mortonm
Expedition Leader
I havent been stuck in the snow with it yet, so I didn't realize that would be an issue, but makes sense.
yup, its the way to go. I still cant believe what they charge for the auto-hub replacement
thank you
Mortonm's 2001 Xterra Build
- Thread starter mortonm
- Start date
I havent been stuck in the snow with it yet, so I didn't realize that would be an issue, but makes sense.
yup, its the way to go. I still cant believe what they charge for the auto-hub replacement
thank you
mortonm
Expedition Leader
thank you
I was pretty happy with the way it handled everything, we had my brothers dog in the back, and removed the rear seat cushions. This allowed us to place most of the heavy objects low on the floor boards just in front of the axle. Fully loaded and set to go, it handled well, no issues with sway or diving under braking. I had brought the front down more just before we left, so it now sits level when loaded.
The only disadvantage is now I am down to maybe an inch of lift or even a little less, but I don't even plan on running larger tires, and they don't rub anywhere so I guess the lower I can keep the truck while still running my 235 85 R16 s the better.
It definitely flexes better out back, it will really stuff the tire (one of the pics right above shows that). The front isn't great but never has been, but it suitable for me. I really have no complaints. I would think that between people, dog, gear, food we had pretty close to a thousand pounds in it, which is close to its payload.
I think my number one revelation from the trip was that I fell in love with my tires all over again. They were all I could have wanted and more. Quiet on the pavement, good grip on the rocks, dirt and water I came across. I think I only felt the tires slip a few times the whole week. They also traveled hundred of miles of crushed stone gravel. I was glad to have the E load rating and tougher sidewalls. I could see tires getting eaten up pretty quick if you drove those roads every day.
Last edited:
Co-opski
Expedition Leader
I agree on the BFG AT KO. I kind of miss the on road manners that they have but also the ability to work and play hard off road. My truck is so loud now with the drone of the Gibson exhaust, hum of the Cooper Stt, and wind noise of the Yakima rack on top, I don’t hear the poly bushing squeaking anymore. Haha.
mortonm
Expedition Leader
Best way to get rid of a rattle/sqeak !
Weekender41
Ready to Learn
Well I read this whole build last night and may I say, dang! I really like reading through this one, because you have not gone all out crazy with the modifications but rather have installed what has been usable and necessary for you. Keep up the great photos!
mortonm
Expedition Leader
Thank you, I appreciate the compliments. Its hard to take a step back and decipher what's necessary and not, for my needs I'd like to think I have done well with this build so far.
mortonm
Expedition Leader
Not too much new with the Xterra. Thanksgiving day weekend here in Canada so its lots of turkey, beer and pumpkin stuff.
I did oil spray my truck yesterday afternoon at the in-laws, have to start fighting that nasty salt early. Its actually a pretty easy job, just cover everything metal. Pretty messy though!
Happy Thanksgiving to all the Canucks out there!
I did oil spray my truck yesterday afternoon at the in-laws, have to start fighting that nasty salt early. Its actually a pretty easy job, just cover everything metal. Pretty messy though!
Happy Thanksgiving to all the Canucks out there!
Last edited:
stioc
Expedition Leader
How do you apply the oil spray? is it some kind of specific oil they sell in a can? I remember seeing used motor oil being sprayed as a means to protect the undercarriage but I think that was before we were told that the oil etc from the roads end up in the ocean and such.
mortonm
Expedition Leader
Its wax oil, so its more viscous than motor oil. It flows at room temperature but not quickly.
To apply just put into a paint style sprayer (different nozzle) and use an air compressor to spray out the end. Quite simple really. As long as you let it sit for awhile it doesn't drip too bad. But it drips during application and ends up on your shirt and in your hair and a fine mist over evertything in the garage.
But the difference between an oil sprayed and and not is rediculous. Especially after a decade on the road.
mortonm
Expedition Leader
couple quick questions, starting to get serious about the fog light issue now that winter (darkness) is coming.
What is the connector type that I need to make this work with the stock fog switch? I would like to wire the new lights to the right connector to plug right into the factory harness/switch.
These will mostly be used as high beam "driving lights" for poorly lit backroads (obviously with no other traffic around). My headlights are terrible and I would rather add more powerful lights in the fog locations than worrying about upgrading the factory headlights. For this application I would be better off with a spot pattern than a flood? I am seriously considering the rigid duallys. They are also on sale on amazon.ca right now with free shipping.
What is the connector type that I need to make this work with the stock fog switch? I would like to wire the new lights to the right connector to plug right into the factory harness/switch.
These will mostly be used as high beam "driving lights" for poorly lit backroads (obviously with no other traffic around). My headlights are terrible and I would rather add more powerful lights in the fog locations than worrying about upgrading the factory headlights. For this application I would be better off with a spot pattern than a flood? I am seriously considering the rigid duallys. They are also on sale on amazon.ca right now with free shipping.
Co-opski
Expedition Leader
Not sure if the Canadian market trucks are like ours, but ours fogs turn off with high beams. If you have not done the fog light mod that lets you keep your fog lights on with your high beams that may be a place to first start. I'm sure you can find a good write up on one of the Xterra forums.
Or you could use your high beams as a trigger through your fog light switch on the turn signal stalk. In other words High beams on+ fog light switch on= Duallys on. Lows on, Highs off + fog ligh switch on= Duallys off. Highs on + fog light switch off= Duallys off.
I used my parking lights as a trigger or power source so I could use them with High, Low or just the Parking lights on.
BTW I'm bad at electrical stuff, way better at hitting things with heavy hammers so hopefully someone else will chime in.
Last edited:
mortonm
Expedition Leader
when I flick the high beams its almost worse than the regular head lights. I was just thinking about running normal headlights and when I need extra light putting the duallys on with the fog switch.
I am also the same, Id rather smash bang crash or turn something than wire it
mortonm
Expedition Leader
Fun History Fact: Etymology of "Tank"
Originally designed and invented by the British during the First World War as a trench warfare tactic. It was a top secret project and even those building the prototypes didn't know its true purpose. They were told that it was to be a tracked water carrier. Essentially a large water tank on tracks, the name was shortened by the crews to just "Tank" and the name has stuck ever since.
What does this have to do with my Xterra? well Tomorrow I am picking up something new for it, the above is a little clue as to what it is
Originally designed and invented by the British during the First World War as a trench warfare tactic. It was a top secret project and even those building the prototypes didn't know its true purpose. They were told that it was to be a tracked water carrier. Essentially a large water tank on tracks, the name was shortened by the crews to just "Tank" and the name has stuck ever since.
What does this have to do with my Xterra? well Tomorrow I am picking up something new for it, the above is a little clue as to what it is
Last edited: