Fun question: What other 4x4 would you replace your current Nissan with and why?
- Thread starter stioc
- Start date
Allof75
Pathfinder
This, and as I just read in Motor Trend, what's really interesting, to me at least, is that each of a car's systems essentially has a dedicated computer to it, that is so honed in its specific task, that it doesn't need extra gbs of storage space etc. Which is apparently the reason we haven't been able to update our vehicles software automatically yet. (Well, unless you drive a Tesla :sombrero: ) But anyway, to me at least, it's comforting to know that a vehicle has become so plug-and-play, where even replacing a computer is not extremely labor intensive. This, and the electronics in our vehicles today, if they're for vital components, often have emergency backups.
wreckdiver1321
Overlander
I agree here, without a doubt. If one of the major systems goes on the fritz, you're sort of screwed if you're out on the trail. But your second statement sums up the way I think about it. In all reality, these major systems are pretty bulletproof. Like you said, they generally outlast a lot of mechanical components.
True, but then you could say the same thing of a first gen X. I can't think of a system off the top of my head, with the exception of the drivetrain control computers, which have proven themselves to be extremely reliable even in harsh conditions, that would render you motionless on the trail. Maybe the 4wd actuator?
Here's the way I look at it. For a long time I drove a Land Rover Discovery II, generally agreed upon as one of the most unreliable 4x4s ever built. The electrical design on that era of trucks was nothing short of catastrophic. But I did a fair bit of exploring with it and my experience was that the main electrical components, such as the computers for the engine and trans, were the most robust and they never failed in 3+ years of mud, rocks, and many water crossings. I had the truck in water over the hood and they never failed. Many other things did, but the most important computers never did.
Now consider that the Nissans we find ourselves in today are leaps and bounds ahead of the Land Rover in terms of electrical design and reliability. Next to my 2001 LR, even the electrical system on a 2014 Frontier looks super simple. What's more, they actually have decent connectors and actually make a bit of sense.
And if my Disco's electrical modules could cope with all that, then certainly the much more robust and better designed stuff on a new Frontier or X is up to it. If you think about it, they are some of the few vehicles that can still be tinkered with in your garage or driveway. Compared to a lot of similar overland type vehicles, the Frontier and the Xterra are very simple. Compare it to, say, the 2014 4Runner. Much less electronics, and much simpler. And simpler is better. At least more robust/reliable anyhow.That's just my experience/opinion anyway. YMMV.
Blind_Io
Adventurer
The 4WD solenoid is any easy bypass if it fails. You just unhook it from the t-case, stick a big flathead screwdriver in there and crank it over manually.
Personally, I would love to see a manual override for the t-case. I would have a hex-head that could be operated with the stock lug wrench. It might be messy to crawl under the truck, but at least you could get it in and out of 4-low, 4-high, and 2-high manually if you damaged your solenoid or it failed.
Personally, I would love to see a manual override for the t-case. I would have a hex-head that could be operated with the stock lug wrench. It might be messy to crawl under the truck, but at least you could get it in and out of 4-low, 4-high, and 2-high manually if you damaged your solenoid or it failed.
mortonm
Expedition Leader
I would rock a power wagon hard, especially with a FWC, just so big, for both the city and the forests here
stioc
Expedition Leader
The older I get the more comfort I desire, a fully enclosed camper but one that is also trail capable is tempting. I recently upgraded some camping gear and I can't believe that I didn't do it sooner. I guess my focus is shifting - less tinkering with the truck, more using it to go places and having fun. The PW IMHO needs nothing except perhaps 35" tires. Being a 3/4 ton truck it also has enough payload capacity that a nicely equipped FWC won't be an issue at all. One day...
mortonm
Expedition Leader
I agree, not that I am that old (30 this year) but nothing wrong with being comfortable. I just bought a therm a rest neoair dream pad last year, expensive but so comfortable hard to beat a good nights sleep.
I would just add some 285 75R117 tires on stock rims and call it a day for the power wagon
I would just add some 285 75R117 tires on stock rims and call it a day for the power wagon
Weekender41
Ready to Learn
Replace the Pathfinder...?? :yikes:
Hmm Reasonable: JKU Sport absolute base model. I like to keep it simple and build up what I want.
Unreasonable: hmmm any Subaru WRX STI non-hatchback mmmm that engine note!
Hmm Reasonable: JKU Sport absolute base model. I like to keep it simple and build up what I want.
Unreasonable: hmmm any Subaru WRX STI non-hatchback
mmmm that engine note!
wreckdiver1321
Overlander
mortonm;1509751I would just add some 285 75R117 tires on stock rims and call it a day for the power wagon[/QUOTE said:
mortonm
Expedition Leader
TALL and skinny. 117s are the only way to go
wreckdiver1321
Overlander
That would make for a 134" tire. Forget overlanding. You could go overhousing, overforesting, overponding, overrivering, or even overoverlandering.
wreckdiver1321
Overlander
You'd be the only guy in town who could drive home from work in a dead straight line.