Offroad Upgrades for a 1 gen. X!

[superslidestyle]

Hi guys.  I'm trying to figure out what is more important for use on a Trail Run/off-roading.  Tax refund time is coming pretty soon and I'd like to upgrade several things that were already apparent after my first trail run.  What has worked for you guys?

[AV Xterra]

TIRES always first.  CAI and exhaust last if even at all, save your money for everything else.  After TIRES then armor, after you're tired of dragging the armor over the rocks then a lift.

[chad]

Are your tires in need of replacement?
If so get some tires the people here will give you great advice on what size’s you could go with.

If not get some sliders.
This advice was given to me by many members.
“Baby Steps”

also get a tow rope (you or someone will someday be glad you did)

[superslidestyle]

I don't need tires ASAP but I went to the Rattlesnake cyn./Big Bear trail run with 5 other Xterra's and I got to see firsthand the need for beefier tires that will do some rock crawling.  I have 265/70 R15 Mud/Snow tires on stock rims.  I can't quite afford a complete lift kit, but if I do it piece by piece (e.g. upper control arms, rear shackles, add-a-leaf) then what should I get and in what order?

[chad]

I only been doing this for a year
From what I learned (and I asked many members from this club and other club) order
1.   Tires
2.   Armor sliders
3.   Pml
4.   More armor
5.   Lift
And Baby Steps

First I got the gear front and rear tow hooks, yank strap (you or somebody will be glad you did) and recently got a shovel.
I first got my tires, only because I needed new tires (was not going to let good tires go to waste) and decided to upgrade to something nicer.
I ended up getting sliders and a Yamika rack (great price)
I recently purchased my shackles for my pml (about a year latter)
I want to buy new shocks before I install the shackles and twist the T-bars (to cheep to pay for two front-end alignments)
I decided to get shocks next very affordable (if I get them one pair at a time)
   I am willing wait the X hasn’t disappointed me yet
More lift and More armor, not sure what’s first depends on what is affordable.
Everybody I have spoken with recommended armor

[fleury123]

good tires can overcome alot. But also bare in mind that mud grips like some of us run will kill milage, more friction. Even though I dont run them BFG AT is a great all around tire.

[ultrapc40]

First mod should be a SCCXterra club sticker.  It adds HP and it looks cool!

[FrankB]

First mod should be a SCCXterra club sticker.  It adds HP and it looks cool!

Spencer, it's not like he didn't try to do that one, but sadly, we are out of them right now.  We're working on getting more.

[ultrapc40]

doh' well... hopefully you will get your extra HP soon.

[superslidestyle]

I think with the port/polish and the engine rebuild, I'm making more than enough power.  I still want to change the fuel pump to a hi-flow 105gal/hr unit, I NEED to change all four 02 sensors 'cause they look very old (@ $100 ea., they're not cheap), I want to get the 4x4parts.com SS headers which will force me to get new cats, relocate some new 02 bungs,  upgrade the cat-back exhaust and that's it for the power.  I know there are cams available but I can't justify taking apart the motor again so soon.  I would rather stick with buying sliders and all the armor I can 'cause I'm hooked on offroading my X.

[ultrapc40]

hmmm.. you must know someone in CA that will pass you on smog.

[fleury123]

I think with the port/polish and the engine rebuild, I'm making more than enough power.  I still want to change the fuel pump to a hi-flow 105gal/hr unit, I NEED to change all four 02 sensors 'cause they look very old (@ $100 ea., they're not cheap), I want to get the 4x4parts.com SS headers which will force me to get new cats, relocate some new 02 bungs,  upgrade the cat-back exhaust and that's it for the power.  I know there are cams available but I can't justify taking apart the motor again so soon.  I would rather stick with buying sliders and all the armor I can 'cause I'm hooked on offroading my X.

Was there a reason you did the rebuild aside from miles? I looked at the pictures on the site you posted. Did you do the porting on the heads?

[Guy]

If you're gonna hang with these guys I'd get the sliders ASAP.  That was my first mod... after I bent the stock step rails in Rockhouse canyon.  If I ever trade it in it would be my first mod again.

[superslidestyle]

I rebuilt the motor for three reasons:

1.  200,000 original miles & original timing belt (I think),
2.  Motor was starting to overheat a little (thankfully not too bad),
3.  I was unemployed and had the time to take it apart, take my time and do it right.

Other than a small exhaust manifold leak I couldn't fix, she's running perfectly strong.  I always buy my gaskets from an ebay.com seller called:  domesticgaskets     who has an online ebay store and located in South El Monte, CA which is locally to me, cheap and most importantly, very good dependable parts.

[4x4forfun]

First tires... 32 BFG's is a good start then sliders to save the rocker panels then a lift and skid plates.
 After that envy Brians' rig and do a SAS so we can envy you as well. Just beware when he says "Stock Friendly".