wreckdiver1321
Overlander
Remember to spend an entire day measuring. 
Josh's 2014 Xterra Pro 4x - guided by necessity
- Thread starter jhberria
- Start date
Remember to spend an entire day measuring.
Meh, I'll probably just eye ball it and wing it :costumed-smiley-007
Yep, I'll get to that right after I drive nails into my tires for extra winter traction:safari-rig:
Dmski
Adventurer
Haha this is a good one!
I haven't checked out this thread in a long while. Great to see how your build has progressed!
Are you still running stock tire sizes? And how is your mpg doing with all the new mods?
I think I've told you this before, but I was heavily considering a used Xterra Pro-4x before I found my current 4runner. I think these rigs are awesome in stock form and really start to shine when you put mild modifications into them, like you've been doing. Don't know which transmission you have, but when I test drove the manual, it just felt very nice; it definitely drove like a truck, but still nice.
BTW, how do the roads and back-country in Washington compare to say something like the Adirondacks? Are there more opportunities to wheel and explore (legally of course) in Washington vs NY?
Are you still running stock tire sizes? And how is your mpg doing with all the new mods?
I think I've told you this before, but I was heavily considering a used Xterra Pro-4x before I found my current 4runner. I think these rigs are awesome in stock form and really start to shine when you put mild modifications into them, like you've been doing. Don't know which transmission you have, but when I test drove the manual, it just felt very nice; it definitely drove like a truck, but still nice.
BTW, how do the roads and back-country in Washington compare to say something like the Adirondacks? Are there more opportunities to wheel and explore (legally of course) in Washington vs NY?
Thanks for stopping in and checking out my progress!
I'm actually running 285s now, so an inch larger than stock. The stock gearing and power are still adequate for the 33s, though. MPG are acceptable. I can get 18-19 on the highway when I'm not loaded down. Loaded down with camping supplies and the RTT I hover around 16.
I think the Xterra Pro-4x is comparable in capability to a 4 Runner TE. The 4Runner is obviously the more refined and "luxurious" of the two vehicles. Once I get the snorkel installed I'm going to be done with performance modifications for a while, likely until my stock leaf pack and AAL wear out. Now I'm just going to focus on small, sensible improvements in backroad preparation and convenience. On board air is definitely on my radar.
Washington far and away surpasses NY in terms of wilderness access and legal off roading and exploration. Seriously, it's not even close. I'm not just saying that because I no longer live in NY, but because once you get away from the I-5 corridor in western WA, everywhere you go is very remote and beautiful. I've got two very accessible mountain ranges within an hour or two drive of my house, multiple OHV parks, drivable beaches, etc. In one day I can drive from snow-covered mountain FSRs to Rainforest trails and then out onto a beach. I'd venture to say that there's very few places like it in the continental US.
I'm jealous to say the least! I think I picked the wrong coast to start a career on, but I've been to northwest before, and I hope to make it out there again either on a trip or permanently. In the meantime, I'll continue to enjoy/explore what the northeast has to offer: I've been hearing that Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and northeastern Canada have some pretty nice wilderness areas to explore with fairly rugged roads.
Keep up the good work and have fun out there! BTW, your build is definitely the kind of template I plan on following when I start modifying my own rig.
Trikebubble
Adventurer
Don't forget the vast lands of your good neighbours just to the north. 
I love the whole (let's call it) "Cascadia" region. BC, Washington, Oregon...... it is one huge blessing from the Gods of outdoor adventure. I've been here in Southern BC my whole life, I live less than an hours drive from the WA state border, and I can't see myself ever leaving this area. We are so very lucky to live in this part of the world.
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I love the whole (let's call it) "Cascadia" region. BC, Washington, Oregon...... it is one huge blessing from the Gods of outdoor adventure. I've been here in Southern BC my whole life, I live less than an hours drive from the WA state border, and I can't see myself ever leaving this area. We are so very lucky to live in this part of the world. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Don't forget the vast lands of your good neighbours just to the north.
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I certainly lump BC and Oregon in with my generalized "Washington State" reference. One solid expanse of geographic epicness.
By the way, still waiting on one of our neighbors to the north to host a Whipsaw guided expedition:smiley_drive:
Dmski
Adventurer
I'll agree with that! So easy to get out and go explore as soon as you get off the traffic ridden I5 corridor. Sadly, it seems like you have to travel further and further from seattle to find good places since its becoming overcrowded on some of the hiking trails and offroading areas...
Trikebubble
Adventurer
I checked with the BC Nissan off-road group, and some of them are joining up with a BC Suzuki group for a Whipsaw Run in early July. Unfortunately, we will be in Colorado so that is out for us.
The Whipsaw Trail is something I would really like to do, but have to sit down and really consider when. The trailhead is about an hour and a half drive west of us, and it seems most guys overnight at least one night on the trail. Apparently it can get very busy on our long weekends, and given it;s only really accessible for 4-odd months a year it can be fun trying to pick a date that works for people and (hopefully) one that isn't having a huge Jamboree or something on the trail at the same time.
For me, it would have to be a weekend in August or even September. I can ask around some more, see if any locals may be willing to lead the way. It would be fun, the area is certainly beautiful up there.
Well I'm certainly game for planning a trip in the late summer or early fall, and could potentially lure a few folks from the Northwest Xterra Club, as well. You should consider making it down into Washington this summer, as well, for a trail run or camping trip!
In other news, my snorkel came in the other day. Installation will occur this weekend.
wreckdiver1321
Overlander
Excellent! Looking forward to finally seeing that snorkel on your truck.
All this talk... I need to go hang out in WA sometime soon. Unfortunately I can't make NWOR this year.
All this talk... I need to go hang out in WA sometime soon. Unfortunately I can't make NWOR this year.
Trikebubble
Adventurer
Keep me in the loop. I'd be game to come down to Washington in August or September, if the timing works. And also interested in a Whipsaw run around the same time frame (I'm not familiar with the trail, but I think it would be manageable)
Sucks you can't make the rally again this year, man. I'll take plenty of pictures for you to revel in. We should try to meet up somewhere east of the Cascades this year, unless you want to haul the Frontier all the way out to the coast :smiley_drive:
September is pretty much a wash for me, as I'll be in India for work the whole month. August or early fall would likely be doable, though.