2006 Xterra
- Thread starter sami
- Start date
sami
Explorer
Installing lights into your grille ~ Approx 1hr job
My List of Hardware:
2ea 3/8x1” bolts
2ea 3/8” Fender Washer
2ea 3/8” Rubber Fender Washer
2ea Light of choice – I used IPF 968's with included wiring harness
1ea OE Toyota Fog Illuminated Switch
List of needed Tools:
Flathead screwdriver
Any wrenches you might need for your particular lights
Drill w/ correct size bit to your bolts
Measuring tape or similar
Sharpie
Pop the hood
Grille Removal:
Remove the 8-10 black plastic clips on the grille. There are 6 or so on top that you can see, and 4 or so behind the grille connecting the bottom of the grille to the bumper. To remove these you simply place a flathead screwdriver or similar tool under the circle in the middle of the clips, lift up, and then remove the clip. These are very easy. To get to the lower ones you'll need to pull gently on the top corner/sides of the grille to release the grille, as there are stationary clips holding it in place. Once you release these, there is enough wiggle room to get at the lower black clips on the grille. You now need to locate the 4 square clips at the bottom of the grille, still attaching the grille to the bumper. Put your finger on the bottom of these, and pull up while pulling the grille out toward you. These are the last 4 clips that hold the grille onto the bumper. Nissan pretty much guaranteed that the grille on these rigs will never go anywhere; which is great piece of mind when installing some lights onto the grille.
Drill on the dots:
Mock the lights up to where you wanted them, and then feel the backside of the grille to make sure that your big fender washer will have enough room to mount cleanly. When you've found the spot you want the lights mark the center of the hole with the Sharpie. This is where I used the tape measure merely to double check the lights were indeed symmetrically mounted. Drill on your dots, making sure to go through two layers of plastic. You've now just made holes in your perfectly good grille. Wipe or blow away the plastic removed from the drill bit.
Mounting Lights to the Grille:
Place the bolt through the mounting bracket, followed by the rubber washer(I cut the rubber washers down so they wouldn't be seen underneath the lights ~ see pic), then push through grille. On the backside of the grille, place large fender washer over bolt, then tighten the nut down to a good finger tight level. Repeat this for the other side. Now, double check that your lights look to be mounted evenly. Make any adjustments here if you need to. If you measured and drilled on your dots correctly, there will be no need to re-drill or make modifications at this point. Tighten the nut down and make sure there is no play in the lights/bolts.
Reinstall Grille:
Run your wires through to meet the lights at the back of the grille, zip tying where needed. Now reinstall grille by reversing the methods and steps of removal.
I made a visit to my neighborhood Toyota Dealership to grab an illuminated fog lamp switch. This one was $12. PT#00550-35976
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sami
Explorer
That is a tough question, as you could imagine. However, I have been asked several times, and of course think about it alot since some good times were had behind teh wheel of my 4runner.
At this point in time, I'd choose this Xterra over the 3rd gen 4runner. I feel that the fuel range, power, torque, storage capacity, and overall roominess beats out the offerings of the ten year old 4runner. I feel that the E-locker in the 4runner is the only area that I wish I still had. Had I known a bit more about the Xterra, I would've searched a bit harder for an 'Offroad Package'. So far in my adventures in the Xterra I haven't needed a locker though. Oh, I miss the hood scoop too
So in a nut shell.. After swallowing much pride to drive an Xterra... I'd take the Xterra over the 4runner. I never thought i'd feel that way about it, but I do. :smiley_drive:
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Moody
Needs to get out more
Good deal, thanks for that input. I often have people ask me about this 4x4 vs. that 4x4, but my #1 response is "Which one do you like best?" and I tell then to go with that one. Few people will ever utilize the engineering that goes into a modern 4x4, other than snow. They should just be pleased about driving it.
I saw your Xterra at the Cruiser Outfitter bbq, I thought it looked great. My BIL just sold his 02 X, and we have wheeled it around here and there, and I was quite impressed. If I wasn't already into an 80 and Pathfinder, I would have snagged it up.
We are heading up camping up near Mineral Basin Friday night, come on up...
I saw your Xterra at the Cruiser Outfitter bbq, I thought it looked great. My BIL just sold his 02 X, and we have wheeled it around here and there, and I was quite impressed. If I wasn't already into an 80 and Pathfinder, I would have snagged it up.
We are heading up camping up near Mineral Basin Friday night, come on up...
sami
Explorer
sami
Explorer
I was inspired by 'expeditionxterra's console, and wanted a similar setup for communications, switches etc. With the little room available in the 2nd gen Xterra's due to the floor mounted parking brake, we had just enough room to squeeze a console inbetween the passenger seat and p-brake. We didn't have to move or mod the parking brake at all.
We didn't have time to figure out a mounting system for the OE arm rest, but my buddy has an idea and just couldn't find the right part to mount it last night.. So that might come a little later.
I chose to put the mics right above the p-brake just because that feels like a great out-of-the-way spot(I never use the brake).. Though the brake can still fully engage. We did two 100w speakers, one for each radio so that interference between radios is avoided. The switches, outlets, and radios are all wired hot, but we have the power looped into the console to add anything to be keyed-power if we want.
My buddy does awesome wiring and as you can see, clean custom installs of these consoles. This console fits my needs, and i'll switch it around as I see fit..
Communications:
*Yaesu FT-2800M FM Mobile transeiver 65/25/10/5W. Maxrad 2 Meter steel whip aerial on adjustable trunk lid NMO mount
*Cobra CB 19 DX III w/ Maxrad CB aerial on trunk lid NMO mount
We didn't have time to figure out a mounting system for the OE arm rest, but my buddy has an idea and just couldn't find the right part to mount it last night.. So that might come a little later.
I chose to put the mics right above the p-brake just because that feels like a great out-of-the-way spot(I never use the brake).. Though the brake can still fully engage. We did two 100w speakers, one for each radio so that interference between radios is avoided. The switches, outlets, and radios are all wired hot, but we have the power looped into the console to add anything to be keyed-power if we want.
My buddy does awesome wiring and as you can see, clean custom installs of these consoles. This console fits my needs, and i'll switch it around as I see fit..
Communications:
*Yaesu FT-2800M FM Mobile transeiver 65/25/10/5W. Maxrad 2 Meter steel whip aerial on adjustable trunk lid NMO mount
*Cobra CB 19 DX III w/ Maxrad CB aerial on trunk lid NMO mount
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soonenough
Explorer
Wow that console looks awesome :drool:
Did you use Gamber Johnson parts (thebrand eXpeditionXterra used)? If so, did you look into any other brands?
Did you use Gamber Johnson parts (thebrand eXpeditionXterra used)? If so, did you look into any other brands?
sami
Explorer
I have a friend who installs equipment into emergency vehicle all day. I asked him if he used Gamber Johnson, and he told me to check out Jotto. I believe he said something like, "Gamber Johnson? Bring a stack of cash to that dance.." I'm told Gamber Johnson is quite pricey.
We were able to find a universal console that fit like a glove between the p-brake and passenger seat. We rested the console on the tube connecting the p-brake to the cable, then dropped in some self tapping bolts.. This kept the box from touching the ECU at all. We notched a few inches out of the chassis of the console to make room for the p-brake cable bracket ~ so that it can move freely. Adding the cupholders to the slightly tilted console set off the look.. It fits perfectly.
If you're interested in a price for some of this stuff, I can get you my buddies contact info.
mcm4090
Explorer
x2.
sami
Explorer
Plus..
I got my sliders back from the powder coater.. Just need to install them..
pre-powder coating
Building an interior rear cargo rack as well (42x24).. Rack itself is done, just figuring out the mounting system now. It will utilize the OE Utilitrak.. Should be done by this weekend.
I got my sliders back from the powder coater.. Just need to install them..
pre-powder coating
Building an interior rear cargo rack as well (42x24).. Rack itself is done, just figuring out the mounting system now. It will utilize the OE Utilitrak.. Should be done by this weekend.