wreckdiver1321
Overlander
Here, have a picture of my most recent day trip. Didn't make it to the end of this trail, it got really gnarly. Put all kinds of new scratches in the frame and control arms on this one.
"Lola" - WreckDiver1321's 2005 Frontier CC/SB Nismo Build and Adventure Thread
- Thread starter wreckdiver1321
- Start date
wreckdiver1321
Overlander
Yes sir, that'd be it. If I had some sliders and a couple inches of lift, I wouldn't hesitate to get to the end. But as my truck sits? No.
Did you drive any 2nd gen Xterras or short(er) wheelbase Frontiers when you were shopping? I'm wondering if you notice the longer wheelbase of the crew-cab at all ... and if you do notice it; do you regret not putting a shorter wheelbase as a higher priority, given the amount of time you spend offroad?
That's another great picture, btw ...
That's another great picture, btw ...
wreckdiver1321
Overlander
Thanks!
I have driven the shorter wheelbase Xterras, and Nancy was a shorter wheelbase truck as well, at 116" vs Lola's 126". Nissan doesn't actually sell a Frontier with a shorter wheelbase. Both the King Cab and CC models have exactly the same wheelbase, so if you want a Frontier, there's nothing you can do about that. Before I went to Nissan, I had a Land Rover Discovery that had a 100" wheelbase, so jumping to 126 was an adjustment, yes. However, I have never once bottomed the truck out because of the longer wheelbase. I have crawled over a rock and found out it was taller than my frame, and I have miscalculated how much ground clearance I had, but I have never once had an issue with breakover angle. It takes a pretty extreme obstacle to get high centered. The only time I've really noticed the wheelbase difference off road would be during tight turns, but 95% of the time it's a non-issue. The other 5% simply requires you to choose your line a bit more carefully, but it's never been debilitating. I have no problems with it whatsoever as long as I'm aware. It takes an awful gnarly trail before the WB is a problem. The trail I gave up on was simply because I didn't have the ground clearance.
For me, the added storage capacity over the Xterra is well worth the extra 20" between the wheels. Being able to carry a little bit more is great, and after a 2" lift, the clearance/WB would cease to be an issue in my opinion. Think of it this way: the most popular crew cab to overland in NA is the Toyota Tacoma. The current generation (TRD) has a tad less clearance than the Frontier (Pro-4x), and it has a 2" longer wheelbase.
Good thoughts all around, thx ... I'm feeling a bit like I've currently got a bit of Vehicle-ADD, and am trying to talk myself out of dropping my Xterra for a CC 6-spd Frontier or (more likely) a V8 Pathfinder R51. I *think* the suspension/drivetrain plans I have are mostly vehicle independent, well they *are* the same for the front on all three ... the rear of the Pathy is the tougher nut out of the group; but I think I have at least a comparable thumbnail sketch for that one.
At this point, it's really just the base vehicle cost that's keeping me in the X ... it's paid off and still in reasonably good shape for what it is (a six year old truck that hasn't been particularly babied).
At this point, it's really just the base vehicle cost that's keeping me in the X ... it's paid off and still in reasonably good shape for what it is (a six year old truck that hasn't been particularly babied).
wreckdiver1321
Overlander
I do like your potential list, though if it were me, I'd go for something other than the R50. It's not that the rear suspension is weak, or because it's difficult to lift, or because it's got the worst ground clearance out of all of them, but because it just won't give you the flex that the Frontier or Xterra will. Personally, I'd stick with the X if you don't really need the extra space that you get with the larger R51 or the pickup configuration of the Frontier. You know where you're at with that one, you have it paid off, and it is definitely the most capable of the three thanks to a shorter wheelbase than the Frontier and more suspension articulation than the Pathfinder. Plus, the Xterra has a vastly better aftermarket than the other two.
If you need the space, or you just really want to make the switch, then I'd go with a Frontier, but I'm biased.
Allof75
Pathfinder
R50s rears are really flexy, bet you a stocker would out-flex a stock 1st gen Xterra... But if you mean the R51 then I concur with your feelings.
wreckdiver1321
Overlander
Haha ... yeah, suspension-wise I think I'm inclined to agree; but that's gut feel ... I don't know the travel numbers for the R51 IRS well enough to say definitively. The attraction with the R51 is more the V8. Well, that and the Vehicle-ADD thing ... plus the front clip on the Frontier/Pathy is just so much more clean and good looking (to me) than the Xterra. It's nuanced differences, sure, but enough to have an impact overall. There's something about a 2nd Gen Frontier with Titan width suspension, hoop-less front bumper, and a CanBack that reeeeaaaalllllly does it for me.
I think really, I just need to make it a priority to put some serious time into the X and give it some TLC ... that'll help a lot; and if some of the time is on freshening up the look, too (needs windshield cracks fixed, faded plastics updated, and I've been kicking around ideas for some subtle paint work as well), I think that'll help with the ADD part.
I think really, I just need to make it a priority to put some serious time into the X and give it some TLC ... that'll help a lot; and if some of the time is on freshening up the look, too (needs windshield cracks fixed, faded plastics updated, and I've been kicking around ideas for some subtle paint work as well), I think that'll help with the ADD part.
wreckdiver1321
Overlander
Interesting, I've never once felt that the 4.0 V6 was not enough power. That being said, I did come from a LR and then a first gen. I agree that the front clip is a much better looking thing, that's for sure. It looks sleeker and more stylish.
Ahhh you have a much more extreme vision than I have
I despise the way the Titan swap looks on the Frontier/X. But everybody's different. I prefer the more Aussie touring type look.My vehicle prior to this one was a '96 Bronco with the 5.8L, and I have a bit of go-fast/sports-car bug in me too ... but you're right, the X has plenty of oomph if it's just the truck itself (even with gear for an adventure); we've got a trailer on the way so that's part of what's got me thinking a bit ... but really it's probably enough even then (we're supposed to be coming in at under 3k lbs towing weight). Like I said, just need to spend some time doing a bit of refresh ... I've got a lot of what I need for that, already, aside from just the prioritizing time to make it happen ... :-/
There is that cool/"I want that" factor to the VK in the smaller (than the full size Titan/Armada) platform, though ... and in my defense on the TS, I'm really only a fan when stock/high-backspace wheels are used; most of the aftermarket wheels with that added suspension width, are just *too* much. Anyway, my apologies for derailing your thread ... sorry about that.
There is that cool/"I want that" factor to the VK in the smaller (than the full size Titan/Armada) platform, though ... and in my defense on the TS, I'm really only a fan when stock/high-backspace wheels are used; most of the aftermarket wheels with that added suspension width, are just *too* much. Anyway, my apologies for derailing your thread ... sorry about that.
wreckdiver1321
Overlander
Well hello again portal friends! Sorry to have been totally absent. I have some threads to catch up on I see. I've been ridiculously busy with family and school stuff. I also started a new job at the local Best Buy which I am having a blast with. A few small updates...
We've been getting a pretty good amount of snow here in Montana, and I've had the opportunity to test out Lola in the snow and ice. I can say that it's a much nicer experience than it was with Nancy. The first gen was skittish and liked to slide around a lot. When it did, it was a chore to control. Not so with the second gen. It has this sort of passive traction control that keeps everything in check. It lets you slide if you want to, but it never lets things get out of hand. I really like it. It feels way more controllable and composed.
The General tires rock in these conditions as well. Granted, I haven't had the opportunity to get into deep snow, but they perform wonderfully on slick and snow packed roads. I am super impressed with them.
In some cool news... I may have found a sweet deal. I was browsing CL today when I came across a guy selling an ARB bumper for a second gen Frontier! For $700! Brand new! Might just have to jump on that...
We've been getting a pretty good amount of snow here in Montana, and I've had the opportunity to test out Lola in the snow and ice. I can say that it's a much nicer experience than it was with Nancy. The first gen was skittish and liked to slide around a lot. When it did, it was a chore to control. Not so with the second gen. It has this sort of passive traction control that keeps everything in check. It lets you slide if you want to, but it never lets things get out of hand. I really like it. It feels way more controllable and composed.
The General tires rock in these conditions as well. Granted, I haven't had the opportunity to get into deep snow, but they perform wonderfully on slick and snow packed roads. I am super impressed with them.
In some cool news... I may have found a sweet deal. I was browsing CL today when I came across a guy selling an ARB bumper for a second gen Frontier! For $700! Brand new! Might just have to jump on that...
Local? Either way, sounds like a self-christmas-present in the making ... then you can spend the savings on a set of these: http://mainlineoverland.com/?shopp_product=mlo-led-light-pods ...
Glad to hear you're liking the snow performance ... and I completely agree on the traction control in these trucks. I love how controllable they are; even with VDC off, I find my X extremely predictable and very fun to get sideways.
Glad to hear you're liking the snow performance ... and I completely agree on the traction control in these trucks. I love how controllable they are; even with VDC off, I find my X extremely predictable and very fun to get sideways.
Dmski
Adventurer
Great find! wish I could find an ARB bumper locally here in Seattle. I'm heavily considering it but tires are priority number one right now on my list. I can attest to the skittish and playfulness of the first gens and am excited to test out the new 2nd gen X this ski season. So far its impressive even with highway tires. Just feels more planted.