Ok two basic questions:
1.) I am looking for a truck that can handle both on and off road. I can drive stick fine and everything so that isnt a problem. Which is better for offroad? Is one better then the other in the SE or OR. I know the OR has 6spd manual and that sounds really nice. Anyone know how the transmission feels?

2.) I am debating between the OR or SE. I am going to put aftermarket lift and tires on it and do some offroading. However I will not do anything that is REALLY crazy. Is it really necessary for me to have the lock in the rear. That is the only main difference right. If i get the SE and put lift and tires on it is it basically the OR without the rear lock?

thanks in advance.

There are a few differences.

SE only comes in auto
The locking diff can make that big of a difference
What features in the SE are you looking for?
The SE wheels are 17" which means new "off-road" tires are going to be a bit more expensive.

I have a Auto OR and would change a thing.

I would stick with 6MT because ATs are:schlaf2-big: . It shifts short for suv, its suv with sport sedan feel. OR also is little bit stiffer tan SE which makes it better in turns.I think SE also has chromed gage basel.

If you are going to be offroading get the OR, the rear locker makes a world of difference.

As far as stick vs. auto... I have the manual, but people that have wheeled both seem to prefer the auto. Offroading is NOT easy on the clutch.

so basically the OR is better because of the rear locker. That is the gist I am getting. And an SE with lift and tires will be an OR except for the locker. If i bought the SE, how much would it cost to buy and intsall a locker later on down the line?

The OR also has bilstein shocks, and hill descent control. Plus a little badge on the side that says "off road." Not sure of any other differences off the top of my head.

To install a locker on the SE, you're looking to spend over $1G ... Although I'm not sure that there is even on available yet for the 05+ Xterra

another note. If your music is any concern to you, the SE comes stock with the Rockford System upgrade. But its a separate option with the OR model.

Currently there is no locker avaible for anything but the facotry OR.

As Anthony pointed out even if one is available it will be up around $1000.

What about the SE model do you like?

Hello, Automatic's are easier to use when off-roading, in the sand auto's work better because of the auto shift. On average rocky roads..auto's are better.

Maunals are great if you have super low gearing...just release the cutch and lets the gears pull the truck thru...No need to press gas too..most times... For pulling heavy trailers(boats ,motor homes...maybe standard is better?)

Stay with the automatic (better most times for resale? ) ...just my thoughts.......Aloha

For pulling heavy trailers(boats ,motor homes...maybe standard is better?)


The auto has a higher towing capacity.

The 6-speed manual is so smooth, it's the nicest set of gears you'll ever row. And look at it this way, what does it cost to replace a clutch vs. having your automatic fixed? Dropping it into 3rd and stepping on it is also way more fun than having your tranny do it for you automatically.

Ok. Sounds like I probably want to go with auto. The SE doesnt appeal to me more for any reason other then I see alot more of them on auto for sale sites. I am looking to try and buy a used 05 or 06 OR(I have decided now i think) and I cant even find one. I found some 07 OR but they are out of my price range. Any good tips to finding a good used OR? places to look? Do people just not resell them after they buy them?

There were just not as many OR models made. If you can't find an OR model, I would look at an S or maybe even an X model (they didn't make an X model in 05). The SE's have all the little extras that cost more but don't give you much in return.

Well I guess it is all about what you feel comfortable with. Somehow I never trusted automatics therefore all my cars were manuals............just like the quick passes on the streets........all those X5's and FX35's and their drivers eyes popping when they see xterra passing them like nothing.......nevermind.
:nascar-big:

Haha yea at this rate if i find an OR in my price range i will pick it up regardless of transmission. Are the 2005-06-07 S and SE the same when it comes to features that matter while offroading?(suspension basically)

yes, and with the exception of shocks (which the OR had Bilsteins) all 05+ X's are identical when it comes to suspension.

Auto Trans has come a long way since the old days. I d recommend auto trans for offroading and for driving in traffic, which seems to be everywhere these days. It is definitely worth the extra cost.

The OR looks better than the S, rides higher, and is better equipped for OR with fog lites, bigger tires, skid plates, upgraded int cloth, and the cool "Offroad" name plate on the side. Yea baby!

FYI the skids that come from factory are never any good..... this badge OFFROAD you can buy sexy has bought one.... but i like the addition of the rear locker for the OR

The OR rides higher because of the larger standard tires (32's are std).

If lifting it anyway...the OEM Bils will be too short, and you'd get new Bils, like 5100's for the lift.

All new rig's stock skids are crap, even my Jeep's were crap...so figure on replacing those too.

The OR leaves off step rails, assuming you're going to get sliders anyway

like: www.shrockworks.com etc.

The primary reasons to get the OR are that its

going to hold value being more rare, and,

because it kicks f'n ass off road, even in stock form it does amazingly well....

and there IS no aftermarket locker option for the Nissan D44, because they upgraded most of the internals to make it stronger than the regular D44...rendering parts compatibility with the gazillion aftermarket D44 parts at about zero (for now anyway)....

and the traction control and electro hoo ha programming is geared towards off road applications as well, like hill decent mode, braking on loose terrain, etc.

:D

I would have to agree with TJ. The primary reason I bought the OR was for the locking rearend and the hill decent control. The stock tires maybe 32" but they are P rated. I replace those with Goodrich All-terrain. I have ordered Shrock rockrails and skid plates.

sweet!!!!! posts some pics when done

Did you just get the AT ko's in the stock size, or take advantage of the tire swap to upgrade the size too?

Did you just get the AT ko's in the stock size, or take advantage of the tire swap to upgrade the size too?

I kept the stock 265/75R16. I did not want to deal with any problems with lager tires at this time. I am working up front and rear bumper. By the way, how long does it take for Shrock to ship. I ordered on 3/27/07 and my credit card was charge today. Shrock's web site shows that the order is processing.

He's been speeding up as the production has ramped up...I think he projects about 4 weeks now a days?

The early orders were maybe 6 months or so...as he hadn't built any...and he's been tightening it up ever since.

Thanks for the information.