The true Noob...

Natrin's Barrow

Test Drive
Location
Denver, CO
I just love reading through the posts of people saying things like "Hey, noob question here. Which (insert technical-af part) do I need to mount my (insert super specific engine bit). I'm not throwing snark, I'm honestly just amused, and I'll explain why:

Enter, me, the true X-noob. I literally just bought my first Xterra today (well yesterday technically). 2008 Off Road, 5AT, 131,000 miles (SMOD free, thank the gobbles). I can't fully express how stoked I am to finally have one! Been ogling Xterras for years. I've seen so many inspired builds out here, and I'm already drooling over the things I want/plan to do. Thing is, I'm not sure where would be the best place to start for a beefy overland rig. I know little to nothing about worthy build kits for Xterras, budgets for projects, technical specs, brand comparisons, etc...

Obviously I know I need to take care of the essentials first. Radiator replacement (not 100% sure if its an OEM baddie, but not willing to take chances), breather valve extension, and checking the timing chain tensioners. After that, though, what's the best next step? Do I hop into a lift right off the bat? How reasonable or possible is a Titan Swap? (because dayum). Should I focus more on trail support gear first? On and on, the list goes.

I know, these questions are vague, open ended, and all very likely answered somewhere in this forum, but Im honestly just hoping that some of you experienced X-ers can give me some direction to aim at for some beginning build options.
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
I just love reading through the posts of people saying things like "Hey, noob question here. Which (insert technical-af part) do I need to mount my (insert super specific engine bit). I'm not throwing snark, I'm honestly just amused, and I'll explain why:

Enter, me, the true X-noob. I literally just bought my first Xterra today (well yesterday technically). 2008 Off Road, 5AT, 131,000 miles (SMOD free, thank the gobbles). I can't fully express how stoked I am to finally have one! Been ogling Xterras for years. I've seen so many inspired builds out here, and I'm already drooling over the things I want/plan to do. Thing is, I'm not sure where would be the best place to start for a beefy overland rig. I know little to nothing about worthy build kits for Xterras, budgets for projects, technical specs, brand comparisons, etc...

Obviously I know I need to take care of the essentials first. Radiator replacement (not 100% sure if its an OEM baddie, but not willing to take chances), breather valve extension, and checking the timing chain tensioners. After that, though, what's the best next step? Do I hop into a lift right off the bat? How reasonable or possible is a Titan Swap? (because dayum). Should I focus more on trail support gear first? On and on, the list goes.

I know, these questions are vague, open ended, and all very likely answered somewhere in this forum, but Im honestly just hoping that some of you experienced X-ers can give me some direction to aim at for some beginning build options.
Welcome!

Maintenance is the first step. Spark plugs, change fluids in the axles, t-case, transmission, change the antifreeze and probably put in a new OEM thermostat for good measure and check the heater tees on the firewall. Before you start throwing money at lifts and all that, let's get it reliable!

Yeah, it's not the exciting stuff, but it pays dividends in the long run. All these vehicles are getting some age on them so doing the work to keep them going for a long time before investing in a bunch of accessories ensures you years of good service from your X.

Some of the first things are to lose the mud flaps, and if you need tires, do the Melt Mod and go on to 285/75/16s. They fit fine and you'll already have bigger tires for when you decide on how you want to lift it.

What are your off-road goals? Do you have much experience off-roading or modifying vehicles for off-road use? Those answers will help us give you the best advice on parts for your setup.
 

TheCrabby1

I Smell Fishy
Supporting Member
Location
Burtonsville, Md
Welcome aboard !!
Like TerryD said ;; reliability should be your foremost goal . Although 131,000 is really not a lot of mile's , but stuff is starting to wear out and being 13 yo hose's will dry-rot, so when you replace the chain shoe's/guide's and radiator why not do all the hose's so you only gotta buy anti-freeze once.
 

Natrin's Barrow

Test Drive
Location
Denver, CO
Thank you all for the welcome! I'm happy to be here.

@TerryD I just knew that there would be some things that I wasn't aware of or hadn't thought of, maintenance wise so I'm super appreciative of what you've listed! I do want this truck to last me many years, and with any vehicle maintenance is always the first (and continuous) step. I can cool my jets to do the right thing, I'll just keep drooling and planning in the meantime.

My offroad goals can best be characterized as seeking maximum accessibility within reason. Im not looking to build a true crawler (leave that for the jeep people), but I do want something that can climb rocky trails ford some creeks, and clear tall rocks and ridges without getting high centered Colorado has so many trails, and I'd like to be able to tackle most of them.

In terms of offroad experience, I grew up with friends who had Yeeps and Tacos and being young and at times stupid, we came to learn some of what to avoid without modification (oh the stories...), and how to drive a trail the smart way. In my case, this will be the first truly capable vehicle of my own.

In terms of offroad building experience I have admittedly little. I always do a lot of general maintenance wrenching on my vehicles trying to do almost everything myself, but modification will be new territory for the most part. I helped my friend put a 2" lift on is subaru outback a while back (strange yes, but it helped its stance a whole lot, and improved its capabilities a touch). Also helped another friend throw some new shocks into his Taco. That's about it...

@ffxcores I did lots and lot of research trying to find a worthy offroad capable vehicle that broke the mold. Tacos and 4runners are quite worthy, but also insane expensive, and most of that cost is for the badgework. Jeeps are what everyone squees over here in CO, but they're overrated, and not nearly as reliable as they should be. *coughChryslercough* In the end it was down to either a Frontier or an X, and frankly I think I made the right choice even there.

@TheCrabby1 Hoses! Another good call, thank you! While I'm at it I'll check all the bushings too. Anything rubber gets a replace if necessary.
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
Be careful, the Boss ( @Prime ) is gonna be jealous of your blue OR.....

And you picked a very good platform. I've been extremely happy with my 07. It's plenty capable and has been a very good vehicle.
 
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