Quick introduction about my self. My name is Matt and I recently picked up my 2003 Atomic Orange Xterra in 5 speed manual for $1,200 as a winter project and potential budget Overland build. I previously owned a 2016 4Runner TRD Pro that my wife and I built up for adventure travels, but sold it after our newborn arrived to get my wife something more practical for her (she's 4'11", so a lifted 4Runner on 33's wasn't going to happen with a baby). The purchase of the Xterra was a somewhat impulsive project purchase, but I've learned a lot about these vehicles over the past month or so. Engineer by day, like to tinker with my mountain bikes and other toys as a hobbie, not a mechanic by any means but well informed on how to do simple to moderate repairs/modifications.
Old 4Runner:
![73810]()
Xterra:
![73811]()
About the Xterra:
- 2003 Atomic Orange 5 speed manual 4x4 240k, lived in New England its whole life
Items replaced (so far)
My goal with the Xterra is to make it into a budget Overland/Adventure travel rig. I'd like for it to be under $3,000 when all is said and done (which would be cheaper than the wheels/tires/suspension on my 4Runner, lol), including the cost of the Xterra itself. Challenging myself to prove that a capable and fun offroad vehicle doesn't need to come at a hefty price tag. So far, I'm into it for about $500, leaving $1,300 remaining in my budget goal.
Future Mods:
We still have all of our camping/recovery gear, so we really just need to vehicle completed so we can starting traveling again and smash this thing off some rocks on our local Class 6 roads. I'll use this thread to document some of the repairs/modifications down the line.
- Matt
Old 4Runner:
Xterra:
- 2003 Atomic Orange 5 speed manual 4x4 240k, lived in New England its whole life
Items replaced (so far)
- Valve cover gaskets/Upper intake plenum gasket
- Spark plugs and wires
- Replaced hose clamps on PS return lines
- Air filter
- Both front o2 sensors (both rears to be installed this weekend. Ground wire mod was done but turns out a recent seafoam gas treatment killed all four sensors).
- Optima red top battery
- Replaced numerous vac lines
- ZPrecision lower radiator support tie bar
- FR ABS wheel speed sensor
- Rust repair on rockers and rear bumper
- Numerous odd and ends like fog light/parking light harnesses, driver door sensor, rear door latch, interior lights, etc..
My goal with the Xterra is to make it into a budget Overland/Adventure travel rig. I'd like for it to be under $3,000 when all is said and done (which would be cheaper than the wheels/tires/suspension on my 4Runner, lol), including the cost of the Xterra itself. Challenging myself to prove that a capable and fun offroad vehicle doesn't need to come at a hefty price tag. So far, I'm into it for about $500, leaving $1,300 remaining in my budget goal.
Future Mods:
- PML lift with adjustable rear shackles
- Bilstein 5100's front and rear with rear sway removal
- Soft 8's with 32x11.50r15 mud terrain tires
- DIY wooden trunk storage unit and platform for my XL breed dog
- Various lighting mods (front bar, rear bumper mounted lights, etc..)
We still have all of our camping/recovery gear, so we really just need to vehicle completed so we can starting traveling again and smash this thing off some rocks on our local Class 6 roads. I'll use this thread to document some of the repairs/modifications down the line.
- Matt
