Well after having finished up a few more projects, I figure I should probably start putting it into a build thread so I can keep track of the progress (and troubles) of my xterra and so that others can hopefully learn from my mistakes.
Before:
As it stands now:
Stock Specs:
Model: Xterra XE
VG33-V6
4x4 w/ hi/lo transfer case
5spd transmission
Black Exterior, Gray/black interior
Exterior:
Toyo A/T 265/75R15
Magnet Uniden CB antenna
Sticker'd
4 Hella 500 Driving Lights
2 Rear Tractor Flood Lights
Waxed/Washed
Trailer Hitch Installed
Front Tow hook
Shrockworsk bumper!!!
Interior:
Floor Mats
Lev O Guage
Uniden 510xl CB
Fire Extinguisher
Light Switches
Performance:
Haha funny joke...
Maintenance work. Next up is 120xxx fluid change.
NGK Iridium Spark Plugs
Recovery:
Shovel
Gloves
Chains
30000lb Recovery Strap
2 5 ton Shackles
Oil
Tool kit
Wiper Fluid
Tarp
First Aid Kit
Fuses
Lights
The Backstory:
As an avid skier, MTB nut and general outdoor guy, I had to find something that was 4x4, 4 door, manual and at least had room to build off of as well as something that could be lived out of for camping/weekend trips. Xterra's were at the top of my list, as well as Pathfinders, Troopers, Rodeos, Wranglers, XJ's, Tacoma's, 4-Runners, etc. but they were either too highly priced or beat to hell.
Enter "X" (needs a more interesting name). It is a 2000 XE 5spd manual 4x4 xterra with 114xxx miles and a 1 owner car. It had a few cosmetic issues but had been otherwise been well taken care of. I had been looking at Xterra's for quite some time and happened to find one the day I was supposed to go back to school after this last Christmas (usually how it goes).
Drove down to Vancouver and picked er up! Nails were in the tires (no joke like 3 of them!) so the first thing to go on were some new shoes, Toyo A/T and as big as I could stuff under without rubbing! After that, I drove it home and did a full detail job inside and out. We had an extra rocket box so I threw that up there to haul skis and gear. Added some brighter upgrade bulbs which helped a lot from stock and some floor mats ans pretty much went from there.
After that I used it every weekend to go skiing over in Spokane/Coeur D'alene and didn't do too much to it except continue adding to the safety equipment. I ran across a great deal on 4 Hella 500 driving lights on a closeout sale and had to grab them. At the same time I was able to pick up 2 rear flood lights for 10 bucks total off amazon and bought an extra relay (they accidentally sent me 5 so I can sell you one) and went about wiring up the lights.
Finally found a trailer hitch with frame rail stiffeners and what a pain in the a** that was to find. But a great deal came along with it so for 20 bucks I was able to get all the hardware, wiring, frame stiffeners and hitch installed.
I was able to offroad with it at least once a month and was beyond impressed at what a stock Xterra could do. I'm happy to say its still above my skill level so before I continue moding, I really just need to get better technique!
The Goal
I have a vision of what I want this truck to become, and it will be a slow process getting there, but that's part of the fun! I will split up the end goal into smaller goals and go about it that way, working a little at a time.
Goal 1: Baseline that Puppy! - Fluids, and all around mechanical soundness - done!
Goal 2: Simple beginning mods - Lights, roof rack, CB, trailer hitch install, recovery gear and basic offroad equipment -
Goal 3: Armor, lots of armor - Rock Sliders, Front Winch bumper, Rear bumper, underbody protection -
Goal 4: Lift, New suspension components, snorkel -
Enough for now but there are sure to be updates in the future
Before:
As it stands now:
Stock Specs:
Model: Xterra XE
VG33-V6
4x4 w/ hi/lo transfer case
5spd transmission
Black Exterior, Gray/black interior
Exterior:
Toyo A/T 265/75R15
Magnet Uniden CB antenna
Sticker'd
4 Hella 500 Driving Lights
2 Rear Tractor Flood Lights
Waxed/Washed
Trailer Hitch Installed
Front Tow hook
Shrockworsk bumper!!!
Interior:
Floor Mats
Lev O Guage
Uniden 510xl CB
Fire Extinguisher
Light Switches
Performance:
Haha funny joke...
Maintenance work. Next up is 120xxx fluid change.
NGK Iridium Spark Plugs
Recovery:
Shovel
Gloves
Chains
30000lb Recovery Strap
2 5 ton Shackles
Oil
Tool kit
Wiper Fluid
Tarp
First Aid Kit
Fuses
Lights
The Backstory:
As an avid skier, MTB nut and general outdoor guy, I had to find something that was 4x4, 4 door, manual and at least had room to build off of as well as something that could be lived out of for camping/weekend trips. Xterra's were at the top of my list, as well as Pathfinders, Troopers, Rodeos, Wranglers, XJ's, Tacoma's, 4-Runners, etc. but they were either too highly priced or beat to hell.
Enter "X" (needs a more interesting name). It is a 2000 XE 5spd manual 4x4 xterra with 114xxx miles and a 1 owner car. It had a few cosmetic issues but had been otherwise been well taken care of. I had been looking at Xterra's for quite some time and happened to find one the day I was supposed to go back to school after this last Christmas (usually how it goes).
Drove down to Vancouver and picked er up! Nails were in the tires (no joke like 3 of them!) so the first thing to go on were some new shoes, Toyo A/T and as big as I could stuff under without rubbing! After that, I drove it home and did a full detail job inside and out. We had an extra rocket box so I threw that up there to haul skis and gear. Added some brighter upgrade bulbs which helped a lot from stock and some floor mats ans pretty much went from there.
After that I used it every weekend to go skiing over in Spokane/Coeur D'alene and didn't do too much to it except continue adding to the safety equipment. I ran across a great deal on 4 Hella 500 driving lights on a closeout sale and had to grab them. At the same time I was able to pick up 2 rear flood lights for 10 bucks total off amazon and bought an extra relay (they accidentally sent me 5 so I can sell you one) and went about wiring up the lights.
Finally found a trailer hitch with frame rail stiffeners and what a pain in the a** that was to find. But a great deal came along with it so for 20 bucks I was able to get all the hardware, wiring, frame stiffeners and hitch installed.
I was able to offroad with it at least once a month and was beyond impressed at what a stock Xterra could do. I'm happy to say its still above my skill level so before I continue moding, I really just need to get better technique!
The Goal
I have a vision of what I want this truck to become, and it will be a slow process getting there, but that's part of the fun! I will split up the end goal into smaller goals and go about it that way, working a little at a time.
Goal 1: Baseline that Puppy! - Fluids, and all around mechanical soundness - done!
Goal 2: Simple beginning mods - Lights, roof rack, CB, trailer hitch install, recovery gear and basic offroad equipment -
Goal 3: Armor, lots of armor - Rock Sliders, Front Winch bumper, Rear bumper, underbody protection -
Goal 4: Lift, New suspension components, snorkel -
Enough for now but there are sure to be updates in the future