2008 Xterra Off Road Slow Build

[kmroxo]

I read this article here that talked about the suspension bottoming out. I looked on Rancho's website, but couldn't find the Quick-Lift on their website for the second gen Xterra. That has been the extent of my research so far. I know for a fact that I don't want to go bigger than 285/75R16, or 33", if I do a lift so I really liked what they talked about in that article.

 

[kmroxo]

I did get around to installing the bug shield and the ProClip mounts this weekend, but it was dark by the time I was done so no pictures yet. I'll have them sometime this week. I will say that the ProClips are awesome mounts.

 

[TheStig]

Looking good! Its good to see fellow Xterras on here.

 

[Nick B]

Any updates ?

 

[kmroxo]

I finally have some pictures. I'll attach them below. I put some non-skid on the bumper after seeing it on another forum and also seeing my dogs slip a bit on the powder coated top of the Shrockworks rear bumper. I have all the mounts for the Sirius, SPOT, and iPhone.

Next up stuff is going to take some time because it is more $ than I have to spare: Shrock sliders and front bumper, suspension upgrade (but not very tall at all), National Luna PPP, Engel fridge, etc. This is where the "slow" part of the slow build takes effect.

 

[kmroxo]

By the way, my washer fluid sprayers are split along the seam and spraying all over the hood. Anyone else have this happen? Not sure if I should just glue them together or get new ones.

 

[RonapRhys]

Check out HeftyFabWorks. They're producing some high quality bumpers for the Xterras that actually look a bit different than the others out there. They'll also be producing sliders and other products that you might like. Shipping shouldn't be horrible and the wait time is 6 weeks, not 6 months.

 

[macguyvermedic]

How did the MCAT go? Actually just took mine this spring. Rocked out a 34, should be good enough for any non-research centered med school near me. What specialty are you thinking?

I also have an 08' OR, and have become horribly addicted to thenewX.org. I can tell you that purchasing this vehicle has not only provided me with endless entertainment and a empty wallet, but introduced me to an amazing group of people over at thenewX. Looks like you have a great start. Just added OBA and loving it. Look forward to seeing the X evolve. Best of luck with your future endeavors.

 

[kmroxo]

Nice work on the MCAT. I was late to the decision to apply so I had only 3.5 weeks of prep and hadn't taken a college class since 1998. I still pulled out a 30 so I think I'm in good shape.

I have checked out thenewX.org as well, but I'm limiting my exposure so I don't start buying things I can't afford yet. Today I did a trail that confirmed for me that I probably won't go up in tire size. Last weekend I went off roading with my girlfriend and it was mostly dirt roads with a few technical sections. Today was passable, but very technical, no more than 5 mph over the entire stretch it seemed. The dogs were just getting tossed around in the back and because we were going so slow, we weren't "exploring" as much because it was limiting our total distance travelled. Meanwhile the X handled it great, but we are more into less technical exploring and the stock OR tire size was just fine for today even.

 

[Gpzguy]

If you're serious about getting a Shrockworks front bumper (or other), I don't recommend holding off on getting a winch. Money may be tight and all, but that's the kind of install you only want to do once, and you'd have to remove the Shrock to get the winch in there. Just my opinion, but I know what a bear that install can be.

 

[RonapRhys]

Nice work on the MCAT. I was late to the decision to apply so I had only 3.5 weeks of prep and hadn't taken a college class since 1998. I still pulled out a 30 so I think I'm in good shape.

I have checked out thenewX.org as well, but I'm limiting my exposure so I don't start buying things I can't afford yet. Today I did a trail that confirmed for me that I probably won't go up in tire size. Last weekend I went off roading with my girlfriend and it was mostly dirt roads with a few technical sections. Today was passable, but very technical, no more than 5 mph over the entire stretch it seemed. The dogs were just getting tossed around in the back and because we were going so slow, we weren't "exploring" as much because it was limiting our total distance travelled. Meanwhile the X handled it great, but we are more into less technical exploring and the stock OR tire size was just fine for today even.

I wheeled once when it was muddy on the stock tires with an OR. It worked out reasonably well. However, once those tires needed replacing I moved up slightly - 285-75/16 BFG AT KO tires. I did need to do the melt mod, but that's pretty minor. It made an absolutely huge difference when things got sloppy. You could easily stay with the 265 tires, no problem, though. But better tread is definitely a given.

For minor suspension lift stuff, All Day Fab and PRG are a few options. Spacers up front, extended shackles in the rear is the least expensive option.

Getting adjustable coilovers up front and an AAL kit is a much more expensive, but more capable option. Without that, and any weight in the back, the suspension will definitely bottom out while off-roading. No hurries on doing that, though.

 

[kmroxo]

I agree that it is best to get the winch with the front bumper and do the install right the first time.

Even if I don't go up in tire size I will upgrade the suspension when I do the sliders and front bumper install if for no other reason than to better handle the weight. Unfortunately these things are now a year away at least. My dog getting so sick and needing surgery wiped out the little spare cash I had so I am about paycheck to paycheck for regular bills right now.

I did get the factory cargo mat (rubber bottom and carpet top) and put non-skid on the top of the rear bumper. My dogs have much better grip back there and don't slide on the hard plastic of the cargo area or slip on the powder coated bumper when jumping in and out. They are much happier.