrockworks rear bumper w/tire carrier
3" SL
15" wheels
33" Tires
HD Steering upgrade

ddddddd · Oct 24, 2013

Here are some more pics of the mods I have done.

Panasonic Head unit from Crutchfield, it came with all the wiring harnesses and adapters I needed. Pretty easy installation. Notice the little blue light down in that hole next to the 12V power plug, it is a switch that cuts power to the amplifier for the Subwoofers.

2 10" Polk Audio subs, with a 300W mono amp.

Flowmaster Muffler

Chrome exhaust tip that is old and discolored.

ddddddd · Oct 24, 2013

I had some time to put on the Shrockworks front bumper. It was not too bad, the damage to the front bumper caused by a small collision I had a while back had bent some of the mounting points for the grille and bumper, so removal was a bit more difficult.

While I had it off, I decided to repaint the grille. I noticed that several people here have liked the black spray on bed liner, so I went with that and it turned out great.

I also used a 3M headlight restoration kit on my headlights. I am really impressed with the results, I wish I had done this sooner.

Lastly, I mounted some maglite clips to the driver's side front door.

Here are some photos:

And last but not least, I added the included Shrockworks sticker to the back window; from what I've read here, this provides a guaranteed increase in HP.

ddddddd · Oct 24, 2013

Here is the before and after of the headlight restoration.

Before

After:

ddddddd · Oct 24, 2013

Added my old fog lights to the Shrockworks front bumper today, and removed the rear sway bar. That thing was a PITA, I have been soaking the bolts in PB blaster for a week, and they still wouldn't budge. I had to use the handle from my floor jack as a breaker bar.

ddddddd · Oct 24, 2013

Thought I would post a close up of the bumper and grille. I cant believe how much of a difference painting the grille and polishing up the headlights makes.

ddddddd · Oct 24, 2013

This weekend I had some time work on the X. I repainted the nasty faded plastic trim with Krylon Bedliner, did the air intake mod, and the knock sensor bypass.

Fender Repaint:

Before:

After:

Air Intake Mod:

I still need to pick up a drop in K&N air filter. Probably do that tomorrow during lunch.

The knock sensor bypass was super easy. I had a bunch of 560K Ohm resistors already, no need for a long series chain of resistors.

I have about 8 more 560K ohm resistors, which I would be happy to mail if someone needs one. Just PM me your address.

I'll monitor my MPG and report back with the results. Right now I am getting about 13 MPG, hopefully it will go back up to the usual 14 MPG that I used to get. Although, it is going to be hard to gauge, because I haven't even had the Shrock bumper on long enough to run through a full tank of gas.

Xterraforce · Oct 24, 2013

Those are some nice improvements you've made so far. I'll be watching to see what's next.

AZhiAZiAM · Oct 24, 2013

Your so close to bad I just sold my x!

Xterrafauss · Oct 24, 2013

Eyyyyy I know that build. Welcome to the fun site man!

drbandkgb · Oct 24, 2013

Welcome into XN!

Great start on that Xterra

ddddddd · Oct 24, 2013

Thanks for the kind words everybody!

So what's the deal with the two different websites, CX and XN? It looks to me like most people use both. Does anyone know if one is more active than the other?

Scott Peele · Oct 24, 2013

Get a small bottle of touch up paint for your X and highlight the Nissan logo on your grill. It will really pop with the bedliner.

AZhiAZiAM · Oct 25, 2013

shumanchu said:
Thanks for the kind words everybody!

So what's the deal with the two different websites, CX and XN? It looks to me like most people use both. Does anyone know if one is more active than the other?

I believe it is all preference, a lot are finding there way over here slowly. It's a family over here not just another Nissan forum. And you get to learn ways to waste your money!

Xterrafauss · Oct 25, 2013

AZhiAZiAM said:
I believe it is all preference, a lot are finding there way over here slowly. It's a family over here not just another Nissan forum. And you get to learn ways to waste your money!

This.

As well over here it isn't all about the trucks. It is about the people too. Now we love our trucks no doubt but on XN people go out of their to help and know you by more than a username.

Cause we ain't just a club man, we are a nation :bmmd:

ddddddd · Oct 25, 2013

AZhiAZiAM said:
I believe it is all preference, a lot are finding there way over here slowly. It's a family over here not just another Nissan forum. And you get to learn ways to waste your money!

Waste money? nah, can't be a waste!

I noticed your username is Azhiaziam, any connection to the company in Morro Bay? I am from Atascadero, and graduated from Cal Poly in San Luis.

AZhiAZiAM · Oct 25, 2013

shumanchu said:
Waste money? nah, can't be a waste!

I noticed your username is Azhiaziam, any connection to the company in Morro Bay? I am from Atascadero, and graduated from Cal Poly in San Luis.

Exact reference man lol I grew up in slo and Grover. Surfed a lot with the locals found this company in college and never stopped repping it, probably never will either it's kind of stuck with me for every forum and truck I've had. I saw your cal poly sticker was going to ask about it.

ddddddd · Oct 25, 2013

AZhiAZiAM said:
Exact reference man lol I grew up in slo and Grover. Surfed a lot with the locals found this company in college and never stopped repping it, probably never will either it's kind of stuck with me for every forum and truck I've had. I saw your cal poly sticker was going to ask about it.

Nice! I never got into surfing, but a lot of my friends did and the company is pretty big there. Small world man! I'm guessing you moved for work? That's why I moved. Wouldn't have moved if I could have avoided it, I love slo!

AZhiAZiAM · Oct 25, 2013

shumanchu said:
Nice! I never got into surfing, but a lot of my friends did and the company is pretty big there. Small world man! I'm guessing you moved for work? That's why I moved. Wouldn't have moved if I could have avoided it, I love slo!

Yep moved for a job live in Fresno now, small commute and work is decent .

Chetter · Oct 25, 2013

Looking good! And welcome!

You've got me wanting to do some much needed painting but time...and now it's just turned too cold...are just keeping me from it.

Macland · Oct 25, 2013

Welcome on board man, good looking Xterra.

Muadeeb · Oct 25, 2013

Greetings!

We like to have our fun here, while still talking about our trucks.

One thing I do see, you say you're still on the factory timing belt? Get that changed soon; it's due at 105, and you have over 10 years on it. Your truck will thank you.

ddddddd · Oct 25, 2013

Muadeeb said:
Greetings!
One thing I do see, you say you're still on the factory timing belt? Get that changed soon; it's due at 105, and you have over 10 years on it. Your truck will thank you.

I am planning on changing it next weekend. I have the parts, the timing belt kit from Courtesy Nissan just came in yesterday. My dad is driving up to help me with it, because I have never done it before.

Any tips? I have read the DIY on CX, but it leaves a bit to be desired. I also read the Chilton manual, but it was also pretty light on the details.

ddddddd · Oct 25, 2013

Macland said:
Welcome on board man, good looking Xterra.

Thanks! It certainly looks a lot better after the plastic trim repaint. Now I need to find a weekend to wash it and wax it. It needs a wax bad, I haven't waxed it in probably two years.

Muadeeb · Oct 25, 2013

shumanchu said:
I am planning on changing it next weekend. I have the parts, the timing belt kit from Courtesy Nissan just came in yesterday. My dad is driving up to help me with it, because I have never done it before.

Any tips? I have read the DIY on CX, but it leaves a bit to be desired. I also read the Chilton manual, but it was also pretty light on the details.

It's really not _that_ bad.

Drain radiator
Pull fan shroud
Make certain you're at 1 TDC
Pull fan and belts
remove crank bolt (27mm)
remove pulley (use a harmonic balancer puller & 2 6x1.0 bolts of 60mm or more)
remove cover and pulleys
remove timing tensioner
remove timing belt
remove water pump
install water pump
verify timing marks on the cam sprockets (crank case does NOT have a mark, sprocket does)
install belt
install cover
and so on...

It'll take a good afternoon if you've never done it before, but just take your time.
Having a pizza box or something you can put the timing belt cover screws in will be a huge help. Also, you'll just about need a 1/2" air impact to get the crank bolt out. A few people have managed to get an electric to fit, but most of what I've read says you need to do some interesting maneuvering with the condenser.
Another thing in the "While you're in there" category, replace the bypass hose behind the water pump. Some people have been able to get at it from above, but it'll be easiest while the timing belt is exposed.

ddddddd · Oct 25, 2013

Muadeeb said:
It's really not _that_ bad.

remove crank bolt (27mm)

remove pulley (use a harmonic balancer puller & 2 6x1.0 bolts of 60mm or more

Also, you'll just about need a 1/2" air impact to get the crank bolt out. A few people have managed to get an electric to fit, but most of what I've read says you need to do some interesting maneuvering with the condenser.
Another thing in the "While you're in there" category, replace the bypass hose behind the water pump. Some people have been able to get at it from above, but it'll be easiest while the timing belt is exposed.

These are the things I am unsure of. My dad is bringing a 1/2 in air impact wrench and 27mm socket. So that should take care of the crank bolt, unless the impact wrench doesn't fit.

Googling "Harmonic balancer puller" gets a lot of results, any specific kind?

2 6x1.0 bolts of 60mm or more. This is 6mm diameter, 1.0mm pitch, and 60mm length, correct?

Bypass hose. I assume you are talking about this one. Is there anywhere I can get that hose besides Courtesyparts? I kinda need it soon.

Thanks for your help!

Muadeeb · Oct 25, 2013

You'll be good with that impact. That is also a correct reading on the bolts. The puller and hose should be obtainable from your local AutoZone, O'reilys, NAPA, etc. The hose from those places will be much larger than needed, so use your old as a template to cut down the new.

Sent via wild ferrets on crack

ddddddd · Oct 25, 2013

Muadeeb said:
You'll be good with that impact. That is also a correct reading on the bolts. The puller and hose should be obtainable from your local AutoZone, O'reilys, NAPA, etc. The hose from those places will be much larger than needed, so use your old as a template to cut down the new.

Sent via wild ferrets on crack

Awesome, thanks again.

drbandkgb · Oct 26, 2013

shumanchu said:
Thanks for the kind words everybody!

So what's the deal with the two different websites, CX and XN? It looks to me like most people use both. Does anyone know if one is more active than the other?

I used to help run that site..
I got tired of promoting something that never gave back to the community. It's a corporate owned forum ... They care about ads vs the people.

Yes XN is all about the people

ddddddd · Oct 26, 2013

drbandkgb said:
I used to help run that site..
I got tired of promoting something that never gave back to the community. It's a corporate owned forum ... They care about ads vs the people.

Yes XN is all about the people

Thanks for the insight, I didn't know. I have already noticed that people seem more willing to help out here.

TJTJ · Oct 26, 2013

I think, as mentioned, that the people are the same, but the OWNERS of the corporate site care about the advertisers, as that's who pays for the running of the site, etc.

Here, the users pay for it themselves, and don't need advertisers...at least in the same way.

drbandkgb · Oct 26, 2013

TJTJ said:
I think, as mentioned, that the people are the same, but the OWNERS of the corporate site care about the advertisers, as that's who pays for the running of the site, etc.

Here, the users pay for it themselves, and don't need advertisers...at least in the same way.

Very true TJTJ..

And yes many still visit both sites... I tend to pop in CX from time to time...
CX/TNX have way to many years of info not to use them from time to time

Xterrafauss · Oct 26, 2013

I switch between the two but my preference is rather clear haha :bmmd:

ddddddd · Oct 28, 2013

I found some time today to work on repainting the roof rack and air dam. Here are some progress pics:

Nasty old faded plastic:

And chipping paint:

X looks way too much like a 4Runner without the roof rack IMO:

Pretty nasty under there, that's 12 years of dirt and gunk build up:

Painting area:

Painted the "Nissan" part of the air dam with primer, then taped it up and carefully cut out the lettering. End product:

Got the rails on, but the air dam wasn't finished drying yet. I'll throw up a pic tomorrow.

Bonus pic, my humble workshop:

Macland · Oct 28, 2013

That looks really good man. I would not have thought to just cut the letters back out.

Xado89 · Oct 28, 2013

Nice looking rig, mate! Welcome to the Silver Side! Even though mine is a half breed child, haha. It started off silver!
I do have a question. How much of a pita was doing the KS mod? I noticed you listed that in the beginning. I was thinking of "Knocking" it out....har har har...

ddddddd · Oct 28, 2013

Macland said:
That looks really good man. I would not have thought to just cut the letters back out.

Ya it turns out the regular 3M painters tape (1.88" wide) is a perfect match for the height of the letters. I just sprayed the area with primer, let it dry and put a strip across the letters. I used a razor blade to cut out the shape of the letters. Looks great and I don't have to worry about it fading or peeling.

ddddddd · Oct 28, 2013

Xado89 said:
Nice looking rig, mate! Welcome to the Silver Side! Even though mine is a half breed child, haha. It started off silver!
I do have a question. How much of a pita was doing the KS mod? I noticed you listed that in the beginning. I was thinking of "Knocking" it out....har har har...

Nice pun there sir (or mam). It was a very mild PITA. The hardest part is soldering the resistor to the wires, cause it is in your car and you have to hold the soldering iron with one hand, the resistor and wire in the other hand, and what I do is hold the solder in my teeth.

This DIY guide is pretty easy to follow, but I couldn't figure out how to get the connector apart to take out wires 5 and 6, so I just cut them behind the connector and stripped the wires and soldered there, instead of taking out the pins and then plugging them later.

If you have never done soldering before, it might take a bit longer, but it isn't too bad. The key is to use the iron to heat the wires and apply the solder to the wires, instead of applying the solder directly to the iron and trying to smear it on the wires.

Xado89 · Oct 29, 2013

shumanchu said:
Nice pun there sir (or mam). It was a very mild PITA. The hardest part is soldering the resistor to the wires, cause it is in your car and you have to hold the soldering iron with one hand, the resistor and wire in the other hand, and what I do is hold the solder in my teeth.

This DIY guide is pretty easy to follow, but I couldn't figure out how to get the connector apart to take out wires 5 and 6, so I just cut them behind the connector and stripped the wires and soldered there, instead of taking out the pins and then plugging them later.

If you have never done soldering before, it might take a bit longer, but it isn't too bad. The key is to use the iron to heat the wires and apply the solder to the wires, instead of applying the solder directly to the iron and trying to smear it on the wires.

I would be a "Sir". Thanks for the guide link. I have soldered before, used to have a bunch of Electric RC cars I worked on/built.

Prime · Oct 29, 2013

shumanchu said:
Painted the "Nissan" part of the air dam with primer, then taped it up and carefully cut out the lettering. End product:

That's, sir, is freaking brilliant! Came out awesome too!

ShuManChu's Build Thread

Bought an X

Bought an X

Bought an X

Bought an X

Bought an X

Bought an X

Bought an X

<img src="http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u7/ra

Suspension Lift

Suspension Lift

Titan Swapped / SAS'd

Bought an X

Bought an X

Suspension Lift

Suspension Lift

Bought an X

Suspension Lift

Bought an X

Suspension Lift

First Fill-Up (of many)

Titan Swapped / SAS'd

Nissan al Gaib

Bought an X

Bought an X

Nissan al Gaib

Bought an X

Nissan al Gaib

Bought an X

Titan Swapped / SAS'd

Bought an X

Skid Plates

Titan Swapped / SAS'd

Suspension Lift

Bought an X

Titan Swapped / SAS'd

Skid Plates

Bought an X

Bought an X

Skid Plates

Shut up Baby, I know it!