NOOB EXCITED TO JOIN XTERRA FAM!

E

EL MEXI CAN

Test Drive
Hi y'all!

I just bought a 2012 Xterra RWD this past Saturday. I am already loving it so much haha. I wanted to see what you would recommend for me to start of with simple budget mods.

I went to 4 wheels parts and asked about making my RWD more off road capable. I asked if I should install a rear locker and a winch...one of their guys said it probably would not make that much of a difference for my Xterra...that hurt!

Since it is also my daily commuter, I was told it would not be recommended to install a mechanical rear locker, because it would affect my driving. My options are electrical or air lockers, and I would have to purchase everything else for the locker to work. And if I added a winch and all the labor for both rear locker and winch would be 6K...not happening!!

Should I go 2 inch lift, and LSD instead?

Thanks.
 
E

EL MEXI CAN

Test Drive
Bushnut said:
Just what do you have in mind when you say off roading? It means different things to different people. What should be an off roading adventure to you?
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Good point! I am in NorCal, haven't yet gone out to see what's near the Bay Area. What is closest to me is Hollister Hills SVRA. Woodlands, grass areas etc. I love that, and going through creaks. My wife and I like going hiking and some of the trails are a long walk to access if you have FWD. I wouldn't be doing anything super serious like rock crawling. Do you have any suggestions of where to start?
 
Bushnut

Bushnut

First Fill-Up (of many)
Location
Fredericton NB, Canada
You’ll be surprised where the added clearance that a proper SUV will get you. Some good AT tires will help too. I’ve seen video of the holister hills you should be ok unless you go out in the wet. Stick to the easier trails.
Follow the off road rules :
Never go alone. If you are attempting terrain that is more difficult than a gravel road, bring 2 vehicles.
Invest in good recovery gear, bring it with you
Bring a shovel
Save your money for your next vehicle which, if you continue to go into the back country, should be a 4x4. Trying to make a 2wd preform like a 4wd is an expensive project.
 
kirk

kirk

Butterfly King
Moderator
Supporting Member
Location
Allen, Texas
Welcome! Auto 2wd? Hmm. Sell and get 4wd? Just kidding. The Xterra is pretty capable in all forms. Glad to have you!
 
Fromfrontier2Xterra

Fromfrontier2Xterra

I bought a Taco
Super Moderator
Supporting Member
Location
All over PA
Welcome. Some pretty good advice on here so far. Recovery gear is a must, no matter if 4x4 or 2wd. Even with 2wd, you will be surprised what a good set of tires will do. As far the the dope at the shop saying upgrades wont help an xterra, he is obnoxiously ignorant. They are very capable stock and with upgrades, even more so.

There is a wealth of information here on the site and we are always willing to help. Take a look around and ask away.
 
Prime

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
EL MEXI CAN said:
It's automatic, do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
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The axle under the rear is a C200A. Your only locker option is ARB air locker. That said, they're like a grand just for the dif plus you have to add on board air to run it.

If you're really interested in locking the rear, the best bet will be a junk yard axle from an off road or Pro4X. It'd bolt in and comes with a factory electronic locker.

If you don't want to go that extreme your two best friends are articulation and traction. Put a bit of lift on the truck to help keep the tires on the ground and get some good AT tires. I've been a really big fan of Cooper tires for the last few years and they've been fantastic.
 
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