jsexton's 07

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
Hey guys, I thought I had a build thread over here too, but apparently I do not. I'm not new, but haven't posted here much - you will probably see more of me around here. I've met a handful of the Sr. Members here at runs, looking forward to getting to know the rest of you!

Username: jsexton
Make: Nissan
Year: 2007
Model: Xterra
Trim: S
Color: Avalanche White
Transmission: 5AutoTrans
Drive: 4x4

MODS
Suspension:
- PRG Titan UCA's
- Dorman Titan LCA's
- Hitachi Titan Tie Rod Ends
- Titan Booster and MC
- Tundra Bilstein 5100's with custom top hats
- OME Tacoma coil springs
- Nisstec cam bolts
- Alcan 4" + 600 LB leaf springs
- Bilstein Rear Shocks w/ custom mounts
- PRG Adjustable Shackles
- 315/75r16 Nitto Trail Grapplers mounted on stock 2012 S wheels (6)
- 2" Bora Wheel Spacers on rear axle

Engine/Drivetrain:
- 2014 VQ40
- M205 w/4.56 gears and ARB Air Locker
- M226 w/4.56 gears and ARB Air Locker
- OEM Titan Front Axle Shafts/CV'S
- Koyorad A2807 Radiator
- 350z 170* Thermostat - Nissan P/N 21200-4w01b
- Offroad Gorilla Silicone Hoses
- Rear diff breather mod
- XTP IMS (Did not re-install onto new engine)
- Radiator bypass with 2nd Transmission cooler - No SMOD for me!!! (Un-bypassed with new rad)
- Femco oil drain valve - No-Spill Systems P/N 15-12125-01
- Rebuilt Transmission

Armor:
- Homemade Quick Detach Sliders (Removed)
- White Knuckle 2" BL lift sliders with DOM
- Homemade rear tire carrier/winch bumper
- Homemade Radiator Skid
- ARB Diff Cover
- Hefty Fab Skids
- Hardcore offroad plate bumper

Exterior:
- Blacked out badges
- Heated Mirrors in OEM mirrors
- Tow Mirrors - made quick disconnect harness so I can quickly swap between stock and tow mirrors (only use tow mirrors on fishing vacations)
- Added OEM Fog Lights
- Added OEM Body Side Molding
- Bosh Icon front wipers
- 16" rear wiper blade and rear wiper spring mod
- Melt Mod
- Removed side steps and mud flaps
- Removed Viggs hood blackout - just not for me
- RockyMtnX Front Recovery Brackets
- Gas Strut Hood Rods from OffroadGorilla
- Homemade Hi-Lift mount for roof rack - pics of it mounted here
- 2" Nisstec Body Lift

Interior:
- ARB CKMA 12 Onboard Air Compressor
- Kenwood Excelon head unit
- Weathertech Floor Liners (Front)
- McMaster Rear Hatch Struts - 175 lb Should have gone with 150 lb. On the bright side, the hatch still flies up 3 years later in -15* F temps.
- Universal Bedmat version of "Rex rug"
- Heavy Duty D-rings for cargo area
- Truck tool kit w/ Craftsman under seat boxes
- Uniden Pro520XL CB
- Firestik II 2' Antenna
- DIY onboard co2 system (not for every day carry)
- Homemade "half rack" for the cargo area

Recovery Gear:
- Smittybilt x2o 10k comp winches (2)
- 3/4" Shackles (4)
- Warn 3"x30' snach strap (2)
- 3" Tree Strap
- Snatch Block
- TRED 1100 Recovery Tracks (4)
- 60" Hi-Lift Xtreme
- Receiver Shackle

Preventative Maintenance:
- Radiator bypass with 2nd transmission cooler
- Poor man's transmission flush every 20-30k
- Synthetic oil & filter changes every 5k
- Air filter every 10k
- Diff & T-case fluids every 30k
- Moog inner and outer tie rod ends (lasted 30k miles, switched to hitachi)
- Timken wheel bearings - both in front
- NGK IR spark plugs @100k

Removed:
- Radflo OEM length coilovers with 600 lb springs (will make them extended length when I rebuild them)
- Custom 1" thick top plate spacer (~2" lift)
- SPC UCA's
- Moog LCA's
- OME LT/MED CS061R Leaf pack - Added the OME D37XL HD leaf to convert this to a HD pack
- Bilstein 0-2" 5100 rear shocks - these top out at the same time the leafs fully extend
- 265/75R16 Firestone Destination AT's with 1.25" Bora Spacers on Stock Wheels (Removed/Replaced)
- 285/75R16 Nitto Terra Grapplers on 16x8.5 MB TKO's
- R180 w/3.54 gears from 2009 manual frontier
- lokka
- Hefty Fab Tube Bumper
- Hefty Fab Radiator Skid
- Hardcore Offroad Radiator Skid
- PRG Aluminum Diff Cover
- Removed front sway bar
- Removed rear sway bar

Future mods:
- custom roof rack

How she sits now(ish):
etCCPbGh.jpg



I'll work on posting more pics and mod details over the next few weeks. jsextonosu is MY IG - plenty of pics there too
 

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
Beastly Rig!

I sure do wish you lived closer man, We gotta hit Moab again.


I know man. I have the same problem with all the east coast guys too. We need to all just pick one good state and all move there lol

I'm hoping to make next summer work for MOAB - We'll make it happen.

I think we can all agree Ohio is the worst state for wheeling.
 

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
I've always wanted sliders but I want them to be very usable as a step too (wife's requirement lol). The best option that I found was white knuckle sliders and have them welded flat like santims did (My New White Knuckle Sliders! - Second Generation Nissan Xterra Forums (2005+)). The only problem is absolutely HATE having any steps (or sliders) in the way in the winter. It's almost impossible to get in/out without getting your pants dirty. If it were up to me, I would get very low profile sliders because of this. Obviously low profile and steps don't go together so I decided to build my own sliders that are quick detach so I can have step sliders in the summer and ultra low profile sliders in the winter. They will also be very quick and easy to swap out.

I decided to start with rockymtnx's diy slider brackets to save time MPS: RockyMtnX Rock Sliders & DIY Bracket Sets - Second Generation Nissan Xterra Forums (2005+)

Then I bought 4 - 6" universal 2" weld on receivers
Called my local steel supplier to order 2" square 3/16" wall tubing and they did not stock that. They only stock 1/8" wall and 1/4" wall. Crap. Time to do some math and figure out which one is best. After lots of calculations I determined that with a 2500 lb point load the deflection was only 0.1" more with a single 1/8" wall tube than it would have been with 3/16" tube. Total deflection would be less than 0.25". Cool, that's good enough for me, especially since I will be using two rails, almost doubling the strength. 1/8" wall it is.

Everything all laid out and ready to start

63FGWtF.jpg


1st step: shorten the receivers to 5" so they fit behind the pinch seam on the body

PBhRPZO.jpg


2nd step: tack the receivers to the brackets. This is a critical step because the receivers have to be perfectly parallel to each other for this concept to work. I surfaced and joined a board so I could cut it perfectly square and parallel. I then clamped the two receivers for one side together. This allows me to tack them in place perfectly parallel and square to the frame.

vCv6EJO.jpg



5RKcNHd.jpg


*note: If you choose to do this, make darn sure you can un-thread both ends of your pipe clamp leaving only the pipe on top. If you can't, you will have an extremely difficult time getting the clamp back out (cutting would likely be required. The only way to get it out was to take the clamp apart. You would not have been able to un-bolt the brackets either since the board is in the way. I got extremely lucky and was able to disassemble my clamp with it up there.

3rd step: cut the supports and drill 21/32nds holes for the hitch pin. I chose to cut them at 6-7/8" long and drill my holes so the supports stuck out of the receivers 2". With a 2" square main rail, this puts the rail flush with the outside edge of the door jam. I forgot to take pics of this, but make sure to make a jig on the drill press to make these holes repeatable.

4th step: cut and notch the main rails to 65". I don't like the typical taper that most companies do but it is necessary to maximize the length of the slider. I chose to notch the top and back 4" so it provides the necessary clearance, but from the front it still looks square.

awwCNLb.jpg


5th step: tack the supports to the main rails

ZIQrYAb.jpg


Check to make sure the slider slides in/out easily - whoo hoo - this is actually going to work!

6th step - weld up the brackets and weld the supports to the main rail. Re-install and check for warpage - whew, they didn't warp too much. I can still slide them in/out easily. The main rail did bow a little bit from welding. in hind site, this probably should have been one of the last steps to do after the outside rail is all tacked up.

Tp73IYK.jpg


This is what my low profile version is going to look like. All I would need to do from here is cap the ends of my notch and prime/paint. For this particular set, I am going to push on and make the outside rail so this will be the summer step version.

XWuvF5Q.jpg



LeQEBNP.jpg


Here are the two profiles I am considering. I'm heavily leaning towards #1 but still undecided. I'll need to decide this week so I can wrap these up next weekend.
#1

lUAd18Z.jpg


#2

fC20NsM.jpg


Update:
Ended up going with option 1. Very happy so far.

Cut all the pieces and tack them up, weld, grind and paint

VjY7I10.jpg



eKoMhQ9.jpg



K80vBiC.jpg



1u358HP.jpg


All Mounted up

LSwKsAl.jpg



WXG3JJX.jpg



okgKuS0.jpg



wyoQsK7.jpg



zdM38KE.jpg



w1Yz6nu.jpg



NfCXoWW.jpg



I built a rear winch bumper. It has room to strap 2 - 4 gallon rotopax gas cans behind the tire (I've never actually done this and probably won't) with ~1/4" to spare before hitting the wiper arm. Not in this pic, but I got the license plate light on and wired up too. Now all I need to do is wire up the winch (Smittybilt x2o 10k synthetic), spool the line on, and wire the rear lights.

K7oAf9tl.jpg



PGWMXTrl.jpg



I also designed it to have an integrated quick-detach hitch like the dwg below. I've already welded in the receiver tubes into the back side of the bumper, just need to build the "hitch" now. It's going to be very slightly different, but you get the concept

3fcfdc4l.jpg



dblvXJal.jpg



eP51emTl.jpg



Q39xbL9l.jpg



I may make a few other minor changes, but I want to use it for a few weeks before I do. Possible changes are gas shock on swing arm, tab for cb antenna, brace for tire depending on the amount of vibration I get (so far there is very little with no additional bracing). If I can, I'd like to keep it without the brace so I can fit 2 - 4 gallon rotopax. If I do brace it, I'll add a hi-lift mount on the braced side.

So far, I'm pretty happy with how it came out.

Holy cow that was a lot of work haha
 
Last edited:

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
Here are some pics of the winch mount. Feel free to ask for more if you want. Should be able to get the idea though. It would probably be a lot easier to show the detail on the dwg later.

O0z6d9ql.jpg



It's hard to see in the pics, but I had to "clearance" the body underneath where the body bumps out to guide the rod to the spare tire lift. Probably not going to ever be able to use that again upload_2019-8-30_10-37-54.gif

w3p4Bx2l.jpg



4OgknIfl.jpg



What's underneath the 2" tubes the winch is bolted through and the receiver tubes.

scD9HpGl.jpg



Top bolts of the winch are through the face of the bumper. The bottom holes are blind and behind the face. The hawse fairlead is bolted to the face.

QQQJgDJl.jpg
 

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
Took the day off and got the rear winch wired up and spooled.

Still need to bolt down the disconnect, re-spool the winch line under load/cris-cross, and install a better terminal lug for the stock ground (it's Jerry rigged for now).

JJ6t3pPl.jpg



1vQkJWBl.jpg



FPsggnil.jpg



jYeEYRQl.jpg
 

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
Welding up the hitch

nSLi418l.jpg



dlagPuEl.jpg



Cooling off now. Going to weld some reinforcement plates on top/bottom of the receiver tube. Still have to weld the vertical pieces on too.
 

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
Just got back from a camping/fishing trip in Ontario. The X towed great as always (boat + gear was ~3500 lbs). 32 hrs of driving round trip.

Only issue we had was the crankshaft position sensor. About 3 hrs in the we stopped for gas and the x had a very hard start. No check engine light but I checked the codes anyway and had a pending code for the crankshaft position sensor. We were about 30 miles south of Flint MI so we started calling parts stores to see if anyone had the part on the way. Found one at advance, stopped and picked it up, started the truck and it stalled 30 seconds later and wouldn't re-start. Luckily I brought my tools (not really luck, I almost always carry tools on vacation) and we changed it in the parking lot. Bought the part, replaced it, and back on the road in less than an hour. I almost bought a spare before we left after surf and snows post, wish I did, but everything worked out. I'll be carrying a spare from now on (already carry camshaft position sensors).

sHcjMrIl.jpg



wCYseTkl.jpg



Some pics of camp
Zr1LhKnl.jpg



Afx5gAWl.jpg



R4Zds0Rl.jpg



bklILgzl.jpg



EwfiVypl.jpg



1YEl4Rel.jpg



m6IurFql.jpg



I also got some great pics of a moose. I'll have to post those later.
 

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
Hefty tube bumper! I'm going to let things settle down for a few days, adjust my coilovers if needed, and get an alignment. I also need to re-spool the line under load. I ordered Piaa 510 fog lights too.



thuMOazl.jpg



ZkP7SgMl.jpg



KlUaQwVl.jpg



KhoI2GAl.jpg
 

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
Went on a solo run up to Southington Offroad Park today. Took my wife and dog with me. It was the first time either of them have been offroad. They did ok, but I'm not sure how much either one of them enjoyed it haha.

Ran into a sami that was also running solo (lucky for him). He struggled to follow me. Pulled him out of this mud hole. Also saved his bacon later - he sliced one of his radiator hoses. I had silicone tape with me. We wrapped it up and filled his radiator up with all the water we had (enough to get back to the campground where there was more water). He was able to finish the day on the trail repair. Oh, it had a VW diesel swap too. Hearing that turbo diesel whine behind me was pretty cool.


nRIfznA.jpg



5JST9vh.jpg



TgYr1Rr.jpg



7ukTmT4.jpg


Got him back to his campsite and I headed out solo again.

Ran wall crawl and got hung up at top of a climb. Self recovery is a beautiful thing.


rSPJf0u.jpg



xGwxzu5.jpg


you can see my rear end walked sideways and this rock caught my axle


gVqNIOr.jpg



Eksk3R6.jpg


Home free

vfjpG3P.jpg



BOnzu9u.jpg


Then ran Beaver Way and Angry Beaver


TI9Jc5o.jpg



xj4f0Se.jpg



culWTeF.jpg



etaoU6Y.jpg


Ran a bunch of other trails, not really picture worth though. Easy or just tight/technical.


This pic pretty much sums up what my dog thought of the trip

5mBhXBp.jpg



IzkLpf4.jpg


The campground pavilion. This place would make for some fun get togethers.

DtMqgCH.jpg
 

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
So my 23 month old Costco/interstate battery took a dump yesterday. Perfect timing for my off-road trip today. This is the 5th Costco/interstate that has failed in less than 2 years (the other 4 failed in less than a year). I'm officially done with them.

Installed a sears diehard gold AGM. It is a rebranded DEKA. Let's hope this one lasts more than 2 years.

U60YffRl.jpg
 

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
Traded @JeffPro4x his hefty plate bumper for my hefty tube bumper (love how the hefty tube looks, but not on mine)

Mounted my winch controls
NOAGsKOl.jpg



8axivjYl.jpg



0e4v7C6l.jpg



YqvRSRNl.jpg



oBjY8Hul.jpg



aZBwncIl.jpg



So far it's holding strong. I don't anticipate any issues as long as the adhesive holds.

Added chafe guard to my winch rope and spooled it up
5inRSbql.jpg



dYlqoLKl.jpg



All buttoned up
dgwRCKYl.jpg
 

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
Built a "half rack" for the cargo area today. I designed it so my ridgid tool boxes "pop in" and don't slide around. Still need to do a little finish grinding, paint, and mount footman loops for tie down straps.

OA0z02Nl.jpg



rtj56eCl.jpg



QCDe4G1l.jpg



5YzL3oKl.jpg



This will be my normal wheeling setup. It will be much nicer without everything stacked.

 

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
2" BL. Still need to order new brackets for the front bumper and deal with my sliders.

0CvSEIql.jpg



My version of making the nisstec pucks black (just the front two). Used 3M 3" adhesive lined shrink tube.

KKPHnl0l.jpg



bQYRpKll.jpg



Oh, and a box of goodies arrived today. Happy Birthday 2 days late to me!

Front and rear ARB lockers (m205, m226), 4.56 gears, master install kits, and the Arb ckma12 compressor.

DqE4mvkl.jpg
 

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
Got the Titan swap suspension installed in the front. Sitting at 40-1/2" to the fender. Pretty happy with the height. The rear is about an inch low so I'll have to address that. I'll post a lot more details later next week.

Xdd0pNYl.jpg



y7jvGFHl.jpg
 

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
Gears and lockers installed. 35's mounted. Wheel spacers should be here tomorrow. Alcans should ship next week or so. Planning to install the new bumper brackets to lift the front bumper tomorrow.

J3RngAhl.jpg
 

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
Finally got some time to do some actual work. Dropped my skids, decreased them, dropped the r180, installed the m205, replaced front u-joints, installed the front axle shafts, installed rear wheel spacers, wired the compressor, plumbed the front and rear lockers, installed the new bumper brackets, replaced the motor mounts (very easy with front diff out), and replaced the washer fluid reservoir. One of the ARB air solenoids is leaking out the exhaust. I'll have to call ARB and get a replacement.

Still to do:
- Build custom radiator skid (not a fan of the hardcore rad skid)
- Either cut and re-weld sliders or build new ones (leaning towards modifying in the interest of time)
- Cut off rear shock mounts and weld new ones on
- Cut off rear sway bar mount
- Build new upper shock mounts
- Install Alcans and shocks
- Replace hard rear brake lines and install extended braided lines
- Replace parking brake shoes
- Flush transmission (maybe drop the pan and install temp sensor in pan? We'll see)
- Change diff fluid after break in

Still a lot to do....

I feel like this was cheating
ob5L7A6l.jpg



Compressor under drivers seat
kS17ZtRl.jpg



Done for the day
Tw1sGNYl.jpg
 

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
Got some more work done on the skid over the weekend. It is mostly welded up, I just need to add some gusset to the side for extra strength.

Here is the lower bracket that the skid will bolt to. Mounts to the sway bar mounts and covers the LCA mounting tabs so hopefully I'll stop bending them up.

q9lx4rtl.jpg



KcWw4eVl.jpg



kaVqVTwl.jpg



LeF5hnpl.jpg
 
Top