J
JWP58
Guest
Do you know if any contractors build these things???? I'm intrigued. I don't need a/c, and a wood stove could heat one of those I would think quite well.
94 Pathfinder: Buyer’s remorse?
- Thread starter grox
- Start date
Just sent you a private message.
stioc
Expedition Leader
I've loved the idea of a tiny house on a large piece of land with no visible neighbors. In fact, I saw a documentary on one just the other day- a young guy in his 30s built one with his gf also in CO. However, I just wonder if I ever did that it'll turn out to be a short phase and then in a month I'll be itching for a bigger place and ultimately selling it for pennys on the dollar- if I could even sell it lol - Goodluck with your plans and adventures, it's always inspiring to see folks living their dreams whether it's living in an RV, a small shipping container house or the Bahamas.
jonnyquest
Adventurer
Check out this article. I believe you'll like it. http://gearheads.org/the-1995-nissan-pathfinder-the-last-real-suv/#.U7VlYYm9Kc1
olly hondro
mad scientist
I drove a 1991 from So California to Acapulco twice. No issues. The narrowness was a plus in places like Taxco. I'd leave it stock and put some new parts in it when you can as a preemptive activity. Reliability should be your goal.
These trucks are bullet proof, I have had mine 4 years now and has never left me stranded. Regular maintenance including; timing belt, water pump, wires, plugs, d-cap and she'll run great, and as always that list never ends. Check your exhaust manifold for leaks, if you hear a tapping when driving may not be your lifters, but your exhaust. Hope you got a five speed!
Suspension on these trucks is pretty good, coils in the back IFS in the front. If you are carrying heave loads like rack, RTT and all your gear you may consider air bags in your coils to help with body roll. Be sure to replace torsion bars, shocks and sway bar bushings in front. If you upgrade you upper control arms don't use bushings supplied with part, use OEM bushings with after market A-arm, they don't squeak. Gearing is decent, but would really do well with air lockers, I seem to get a little to adventurous at times.
Storage is very limited especially when your rack is occupied by the tent, I have found the size of the truck is more of an extended weekend over lander if anything. Just saying cause my dog is always with me and she needs some room. One cool thing that you can do fairly simple is an on board water tank for drinking and showers. Ok, ready here we go, the gas tank on the pathfinder is in the rear, the gas tank on the hard body's is mid-frame. Find the right size water tank to fit mid-frame on the pathfinder and you can use the gas tank skid plate from a hard body to protect it, almost perfect fit. Sorry no pictures!
I like my truck, but if I were to do it once more, well I can't afford to build my dream land cruiser, so I was thinking about a Montero SR 95-97 with the 3.5L, with center locker and rear locker stock. Its full size and can clear a 33" tire, over all comparable to land cruiser same year. What do you guys think??? Good/Bad idea????
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stioc
Expedition Leader
DGuest, man you're killing me. I've always loved these trucks and seeing your's makes me want to buy one!
As for Monteros I think they're great trucks and you're right they're a bargain compared to the LCs. They have really nice lux interior especially the 3rd gens- but they're IFS/IRS. When it comes to harder offroad challenges where you need a lot of articulation they're no LCs but get the job done, I've been out with a few. Not a bad trade off if you need more room but your WD21 is a keeper in my opinion!
As for Monteros I think they're great trucks and you're right they're a bargain compared to the LCs. They have really nice lux interior especially the 3rd gens- but they're IFS/IRS. When it comes to harder offroad challenges where you need a lot of articulation they're no LCs but get the job done, I've been out with a few. Not a bad trade off if you need more room but your WD21 is a keeper in my opinion!
Agree with stoic, DGuest your Pathfinder is a keeper. Thanks for all the info and inspirational pictures. As I figure out my build I just might be contacting you for advice.
The new-to-me Pathfinder passed Colorado strict emissions with flying colors so I'm officially ensured and legal. Drove to work a few days. For having a lot of miles, really surprised at how well this thing runs and drives. So far the only thing that doesn't work, is the keyless entry.
I hate working on a dirty vehicle so while I wait for the timing belt parts to arrive, I power washed everything. Spotless! No rust. No leaks. No funny noises. Also used EZ-Off and the power washer to strip off the black paint on the rims and figured out a way to carry my mountain bike inside.
The only reservation I have now, is that it might be a little too small. We'll need to get two adults and a 3-year old, with all our stuff, and my tools inside for the trip down to Sayulita. Cargo box on the roof will help. Maybe even a small trailer?
The new-to-me Pathfinder passed Colorado strict emissions with flying colors so I'm officially ensured and legal. Drove to work a few days. For having a lot of miles, really surprised at how well this thing runs and drives. So far the only thing that doesn't work, is the keyless entry.
I hate working on a dirty vehicle so while I wait for the timing belt parts to arrive, I power washed everything. Spotless! No rust. No leaks. No funny noises. Also used EZ-Off and the power washer to strip off the black paint on the rims and figured out a way to carry my mountain bike inside.
The only reservation I have now, is that it might be a little too small. We'll need to get two adults and a 3-year old, with all our stuff, and my tools inside for the trip down to Sayulita. Cargo box on the roof will help. Maybe even a small trailer?
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Thanks guys. I gotta say, after just a few weeks, I'm pretty happy with my purchase. I'm now a believer! IMHO, these trucks are way undervalued and should be considered when looking for a solid platform to build an expo vehicle.
So far I've changed out the timing belt, and added a budget 2.5" lift kit ($68). I spotted some beefier springs in a Pathfinder at the Pick n Pull ($20), new longer F-250 rear shocks ($48), and reindexed and cranked the front torsion bars. New tires soon.
So far I've changed out the timing belt, and added a budget 2.5" lift kit ($68). I spotted some beefier springs in a Pathfinder at the Pick n Pull ($20), new longer F-250 rear shocks ($48), and reindexed and cranked the front torsion bars. New tires soon.
jonnyquest
Adventurer
Very nice!