R51 Pathfinders

[cannonball55]

Hey everyone! I'm new to this forum and look forward to spending time here. I've recently purchased a new to me 2009 pathfinder se 4x4 and am looking for ways to make it a decent trail ride. I've noticed there aren't many that offroad in their R51's and dont really know why. I'm assuming it has to do with the suspension and differentials, but I've never really found a solid answer.

This is my 2nd R51, my 1st being an 06 XE 4x4 that I used to drive in Occotillo Wells, CA a bunch. No pictures of my new one, but here's one of my old one.

If anyone can point me towards a R51 popular forum or has info on modifications for R51's please chime in! I'm looking to do a winching bumper, wheels/tires, sliders, skid plates a cargo roof rack with a RTT and a rear bumper with a rear tire carrier.

 

[01silvapathy]

You will want to check out PCoA....Pathfinder Club of Australia. They are alot more into modding the r51 down there than the US counterparts. This is mainly because they have a diesel motor down there as well as many more aftermarket parts. You may want to join up just to see some of the rides and get some general ideas for what you want to do to yours....a buncha sweet rigs down there :elkgrin:

I personally always thought that this r51 was the collest one around...and it has the v8 :smiley_drive:

Heres a link to PCoA
http://pcoa.org.au/forum/index.php

 

[mcm4090]

cannonball55, welcome to the EXPO. I am up in manassas.

 

[cannonball55]

You will want to check out PCoA....Pathfinder Club of Australia. They are alot more into modding the r51 down there than the US counterparts. This is mainly because they have a diesel motor down there as well as many more aftermarket parts. You may want to join up just to see some of the rides and get some general ideas for what you want to do to yours....a buncha sweet rigs down there :elkgrin:

I personally always thought that this r51 was the collest one around...and it has the v8 :smiley_drive:

Heres a link to PCoA
http://pcoa.org.au/forum/index.php

Thanks! yeah i browse over at PCoA daily, I tried to register but they wont take my email address forsome reason.

cannonball55, welcome to the EXPO. I am up in manassas.

:victory: I think I read your build thread! know of any places around to go camping? like, non camp site camping?

 

[NM-Frontier]

Welcome always good to see another Nissan on ExPo! These are just some things to look into off the top of my head. I hope it gets you in the right direction. ARB has their bull bar. Check out PRG they have a 2" spacer kit. Any coil overs for the D40 Frontier will fit but may need a heavier spring for the larger truck(ex. ICON). Not sure on any other rear options.

 

[cannonball55]

Welcome always good to see another Nissan on ExPo! These are just some things to look into off the top of my head. I hope it gets you in the right direction. ARB has their bull bar. Check out PRG they have a 2" spacer kit. Any coil overs for the D40 Frontier will fit but may need a heavier spring for the larger truck(ex. ICON). Not sure on any other rear options.

Thanks for the info! What parts are interchangable with the D40 Frontier's? is it just the suspension? or would some of the other things work also?

 

[NM-Frontier]

I believe that it is mostly just the front struts, control arms and other front suspension parts. I also think the ARB bumper is the same for both R51 and D40 but not the Xterra. I am not and expert on this so others on here my want to chime in on this.

 

[cannonball55]

Thanks for the help NM-Frontier! I'm going to be researching this quite a bit before I jump on anything that isnt R51 specific.

I've tried registering at PCoA using different email address, I doesnt like any of the ones I've tried, looks like I'll only ever be browsing as a guest.

I'm 90% sure the wifey just gave me a green light to buy wheels/tires, and a RTT, and to start a utility/camping trailer project :wings:

 

[r50fj60]

@MCM4090, Im in manasty as well when im not at school..
@ OP see above, im right up the road
As for the R51, personally they are growing on me. There is a guy at NPORA that has his spruced up a little, but silvapathy would be a better source at finding info on the R51

 

[alexrex20]

i don't think the ARB bumper is marketed specifically for the R51 Pathfinder. you have to order the D40 Frontier bumper and it's essentially bolt-on, except you have to cut the fiberglass fender skin. on the D40 it's a 2-piece fender so does not need to be cut; on the R51 Pathfinder it's a 1-piece fender.

the D40 front suspension will work, but not the rear. the D40 has a solid rear axle and the R51 has independent rear suspension.

some N50 Xterra (2nd gen 05+) front suspension components will work.

the D40/Xterra boys actually use the CV axles and front diff out of the V8 R51 because they're more stout.

 

[mcm4090]

i don't think the ARB bumper is marketed specifically for the R51 Pathfinder. you have to order the D40 Frontier bumper and it's essentially bolt-on, except you have to cut the fiberglass fender skin. on the D40 it's a 2-piece fender so does not need to be cut; on the R51 Pathfinder it's a 1-piece fender.

There are some D40 models that have a one piece bumper.

some N50 Xterra (2nd gen 05+) front suspension components will work.

The D40, R51, and N50 all have the same front suspension.

the D40/Xterra boys actually use the CV axles and front diff out of the V8 R51 because they're more stout.

It's the front diff we want. The v8 R51 has the M205 diff and all v6's have the R180.

 

[cannonball55]

I'm looking for a fairly local shop that would be willing to help with my wheel/tire fitment. any suggestions? not necessarily nissan experts but knowledgeable would be helpful. any suggestions?

 

[jim65wagon]

If you're still looking: Try Iron Pig Offroad in Fredericksburg. Off road experts for sure, mostly Toyotas but I've seen them work on everything from jeeps to 4x4 van conversions

 

[cannonball55]

If you're still looking: Try Iron Pig Offroad in Fredericksburg. Off road experts for sure, mostly Toyotas but I've seen them work on everything from jeeps to 4x4 van conversions

Thanks for the suggestion! I heard about them while I was looking for a new vehicle. Wish I had gone with a different vehicle but this one will do for now.

Btw it was nice meeting you the other day. I saw your truck tonight when I left work!