Buy or Keep and fix up

[LaOutbackTrail]

Hey guys. I currently have a 4x4 01 Xterra with 102Kmiles that is mostly paid for. I am debating over trading it in and getting a good used new model frontier and fixing it up to expedition specs....

OR keep the Xterra and likely not do anything to it? I'd like to put an ARB or similar bumper on it and only a 3inch suspension. I'm due for some tires soon.... X has stock size wheels and tires on it, but thinking of putting a 31" tire?

So what you fellas reckon I should do?

 

[asteffes]

Why not keep it and just refresh the worn bits? Why buy another vehicle to modify that is only going to depreciate when your X is already largely depreciated?

I think the answer you're likely to get around here is:

Change the fluids and refresh vital parts. Throw on some 32s, sliders, the ARB with lights and a winch, and a fridge in back. Some kind of comms (CB or amateur radio) to taste. Tweak suspension to maintain reasonable ride height (maybe keep it at the stock height with some new coils and an AAL kit?) What else do you really need?

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Why not keep it and just refresh the worn bits? Why buy another vehicle to modify that is only going to depreciate when your X is already largely depreciated?

I think the answer you're likely to get around here is:

Change the fluids and refresh vital parts. Throw on some 32s, sliders, the ARB with lights and a winch, and a fridge in back. Some kind of comms (CB or amateur radio) to taste. Tweak suspension to maintain reasonable ride height (maybe keep it at the stock height with some new coils and an AAL kit?) What else do you really need?

I hear what you're saying about the depreciation... and I'm sure I could squeeze atleast another 100K....

2001 models have torsion bars up front and leaf springs in the back... which can only be raised by shackles or add a leaf kits. Full suspension kits are around a grand... which I dont have to spend right now... and I doubt the wife would let me if I did.

I'm not a big mechanical person... I can fix it if I needed to (with directions of course).. but dont know a whole lot about what I should "refresh".

I still need to wire up my CB....:smilies27

 

[ZooJunkie]

You'll save more money by keeping it and refreshing the car.

Regular oil changes at 4000 miles.
Yearly brake fluid flushes.
Bi-annual coolant flushes.
Tri-annual tranny and diff flushes.

Belts and spark plugs changed every 70-80k miles. Rather than turning your rotors consider changing them every 60-80k miles.

Stuff that wear faster than engine parts are:
Starter motor
A/C compressor
Alternator
Wheel bearings
Shocks

Nothing wrong w/ torsion bars and leaf springs. Those are tried and true suspension bits, reason they are on your 01 X is that it's cheap for Nissan to produce a decent truck and still make money. Don't fret these bits, they work well for expedition work.

 

[tacticalbrad]

Change the fluids and refresh vital parts. Throw on some 32s, sliders, the ARB with lights and a winch, and a fridge in back. Some kind of comms (CB or amateur radio) to taste. Tweak suspension to maintain reasonable ride height (maybe keep it at the stock height with some new coils and an AAL kit?) What else do you really need?


I totally agree here. I know that new suspension lifts are kinda expensive, but you could always find a used kit, complete or partial, for pennies on the dollar on various websites, XOC, Club Frontier, NOR, etc. Now that a lot of these early model X's are getting paid off, I've noticed that SAS swaps are becoming common place. Most of the time, these owners already have some type of IFS lift, and will let them go fairly cheaply. Just replace the wear components (ball joints, bushings), and you get a reasonably-priced lift. Just a suggestion...

 

[asteffes]

I hear what you're saying about the depreciation... and I'm sure I could squeeze atleast another 100K....

2001 models have torsion bars up front and leaf springs in the back... which can only be raised by shackles or add a leaf kits. Full suspension kits are around a grand... which I dont have to spend right now... and I doubt the wife would let me if I did.

I'm not a big mechanical person... I can fix it if I needed to (with directions of course).. but dont know a whole lot about what I should "refresh".

I still need to wire up my CB....:smilies27

Do you know you need a lift? If you can somehow just compensate for the weight of a bumper and winch up front you should be fine. A lot of trucks can fit a +1" taller tire without much trouble.

As far as refreshing things, I would replace all the various fluids and belts. Run some radiator flush through the cooling system and a bottle or two of fuel injector cleaner in the fuel system. Replace the ignition coil and spark plugs and wires (if your truck has them.) Maybe replace the water pump if you haven't recently and have the alternator checked out. Replace the grease in any important bearings. Replace the fuel filter(s.) That should help ensure reliability for awhile.

 

[IggyB]

31" tires will fit on a stock X.

Do check out the rear springs are in one piece. My wife broke the rear spring, second from the bottom, and it's never been off road. Tonight a buddy of mine called with same problem on his 00 X.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

I'm still kind of leaning towards a new vehicle.... but I still like the Xterra.

I like lifts for the look as well as function. It actually seems easier (though more expensive) to do a suspension lift than a body lift.
I do need, however a slightly stiffer rear setup... I am about to buy a motorcycle carrier that goes into the reciever hitch. I really wish old man emu would make a kit for the Xterra.... I had an OME lift on an old 85 forerunner and it was great. Had rancho on a jeep and pro comp on a chevy... all of which sucked compared to the OME.

Definately want a bumper and winch and lights up front. Can't really use the overhead lights on the hwy... so bumper mounted would be better i suppose.
Look in the nissan forum for my intro thread, there is a pic of the X there.

I need a manual for the Xterra... anyone have one (and dont have the X anymore or whatever??)

Thanks
Scott

 

[tacticalbrad]

I am away from my personal computer as I am on a business trip, but I know there is a website that your can go to and download the manual for a few bucks. It buys you 24 hours of unlimited downloads, if I remember correctly. You can always go the copyright-infringement route and buy a cd manual on ebay...

 

[VafrontierVa]

alcan springs does a great jobv with rear leaves if you are simply looking for more strength in the rear.


they can make you any kind of weight rated, height measured leave you want, aka, you choose a weight and tell them you want 3" of lift in the rear, and they can do it. They are around $250 I think, so a cutally a pretty good way to go about it