To start off, I do not own an Xterra...yet. I'm thinking about picking one up this spring as a new daily driver/wheeling vehicle. I'm thinking about an 03-04 model, and I've looked around at things to do, and so far this is what I'm thinking as a list of things to do:

PML using the 4x4parts shackles and turning up the torsion bars
$65 2" body lift
33" tires on either factory wheels or Cragar Soft 8s
Bilstein 5100 series shocks for 3" lift
Bilstein Steering stabilizer
4x4parts idler arm brace
4x4parts heavy duty tie rod adjusters
4x4parts rock sliders made for 2" body lift
Skid Row skids(front, engine/tranny, transfer, gas tank)
Homebrew snorkle with intake restriction removal
Milemarker manual hubs
Additional friction discs for LSD
Electric fan with thermostatic switch

I'm sure there are many other little things I'd want to do as time went on, but this hits the major high points I think. Of course the first thing is to make sure all of the current running gear is in proper order, including the timing belt/water pump. Now onto the questions.

1. Does this seem like a solid list? Any changes needed?
2. Should I look for a supercharged model, or is it worth it compared to the NA 3.3?
3. What kind of fuel mileage can I expect from this setup?
4. What is the experience of wheeling an IFS rig vs. SFA?
5. How reliable will this be off road(generally speaking of course)?

I'm sure I'll think of more questions as this progresses. Most of my time behind the wheel will of course be spent on road, but I do like to take the occasional wheeling trip. To give you a little info about myself, I currently drive a 96 XJ with a 4.5" lift, and 33s with some fairly major trimming. I've done a lot to it, and with it...but it's time to move on to something a bit more refined. Here are a couple pictures for you.

Good luck with your project. In TN also...but I have not made those mods on mine.

Ok, I'll give this a try...

1. Does this seem like a solid list? Any changes needed?
- Sounds solid to me, just not SAS solid :)
2. Should I look for a supercharged model, or is it worth it compared to the NA 3.3?
- Depends on who you ask. MPG will obviously be worse with a supercharged X. Most of the guys and gals on here have the n/a and they do just fine.
3. What kind of fuel mileage can I expect from this setup?
- My rough guess would be 13-15. Really depends on what size shoe you wear if you catch my drift...
4. What is the experience of wheeling an IFS rig vs. SFA?
- I'm not real experienced in either, but I know that IFS is inferior from what I've read.
5. How reliable will this be off road(generally speaking of course)?
- It will be extremely reliable off road. People beat the crap out of them every day without any issues.

By the way, I call Tennessee home as well. Let me know when you get your X and I'll help get you set up if you're in the neighborhood.

Sorry, I forgot to mention. I'm in the Nashville area. Yeah, with the XJ on 33s and stock 3.55 gearing, I average about 16mpg which is evidently on the high side. I'm fairly easy on the skinny pedal, but I do cruise around 75mph on the interstate. Another thing I thought of is how do I tell if it is equipped with a LSD without looking for a tag on the diff? Any options that were part of a package only available with LSD, etc? The SC vs. NA debate has been going on in my head, and I was just looking for some real world experience. I have it as the SC bringing a higher pricetag, premium fuel and bad mileage...whereas the NA is more common, burns low octane fuel, and gets bad mileage. :) I also didn't even mention, but of course I'll be ditching the rear swaybar.

welcome

Hey I am in the Nashville area and kind of new also. I also just come out of a Sahara TJ with a 3 in lift with 35’s into a 04 Xterra SE (I think). I love it. I thought I would regret it but I don’t. I haven’t done anything yet but plan on a small lift and maybe 33 or 34’s.

Welcome from Knoxville

Welcome from Knoxville

x2

Welcome... from Murfreesboro... The 3.3 is a good motor... The thing Ive heard about going SC is you have to use high grade gas.. so there is more money.. The SC is very sensitive to what fuel you run.. Other than that good luck.

Thanks for all the welcomes!

Welcome to the club! Unless you have a very light foot, don't expect more than 15MPG. I get 15 on a good day with the wind at my back.
John