I'm not sure if I ever put a build thread in here, so I figured it's time to start one. I did search, but the search is coming up blank.
I've got an 07 Xterra OR 6-spd version, in Granite Stone. My basic goal is to have a decently-capable expedition-style rig that'll serve as a basecamp for getting out into nature. Since the beginning I've been focusing on the capability aspect and less on the creature comforts for camping, though lately that's switched around a bit.
I've named it Off-Kilter, mostly because I end up off-camber when wheeling and I like to wear kilts.
In terms of mods, here's what I've done:
Things I want to get to in the future:
Some pics:
(yes, this is in another thread, but it's cool, so I'm posting it again)
Maybe if I remember, I'll get some pics of my interior set up as well.
I've got an 07 Xterra OR 6-spd version, in Granite Stone. My basic goal is to have a decently-capable expedition-style rig that'll serve as a basecamp for getting out into nature. Since the beginning I've been focusing on the capability aspect and less on the creature comforts for camping, though lately that's switched around a bit.
I've named it Off-Kilter, mostly because I end up off-camber when wheeling and I like to wear kilts.
In terms of mods, here's what I've done:
- Hefty bumpers, front and rear. The rear's a tire carrier and the front doesn't have the grill guards, but since I got them used and for quite a discount, I can't really complain.
- Smittybilt XRC10 winch with steel cable. New to me, but it came with the bumper and it works, so again no complaints. I've had to use it twice now to help others and it's worked just fine. I did pick up a treesaver, snatch block, have some shackles and a strap to help with recovery.
- A full set of NX Rocks sliders and skids (rad, engine, t-case, tranny, and fuel tank). NX Rocks was one of the original Gen2 skid makers and I got one of the last sets he made prior to selling the rights to Hefty. These things are solid and have saved my bacon more than once.
- While I originally was running 33" BFG AT KOs, I've recently switched to Goodyear MT/Rs with Kevlar. 33" tires again and I do have a bit of rubbing that even the melt mod won't fix, but nothing major. I got the tires for $179 each, which was a lot cheaper than my alternatives, so we'll have to see how these do.
- I originally had an All Day Fab spacer and shackle lift, but recently decided to upgrade to Nisstec Light Racing UCAs and Extended Travel Rad-flos up front. This gives me 2" and an extra 100lbs of capacity in the springs. In the rear I've got PRG's 2" shackles and Alcans with 600lbs of extra capacity. I also pulled the rear sway bar to give me more travel back there, but the front sway bar is still there (for now).
- I do have a few body panels that I've modded via trees and rocks, but nothing too major there.
- For extra lighting, I managed to win two Hella lights which are installed up on the bumper. They're connected to my OTRATTW Zombie Lights switch in the dash.
- The only other real mod is a set of removable boxes for the cargo area.
[*]To give me a place to sleep, I fold the passenger seat flat and slide it the whole way forward. Then I've got a large box that slides up to the front. It's hinged on the front portion and inside there are all my plates, cups, pans, and so forth. Each sits in it's own cut foamed cut out. The rear portion of the box has an open base where I can slide in camp chairs, a camp table, and anything else like that.
[*]On the driver's side there are two boxes. The front one is open and I strap down my tool boxes, bottle jack, jackstands, chocks, etc. Normally the cooler gets strapped down on top of that. The rear box is also hinged and has my camp kitchen and stove. Clothes and other light gear tend to get strapped on top of that.
[*]Behind the front seats and on the floor under the boxes is where I'll stash other gear. Spare fluids, a shovel, bow saw, ax and hatchet, compressor, spare fluids, extra shoes/boots, and anything like that.
[*]Front passenger footwell gets my extra water and food (that's not in the cooler). I may also use that for libation storage this time around (think Southern Comfort, Sloe Gin, Amaretto) as well.
Things I want to get to in the future:
- An RTT - mostly because while I enjoy off-roading, I'm not about pushing it to the max, so having the weight up top is a compromise I'm willing to make for comfort.
- Once I get one of those, it's time to work on re-doing the interior so I've got more useful space in there. The boxes will get scrapped and I'll get some sliding shelves in there, a fridge, and so forth. This way I can have a passenger and the dog with me.
- I do want to replace my current e-locker with an ARB unit. The e-locker works well, but it doesn't want to unlock reliably. I've done a few different things, short of tearing it apart, to try and get it to work well, but it continues to devil me, so it's gotta go. Probably will get paired with replacing the front diff with an ARB locker as well. Which means I'll have to have a nice compressor there, too. Hello $2,500 parts bill!
- I'd love to have lower gearing available to me when I'm in 4LO. With a 6-spd, I do struggle in some of the more technical sections off-road and being able to crawl much, much slower would make me a happy camper.
- Eventually, I may even get around to building a trailer for it, too. Probably get an old military jeep trailer and build it up from there.
Some pics:
(yes, this is in another thread, but it's cool, so I'm posting it again)
Maybe if I remember, I'll get some pics of my interior set up as well.
