New Owner (Daughters First Car) With some Questions

V

Vandal996

Test Drive
Location
Ohio
Thanks for the forum and letting me play in your rain deer games. So my 16yo daughter bought a 2000 SE in Just Blue.
Here are the issues.

Knock Sensor. I have looked for a definitive thread on this forum and not found one. From what I gather, the knock sensor is a non issue on a non SC engine. I saw a reference to a bypass and a relocation. Are these viable options or should I just leave it alone. Sorry if this one has been beaten to death.

The hub center caps are missing on the rear wheels. Does anyone have a link to what will work. I see products with 4 caps and assume this is for the 2wd trucks. Is there a kit for just the back two.

She wants a minor lift for cosmetic reasons. Would I be better off doing the PML lift on the front or going with spacers. Can you guys recommend the proper spacer kit.

AC Compressor. The seller said that the AC did not work. I have not tried recharging yet. It's pretty cold at the moment.

Drivers seat is torn on the seat bottom. Is there a source for a replacement OEM cover or does anyone have a stash of the OEM Nissan neoprene covers or recommend a decent well fitting seat cover. I have never met a seat cover I liked yet.

The truck has 145,000 on it and the previous owner didn't seem to crap about the maintenance history. The truck runs good but what would you experts recommend looking at.

Thanks for your help.
 
TheFauxFox

TheFauxFox

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Huntsville, AL
Welcome! Glad you found us. For simplicity, I'm going to copy your post and reply in red.

Vandal996 said:
Thanks for the forum and letting me play in your rain deer games. So my 16yo daughter bought a 2000 SE in Just Blue.
Here are the issues.

Knock Sensor. I have looked for a definitive thread on this forum and not found one. From what I gather, the knock sensor is a non issue on a non SC engine. I saw a reference to a bypass and a relocation. Are these viable options or should I just leave it alone. Sorry if this one has been beaten to death.

The hub center caps are missing on the rear wheels. Does anyone have a link to what will work. I see products with 4 caps and assume this is for the 2wd trucks. Is there a kit for just the back two.
They should normally come on most trucks. I have a set if you want them. Ebay will also have them as will various forums. They pop up from time to time.

She wants a minor lift for cosmetic reasons. Would I be better off doing the PML lift on the front or going with spacers. Can you guys recommend the proper spacer kit.
A PML and torsion bar crank will be the cheapest option at around $70 + alignment. Its a moderate job and there are plenty of write-up on how to do it. Alternatively, a body lift can be done for right around the same price, giving ~2" of lift, pending the puck size chosen. Body lifts can also be pieced together. Following the post, I'll give some links to some PML (leaf spring) shackles.

AC Compressor. The seller said that the AC did not work. I have not tried recharging yet. It's pretty cold at the moment.
Mine went out when I had my first gen. Is it the compressor or is there a leak? Definitely check for a leak first.

Drivers seat is torn on the seat bottom. Is there a source for a replacement OEM cover or does anyone have a stash of the OEM Nissan neoprene covers or recommend a decent well fitting seat cover. I have never met a seat cover I liked yet.
Again, Ebay or another forum member. I swore I saw a set for sale here recently. They're not bad, but mine were faded after 12 years in the sun.

The truck has 145,000 on it and the previous owner didn't seem to crap about the maintenance history. The truck runs good but what would you experts recommend looking at.
Definitely check to see if there is a metal plate riveted/screwed to the underside of the hood. Nissan techs will put a plate there with an etched in mileage for the last time a timing belt service was done. Normally, these services are done at 105,000 miles. Water pumps and pulleys are often part of that service. If you don't have one, I would think about having the timing belt checked. As long as you keep the timing belt in good condition and change the oil regularly, that engine will last for a very long time. I had 253kmi when I upgraded to a new truck. But for sure, get this checked. Its an expensive preventive maintenance, but its cheaper than swapping in a new engine.

Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...

Nisstec 2" Body Lift (Site sponsor with discounts!)
http://www.nissteclifts.com/index.p...tegory_id=180&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=72

4x4Parts Lift Shackles (rear)
http://www.4x4parts.com/i-18981171-xterra-adjustable-lift-shackles.html
I've been told Nisstec may be carrying some here soon.

PML HOW TO:
http://www.xterranation.org/showthread.php?2812-How-To-PML-Fully-Explained!
 
D

drbandkgb

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Timing belt and water pump are due every 100k so I would be worried that this was never done by the last owner..
 
Prime

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
On the AC, there is a sensor in the air box behind the glove box that fails and causes the AC to work, then not work, then work, then not work. I want to say it's called the freeze sensor, but don't quote me. Lemme see if I can dig up the thread.

I would definitely do the timing belt ASAP. Expect to spend 7-800 to have a mechanic to do the job. The parts run in the 3-350 range. Simply because you should do the water pump and all the gaskets while you're in there.

If the reason for the lift is aesthetics, do the body lift. It provides a more visual difference and allows for larger tires.

Also, welcome to XN!
 
V

Vandal996

Test Drive
Location
Ohio
Good to know. I just looked in the engine compartment and there is a note in old yellow paint marker that says the timing belt was done at 108,000 so I think we are good there. Thanks Prime for the tip on the AC thing.

No one has commented on the Knock Sensor issue.
 
TheFauxFox

TheFauxFox

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Huntsville, AL
granitex

granitex

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Columbus OH
dont worry about the knock sensor, it does nothing for you without a super charger, does not even throw the CEL. There is a bypass that you can do for the knock sensor that is quick and easy.

For the lift I would do the PML instead of a body lift, With the PML you do not need to move the bumpers to match like you do with the body lift. And the PML could be done in my driveway in a short afternoon if you wanted to.
 
V

Vandal996

Test Drive
Location
Ohio
I have a full climate controlled shop with air tools. It is mainly for motorcycles but I can get a truck in without too much difficulty. Don't hold it against me but I drive a Disco with a big ass ARB bumper which keeps my truck wrenching skills sharp.
I have also been known to do a custom paint job or two so I will post up what i believe is the proper to make all the trim black for good without a whole bunch of screwing around or expense. The kid wants the wheels and calipers painted too so I'll toss that in the thread as well.
 
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V

Vandal996

Test Drive
Location
Ohio
Granitex
I deal with Chris from Ohio Valley Land Rover repair, I think he goes by Mud Ruts Chris and does a lot of off road stuff around here. If you ever need a clean dry warm/cool shop for some maintenance hit me up. I'm also the founder/president of the Ohio Ducati club and my shop is very club maintenance/beer orientated.

Chris Calovini
ccalovini@yahoo.com
 
granitex

granitex

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Columbus OH
Thanks for the offer I might have to take you up on it sometime, I also do the work on a 97 hardbody that my 16yo drives.
 
V

Vandal996

Test Drive
Location
Ohio
Any time Granitex.

Hey FauxFox, How is Nashville these days. I used to spend a lot of time there in '86-'87 while I was stationed at Ft Campbell. I'm actually on that "Dragon Park" Facebook group. Good times!
 
Fromfrontier2Xterra

Fromfrontier2Xterra

I bought a Taco
Super Moderator
Supporting Member
Location
All over PA
Welcome! I can't help out with the 1G stuff too much but you found a great site with other great people that can. Oh and pics. We're fans of xterra pics haha.
 
TheFauxFox

TheFauxFox

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Huntsville, AL
Vandal996 said:
Any time Granitex.

Hey FauxFox, How is Nashville these days. I used to spend a lot of time there in '86-'87 while I was stationed at Ft Campbell. I'm actually on that "Dragon Park" Facebook group. Good times!
Click to expand...

Seems fine every time I'm there, lol. Seems like 5% of the board or so is from the greater Nashville area. I know I love Nashville. I'm not particularly fond of any major town here in Alabama. Dragon Park isn't so great anymore. I haven't been there in maybe 10 years. Some dudes got shot there a few years ago.
 
Muadeeb

Muadeeb

Nissan al Gaib
Admin
Location
Dallas
Thermo amp is a cheap and not too difficult fix if that is the problem with your AC. Best thing is to charge it and get a set of gauges (high and low pressures) and go from there.
 
J Everett

J Everett

Suspension Lift
Founding Member
Location
Houma, LA
Vandal996 said:
Don't hold it against me but I drive a Disco with a big ass ARB bumper which keeps my truck wrenching skills sharp.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the Nation, Vandal! One thing you'll find here at XN compared to some other auto manufacturer themed forums (not naming any names) is a genuine love and respect for all makes, especially makes of off road vehicles. Your Disco fits right in with our ethos. We're happy to have you aboard!
 
robcarync

robcarync

Sliders
Location
Raleigh, NC
Just to throw another view point in there...for cosmetics only, I would probably go with a 2" body lift instead of the PML. The body lift is a guranteed 2" lift front and back with no rake issues...and you don't have to worry about suspension/steering/alignment issues. It would give you 2" of lift without changing the ride or tire alignment one bit at all.

Obviously the body lift has other details of relocating components, bumpers, etc...but if you are mechanically inclined, it isn't too bad.

DISCO...sway bar disconnects was my first thought...lol
 
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