S 4X4 vs. Offroad model differences

[GhostX]

Cool.  Glad to help out.  As I said, I'm pretty new to the Xterra but the "build" thought process is pretty much the same regardless of the rig.  My primary off-road rig is an '03 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that I have invested much time and $$$ into.  I have tried to do it "right," and am happy so far with what's been accomplished.  I began my long list of mods with safety and recovery equipment and it wasn't unitl the rig was 4 years old before I got around to suspension and lift.  Obviously, there's a point where you will never recover the money you've invested into a heavily built vehicle but then again, I plan on being buried in my Jeep so it doesn't matter to me.  The Jeep was my mid-life crisis and passion.  There are lots of other hobbies that can be just as, or more expensive.

Here's my Jeep mod list, not trying to brag (okay, just a bit maybe) but to show just how crazy an investment these things can be:


ENGINE /COOLING/PERFORMANCE
   E-3 Diamond Fire Spark Plugs
   Mac’s Cold Air Induction System
   K&N Secondary Intake Filter
   AMSOIL Ea Primary Cowl Induction Air Filter
   Active Performance 2-Core Aluminum Radiator w/Integral Bottom Skid Plate
   Mr. Gasket Therma-Cap Radiator Cap (16 psi)
   BRX High Performance Silicone Radiator Hoses
   BRX High Performance Silicone Heater Hoses
   Gen-Right Heat Reduction Hood Louvers
   M.O.R.E. Bomb Proof Torsion Rubber Motor Mounts
   Superlift TruSpeed Speed Sensor Calibrator
   Donaldson P550299 2-Qt. Lube Filter
   AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil (SSO)
DRIVETRAIN/AXLES/SHAFTS
   Alloy USA 4.88 Ring & Pinion Set (front differential)
   Alloy USA 4.88 Ring & Pinion Set (rear differential)
   Alloy USA “Chromoly” 30-Spline Front Axle Shaft Kit
   Alloy USA High Strength 30-Spline Rear Axle Kit
   Alloy USA Billet Aluminum Axle Tube Oil Seals
   Tom Wood’s Thick Wall, Long Travel Spline, 1330 CV (double cardan) Driveshaft w/”Gold Seal” U-joints (front)
   JE Reel 1350 CV (double cardan) Canyon Crawler Driveshaft (rear)
   AMSOIL Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) – 42RLE Trans
   AMSOIL Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) – NV241OR Transfer Case
SUSPENSION/STEERING
   Nth Degree Mobility 6” Long Arm Gyro Joint Kit
   Nth Degree Mobility Forged Steel WJ Front Trackbar w/Adjustable Brace
   Nth Degree Mobility Rear Spring Location Brackets
   Nth Degree Mobility Shock Shifter (rear)
   Nth Degree Mobility Frequency Tuned Springs (front & rear)
   Nth Degree Mobility Stinger—Center Mounted Torque Arm
   Nth Degree Mobility Custom Off-set Swaybar Endlinks (rear)
   Nth Degree Mobility Quick Silver Swaybar Disconnects (front)
   Nth Degree Mobility Dropped Pitman Arm
   Currectlync™ Heavy Duty Tie Rod & Drag Link Assembly
   AMSOIL Synthetic Universal Power Steering Fluid
TIRES/WHEELS/BRAKES
   Goodyear Wrangler MT/R Kevlar 35x12.50R15 Tires (05ea.)
   Champion Aluminum “Baja” Wheels w/C3 Flush Mount Lock Ring Beadlocks (05ea.)
   EBC Slotted & Dimpled Sport Rotors
   EBC “Red Stuff” Brake Pads (front)
   EBC “Green Stuff” Brake Pads (rear)
   Nth Degree Mobility Extended Stainless Steel Brake Lines (front & rear)
   AMSOIL Series 500 High-Performance DOT 3 Brake Fluid
ELECTRICAL/LIGHTING
   Sears Diehard Platinum AGM Deep-Cycle Battery
   Thermo-Tec Battery Heat Barrier Kit
   Mean Green 200 Amp High Output Alternator
   NAPA ReMan Starter
   G.E. Silverstar High Output Halogen Headlamps
   O.E.M.  Fog Lamps
   Optronics Pro-Burner Series Driving Lights—06ea. (hood mounted)
   K.C. Highlights Halogen Backup Lights
   Roundeyes LED Rock Lights—06ea.
   Chevy 1500 OEM Retractable Under Hood Trouble Light
   Hella Twin SuperTone 118 dB Air Horns
BUMPERS/ARMOR
   ARB Bull Winch Bumper
   Steve McKay Custom Rear Bumper w/Swing-out Tire Carrier
   Nth Degree Mobility Tummy Tucker Center T/C Skid Plate
   Nth Degree Mobility Tummy Tucker Auto Trans Skid Plate
   Nth Degree Mobility Oil Pan Skid Plate
   Nth Degree Mobility Slider Differential & Pinion Skid Plate (front)
   Nth Degree Mobility Slider Differential & Pinion Skid Plate (rear)
   Warn Differential Cover Skid (front)
   Poison Spyder Rock Ring Differential Cover (rear)
   Poison Spyder Ricochet Rockers w/DuraBak Coating
   Kilby Steering Box Skid
   Kilby Gas Tank Skid
   Genuine Steel Head & Tail Light Brush Guards
RECOVERY/SAFETY/AIR
   Steve McKay Custom 6pt. Roll Cage
   60” Hi-Lift Jack
   Tough Stuff Hi-Lift Jack Hood Rack
   Hi-Lift Lift Mate
   JackMate – Lift Jack Companion Tool
   Hi-Lift Off Road Base (ORB)
   ARB Hi-Lift Jack Mount
   Warn 9.5Ti Thermometric Self-Powered Winch
   Warn Receiver Shackle Bracket
   ARB 30,000 lb. Snatch Blocks—02ea.
   Crosby ¾” 4 ¾ Ton forged Bow Shackles—05ea.
   Pro-Comp 3”X30’ 30,000 lb. Recovery Strap
   20’ X 3/8 “ Grade 70 Transport Chain w/Eye Grab Hooks
   Comprehensive Tool Bag
   Safety Seal Off Road Tire Repair Kit
   D-handle Shovel
   3 ½ lb. Lumberjack Axe
   Small Bow Saw
   Coldfire 10# Class A/B/D Remote Fire Suppression System (engine compartment)
   FireAde 2000 A/B/D Fire Extinguishers—03ea.
   Kilby “AirBoss” York On-Board Air System (8+ cfm @ 150 psi)
   CoilHose 25’ Self-Storing Air Hose
   Advanced Air Systems Heavy-Duty Tire Inflator (0-60 psi)
   Coleman 450 watt Inverter
   Powerstation PS1100 Jump Starter/12v Power Supply
   20’ 4ga Booster Cables
   Adventure Medical Kits “Comprehensive” Medical Kit
   Quake Kare, Inc. 4-Person 3-Day Survival Kit
   WEDCO NATO Style 5 gal. Water Can—02ea.
   SuperPump Siphon Hose & Extension
INTERIOR/SECURITY
   Hardtop & Soft Top w/tinted windows and Full Doors
   Bestop Header Safari Bikini
   VDP Windstopper
   WeatherFlectors Window Wind Deflectors
   Tough Stuff Gear Netz Center Console & Door Nets
   Tough Stuff Gear Netz Glove Box & Dash Nets
   BCS F1 Beverage Containment System—02ea.
   Roll Cage Padding in Occupant Areas
   CoverKing Wetsuit Seat Covers
   3-way Switched 12v. Outlet
   Husky Floor Mats
   Viper Paging Auto Alarm
   Steel Horse Automotive Locking Hood Latches
   Tuffy Security Door Keeper Lock Set
COMMUNICATIONS/MAPPING
   Cobra 29 NW Classic CB Radio
   48” Firestik Antenna
   Cobra 38WXST Handheld 40-Channel CB Radio
   Cobra GMRS LI 6000-2 WX VP 2-Way Radios—02ea.
   Radio Shack pro-94 Dual Trunking 1000-Channel Handheld Scanner
   Garmin GPSMap 76cs w/Custom RAM-Mount
   Garmin SteetPilot C340 GPS

As for finding a good repair shop, when you do, stick to it and support it.  My main guys for handling stuff over my head are ALL J PRODUCTS (http://boulderbars.com/), in Big Bear, about 168 miles from me in San Diego.  Long drive but worth knowing the work is going to be done right.

  ... what a list!

Awesome Phil...

[Phall92139]

... what a list!

Awesome Phil...

Thanks.  It seems the Jeep has a lot more aftermarket support than the Xterra, however much of what's available is more "show" than "go" anyway.  Between this board and thenewx.org I have seen some really fine looking X's that have left me envious as heck.

What I was trying to get across was (1) since the build list can be so long and expensive, plan it out from the beginning and try not to have a lot of "do overs."  (2) Prioritize.  What's more important to you?  Lift and suspension?  Safety and recovery?  Gear to meet club run requirements?  An so on.  (3) And with a few exceptions, there's really no "right way" to go from stock to mod.  It's pretty much a too each his/her own kind of thing and in the end I may not have built my rig like you but I'll certainly respect and give you all the credit you deserve for building what you want, the way you want. 

[GhostX]

^^^^ Well put Phil.  I started out looking at the run requirements on this Club site, and then after a few trips re-prioritized (along with budget adjustments) my goals.  I think it also has alot to do with if the vehicle is a DD or just a WW (Weekend Warrior).

I look forward to retiring and have a vehicle to cruise and explore with for sure.

[superslidestyle]

I have Goodyear MT/Rs in a 31x10.5x15.

[Blackx]

All good advice so far.  I'll add that since you said the locking differential is essential you can get a manual S model which has the same dif as the OR and then add an aftermarket ARB locker.

[classicmfk]

All good advice so far.  I'll add that since you said the locking differential is essential you can get a manual S model which has the same dif as the OR and then add an aftermarket ARB locker.

Any idea if the 2010 Manual X trim has the same diff as the S?

[AV Xterra]

The locker is a nice-to-have. I was out at Hungry Valley yesterday and needed it twice.