My 2001 Pathfinder (R50 ) mild/budget build

[stioc]

Just a couple of updates that are overdue.

I did a mock setup of the hi-lift mount on the reciever hitch.

Since my Hella 550FF lighting setup didn't quite work out I updated the headlight bulbs with excellent results:

Stock bulbs:

Philips XtremePower bulbs:

I also upgraded the fog light bulbs to 'yellow' bulbs which are more visible in dense fog but don't have the pics. And finally, I added two cheap rear aux lights for late night camp setup.

Switch for the lights:

After this I went on a 3 day expedition to the famous Mojave Desert Rd this past weekend :smiley_drive:. I have over 200 pics from that which I won't upload but I'll post a few pics from it for sure and others on the trip have started posting pics in the CA, NV section of this forum.

 

[mortonm]

Where did you get the hitch hi lift mount from?

 

[stioc]

Where did you get the hitch hi lift mount from?

I'm in the process of building one myself. But goWesty.com has one (http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=23571&category_id=&category_parent_id=) though their's will mount with the tongue of the jack facing down which will make the departure angle worse than it already is. I contacted them but about improving the design but they had no interest in changing it even though they acknowledged the concern.

 

[Allof75]

Looking better and better! I'm highly interested in how you figure out that Hi-lift mount, I just may need to copy it...

I can't wait to see your pictures and report from the Mojave Road trip, I've done sections of it many times, my dream is to do the entire thing. Did you do the entire length or just segments?

 

[kjp1969]

That looks like a kneecap hazard! A hi-lift is one of those things that you almost never need, but you're going to be going in and out of the back hatch all of the time. Why not put it on the roof rack, up and out of the way?

So you weld, eh?

 

[Darth Element]

Very nice, those headlight bulbs make a huge difference!

 

[stioc]

@Allof75, we did most parts of the Mojave Rd, to do the entire Rd and stopping at all the points of interests would require a week. But we covered about 140miles of dirt roads during our three days. I've posted the pics in its thread. Here're a couple of teasers:

@kjp1969, honestly the recovery hitch with the D shackle has already claimed some choice awards from me and I find this to be more noticable and thus avoidable. The rear hatch opens and closes with plenty of clearance. The reason I don't want to put the jack up there is because it's quite heavy and I don't feel comfortable mounting a 37lbs of solid steel object to the roof rack. To try it out anyway I almost busted my side window trying to mauever it over my head lol. Oh yeah welding, well on a good day I can stick two pieces of metal together

@DarthElement, thanks they did make a huge difference. And here's a pic of the rear lights

 

[stioc]

Oh btw, something showed up today...it's big and weighs over 80lbs

You're welcome to guess...but y'all will have to wait to find out what it is until after I return from my business trip the first week of Dec :ylsmoke:

 

[Allof75]

Looks great! I've always been on the Road somewhat by Kelso Sand Dunes and ending near Hole in the Wall. There's some cool hunting trails around there too, got to shoot last time I was out there.

I haven't had the chance to take my pathy thereabouts yet, only my truck and LX 470 before that. How'd yours do? Also, where exactly is that water crossing? Not the Mojave River is it?

To the picture: Rocksliders?

 

[stioc]

That particular water crossing was after you leave the Afton canyon railroad bridge and drive along the tracks to get to the 15fwy.

To the picture: Rocksliders?

Ding ding ding! that was a good guess, I thought some might guess a bumper

 

[stioc]

My favorite pic of the truck to date.

 

[Darth Element]

Great shot!

 

[Shanfari]

Nice Pathfinder! 31" look big and nice on it. Like XJ's, gives an illusion of bigger tires as I thought that the 29" are 31" and the 31" are 33".

Some terrains look like what we have in many places here in my country. Looking for more great pics like the starry one

 

[stioc]

Thanks for the compliments guys!

So I'm back in town and couldn't wait to get the sliders started. I've really liked these Rocky Road Super Sliders and the first thing I noticed was they are very well built; good quality welds, details and sturdy- but heavier than I'd expected at approx 80lbs for the pair.

I got one of them installed today after 2hrs of lining up and drilling- no template was included (they forgot?) so I had to do some extra measuring etc. However, after the install I'm not 100% sure I like them. One I always prefer the cleaner/simpler look better- maybe I just need to get used to them. Two, I'm not too thrilled that I lost about 2" of clearance under the rocker panels because of them. 2" or so is all I have over stock so I'm not excited about losing it, granted it's under the rocker panels but now I have more chances of getting hung up on rocks and will really use the sliders just from the fact that there's 2" of extra stuff hanging under the rocker panels now. If I had a bigger lift I wouldn't mind them at all.


What are your guys' thoughts? remove and sell them or keep them? Most people I know that have them LOVE them...like I said, maybe I need to give them a chance?


Without:

With:

Without:

With:

 

[Allof75]

I think you should keep them, they help cover up the exposed track bar link, and even though you lost 2" of rocker clearance, that's 2" you're not going to lose or worry about hitting off roading. The bend of the tubing blends nicely with your rack as well, and they provide a step into the rig.

They're on the to-do list for me, how exactly do they mount? I heard the pinch welds? Is the install a job I can do without a welder?

Looks good as always.