Ok, i have a 2004 X, 6 cyl, auto, 4x4, stock, 265-70-16"

I bought it in January, 68000 miles, well maintained.

i bought it as a 3rd vehicle for offroading and occassional daily driving.

It does quite well offroad. But when climbing dirt trails, hills, it seems to be alittle underpowered or not geared properly.

I guess my question is, when driving occupied with 4 people on a dirt trail and climbing up fire trails or dirt hills is it better to have it in 2wd or 4wd high?

I find it to be underpowered or geared too high when driving uphill under a passenger load.

I usually keep it in 4 WD high and shifted down to auto "2" while driving in the dirt and uphill or downhill.

Even 4 wd low seems too "High". I notice a difference between 4 wd high and low, but it seems that 4wd low needs to be 'lower'. It's definatley not a 'crawler' gear.

It doesn't seem to be able to respond to the throttle enough and "take off" uphill like I would expect it too.

Do i need a gear change to be able to "motor" up a hill with full load? Or do i just need to select a different driving gear and press the pedal down more?

What about if I get a 2-3" suspension lift and 32-33" tires?
Will I need more aggresive gears?

It is in xlnt mechanical condition and has no known problems.
Will a drivetrain fluid change help?
How do I know if I need a diff or transfercase fluid change? The tranny fluid looks good, but I have no service records on the 4x4 drive system.

when you are going up the hill try it in auto "1" cause 2 is a higher gear , and 1 is for lower torque then when you get up and it feels like you are over reving it switch to 2

But keep an eye on your temp. It is underpowered becuase it is underpowered. It is heavier than a K5 Blazer believe it or not.

wow i didnt know that james... i wonder why nissan didnt offer the X in a V8 that would be sweet.. LOL

when you are going up the hill try it in auto "1" cause 2 is a higher gear , and 1 is for lower torque then when you get up and it feels like you are over reving it switch to 2

Thanks, honestly i haven't gone down to "1"

It probably would be good for that 2-3 second "burst" and then shift up.

I love wheeling it and am not afraid to push it!

I know! Crazy huh! I looked at the GVWR on the door jamb, and my shiz weighs more than my friend's K5

But keep an eye on your temp. It is underpowered becuase it is underpowered. It is heavier than a K5 Blazer believe it or not.

Thats crazy! I didn't know that.

my neighbor has a K5 and its a beast.

But after wheeling my 04 X for a few months its a beast too!
Feels strong and sturdy on the trails!

I'm really not complaining, just trying to learn the X and trying to get the best out of it.