Joe Average
Test Drive
Just saying hi. Just picked up a 2004 SE with 123000 on it as a really nice starter to build. Why an Xterra? Cause all my friends are building 4runners and I just think the X is cooler. And when I finish mine they're all going to wish they would have done the same. So I'll be hanging around here quite a bit scrubbing through the info trying not to re-invent the wheel. I'm no stranger to swinging a wrench. Last 4X4 build I did was swapping a Nissan diesel into a 1962 Landrover 88. There is no "kit" for this so I fabricated my own adapter plate and flywheel adapter to mate the diesel to the landrover transmission. Was a fun buggy, but time for a new build. Hoping to do a lot less fabricating and just swap on parts for this build. Want to keep it roadable. Maybe more Overland than crawler. SO plans in this order: 3" SL probably just AC UCAs and Shackles to start, then 2" BL. Then put it on 33s and do whatever trimming needs to be done to make that work. Not afraid of trimming, ummm it's a 16 year old car; don't think it will void the warranty. Next will be Aussie (Lokka?) Locker up front with manual hubs and try wheeling it like that on the stock rear LSD. If not happy with that might think about the air locker in the rear but a bigger chunk of change and maybe not necessary for the marginal wheeling I plan to do. Just have to try it first. Then bumpers: buy, find used, or fabricate we'll see when we get there. Then a snorkel because they look really cool too and who knows if I have a snorkel then I'll just have to find some water to try to cross then won't I. Maintenance items to do: Big one first. Don't know if timing belt has been done. I can see no sticker or paint suggesting it has been done. I have the carfax which just says "maintenance performed" at very regular intervals but doesn't outline specifically what was done. Will try to contact Kirkland Nissan and see if they know. Looks like most of the maintenance was done there. Anybody know of any other way of figuring out if it has been done? Plugs and wires too. Not sure about them. Wires look pretty clean and newish...but maybe just cleaned well. Sounds like it needs a front bearing replaced or repacked a hint of noise while turning left. See when I get in there. Will have to pull the brakes and have a look there too. Fluids all look really good. Any other ideas or things I should check over? Anyway I'll take some pics along the way and keep you posted.
