[1996Z15]

I recently picked up a Jazz Blue 2002 SE with 152k miles on it. From what I can tell it is relatively stock aside from the aftermarket stereo. I have never owned an Xterra before and, to be honest, I read some scary things about them (of course after I already bought mine).
From the expensive timing belt / water pump changes to the bouncy ride. But, I have it and it has started to grow on me. Mine does have the bouncy ride though. It was much worse when I first bought it but, has gotten better once we had new shocks and new tires installed. Why would I buy it if it had such a bouncy ride? you may ask. Well, for the test drive I was only able to take it up and down a long straight section of road because it didn't have valid tags on it.
I know, I know, that should have told me something but, for some reason I ignored all signs telling me to walk away.

So, back to the bouncy ride; could it be cured with stiffer torsion bars? I found some made by a company called "sway away" (I think) and was wondering if they might help cure the remaining bounce.

Anyway, I do like the vehicle with all it's faults and hope to improve it as time, and money, allows.

 

[Mikeguy2002]

Welcome from North Jersey. Don?t be scared of the timing belt and water pump maintenance, but don?t neglect it either. I did it myself in my driveway with no problem and got a good sense of satisfaction out of the job.
It should have already been done based on your mileage but if you?re
not sure I would do it right away.
As for the bouncy ride I think that is more due to the fairly short wheelbase. I have gotten used to the ride but I am still bothered by the side to side had toss feeling I get when only one side of the vehicle tips into a bump it feels like I?m hiding in an old Jeep Wrangler.

 

[1996Z15]

I just got the Xterra inspected today; passed. Woohoo!!

Next on the list of things to do is I want to get the timing belt / water pump / anti-freeze changed out.
After that I want to have all fluids changed; oil, transmission, front and rear diffs and the transfer case. I want to start fresh in order to know what has, and has not been done.

If I am not broke after that I might do some other minor things but, I hope to have a nice reliable truck after that round of maintenance.

 

[Mikeguy2002]

While getting the timing belt changed I would highly recommend you change the small 90° coolant hose located under the distributor it will only take a few more minutes to remove the two cam gears and the back plate. This is the easiest way to get at it. The hose was about seven dollars when I bought it last year