Meet Yeti - 2013 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X

[ExpoMike]

Picked up the hardware I needed to complete the install of the awning. Very simple since I already had the mounting brackets installed. Happy with how it sets up and works.

Now I am waiting for my MaxTrax mounts to come in, so I can complete that part and the roof rack project will be done.

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

on another note* What Inreach mini mount are you using?

 

[ExpoMike]

on another note* What Inreach mini mount are you using?

I am using the Ram spine mount, that can be used with the Garmin spine system that came with my InReach Mini. Since we cannot post Amazon links, here is the description

RAM Mounts Spine Clip Holder with Ball for Garmin Handheld Devices RAM-B-202-GA76U with B Size 1" Ball ​

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

I am using the Ram spine mount, that can be used with the Garmin spine system that came with my InReach Mini. Since we cannot post Amazon links, here is the description

RAM Mounts Spine Clip Holder with Ball for Garmin Handheld Devices RAM-B-202-GA76U with B Size 1" Ball ​

Thanks, I just ordered it!

 

[ExpoMike]

Finished up the last roof rack project. Built my mounts for the MaxTrax boards. Commercially available mounting plates were too expensive for what they were, so I picked up some 1/4" aluminum plate and built my own. Happy how they turned out. Can't even see the boards from the front or side.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Excellent! Following along sir!

 

[ExpoMike]

Next upgrade I wanted to do is the factory fog lights. These are fairly useless and after the new LED headlight bulbs, you really didn't see any difference with them on. I decided on upgrading them to Diode Dynamics SS3 Pro fog light kit. Install went fairly okay, once I could figure out how to get the old housing out. New one bolted in fairly simply. I am NOT a big fan of the fact you cannot adjust them without unscrewing the mounts and pulling them back. Dumb design in that regards. I didn't take any nighttime shots yet but WOW are they bright! For road use with other cars, it's almost too bright. Dark roads, dirt roads with no traffics, these will be great! Another reason I went with DD lights is, if I decide to change to an aftermarket bumper, I can buy the front surrounds and mounting brackets and use them as standard "cube" lights.

 

[mortonm]

What size tires did you end up with ? 265 75 R16 ? 285 75 R16?

 

[Smileyshaun]

Fantastic rigs I would have kept mine but had two kids in orchestra one playing the cello and it made trips with the instruments nearly impossible. With some trimming , reshaping of the fender liners and proper wheel choice I managed to squeeze 35s on mine with only 1.5” of lift . I have a frontier now but still miss that thing it was a blast in the snow

 

[ExpoMike]

What size tires did you end up with ? 265 75 R16 ? 285 75 R16?

Stuck with the stock Pro-4X size, 265/75-16. I went back and forth and for my needs, the slight benefits of the 285 didn't outweigh the negative issues. I also didn't want to go with a E load rated tire and nothing I wanted was offered in 285 size that wasn't E load rated. Given the 265's are 32" tires and my Ram truck is only running 33" and the Cherokee I just got rid of was running 29" tires, I really didn't feel any need to go bigger.

 

[mortonm]

Stuck with the stock Pro-4X size, 265/75-16. I went back and forth and for my needs, the slight benefits of the 285 didn't outweigh the negative issues. I also didn't want to go with a E load rated tire and nothing I wanted was offered in 285 size that wasn't E load rated. Given the 265's are 32" tires and my Ram truck is only running 33" and the Cherokee I just got rid of was running 29" tires, I really didn't feel any need to go bigger.

not the easy choice, but the smart one!

I had a 2001 xterra for years and ran 235 85 R16

I am going through the same thought process on my 2022 Bronco Black DIamond. Stock tires are 265 70 R17 but I am really tempted by 255 80 R17

 

[ExpoMike]

Mid Oct we finally got our for our first trip. We drove from San Diego to Hurricane, UT to meet up with some friends for a few days on the road exploring. Sadly I ended up getting sick halfway through the trip and we had to cut it short but we got out on the first day to Toquerville Falls. This was our first time in the dirt and the initial part of the trail is a fairly good climb up with a lot of ledges/steps. The Xterra did great and I loved the diff lock bypass that allowed me to use the locker in 2WD and 4HI. I wish we could have gotten some pics of the climb in but I only got a pic at the falls. They were really cool and love that you can drive across the top of it. I took this with my drone.

 

[ExpoMike]

Well, as it is well known about Xterras and crappy factory rear springs, adding the weight on top and the stuff under the back floor, I have been finding it much easier to bottom out the rear end. Factory bump stops are very firm so it's a hard jolt when it happens. Not wanting to add any lift to the rig, there really are not any options for heavier duty, stock height springs. In researching, it seems a lot of people have had good luck with Timbren SES bump stops. Figured I would give them a try.

Installation was simple, remove old stops (two bolt each) and install these. After installing, took a test drive through some dips and speed bumps. Definitely much nicer as they are more progressive to limit travel without the jarring jolt. More time will tell how I end up liking them.

Installation (pics are showing with rear end extended down, there is not that much space between the stops and axle)

 

[fnjeep314]

I love seeing this build and glad that you found a good and comfortable rig for you.

I have to ask, have you done a baseline level O(zero), so to speak, of maintenance on this rig yet? Like brakes, spark plugs, fluid flushes, suspension, things like that yet? That is where I would put my money first before mods to make sure that my rig is completely mechanically up to par before mods. Not trying to tell you or anyone what to do, but thought I'd ask.

 

[ExpoMike]

I love seeing this build and glad that you found a good and comfortable rig for you.

I have to ask, have you done a baseline level O(zero), so to speak, of maintenance on this rig yet? Like brakes, spark plugs, fluid flushes, suspension, things like that yet? That is where I would put my money first before mods to make sure that my rig is completely mechanically up to par before mods. Not trying to tell you or anyone what to do, but thought I'd ask.

Thanks! Definitely enjoying it.

Doing baseline stuff as I move through systems but being such low mileage, many items are not due under the normal maintenance schedule (like plugs). Brakes were done, suspension is still good (Pro-4X is all Bilstein). Doing known issue items like the heater hose fittings (failure prone). On my list is brake fluid flush. Being this is car #58 I have owned, I do go through systems and make sure everything is up to snuff. Thanks for asking.