Topic: Gen2 research help/advise

[Grimx]

So the m205 is not NEEDED to do a titan swap. I can get it later when I have the cash for that kinda thing?

[Ghost65]

So the m205 is not NEEDED to do a titan swap. I can get it later when I have the cash for that kinda thing?

Correct.  However, if you go the R180/extended half axle route, you will need to source new half axles, or assemble your own.

PRG offers the extended half axles (no CV's) for about $400...then you need to add your stock inner and outer CV's on your own.

Or, go the Nisstec route, providing your stock half axle cores and they build you a set, about $700.

A brand new M205 is about $1,100, and Cardone half axles usually run around $60 each. 

IMHO...don't buy a used Titan Swap, which is the route I took.  Sourcing new parts for this critical install would be my recommended route.  The 2.5 Radflo's that I got used ended up being blown, resulting in an additional $210 rebuild from Radflo, plus the 4 day down time off the truck.  Also, the homebuilt half axles were never quite right, so having those built/sourced professionally the first time will save you a bucket of time and frustration.

Out back, you will need a good set of leaf springs and extended shocks.  I used Alcans from Nisstec, and a set of extended Bilsteins from Off Road Warehouse locally.  Or, you could just source both from Nisstec and kill that shipping bird with one stone.

I also used PRG extended shackles with the Alcan leafs, which were a 4" arch/lift and a 450lb. spring rate.  Again, hindsight is 20/20, but the one thing I would add to the mix of rear end suspension is the oft spoken/installed Timbren bump stop upgrade.  These easily install on top of your upgraded leaf springs, and will make your ride off road much smoother with the stiffer, but more flexy leaf springs.

So, a quick check list:

M205 route:

M205 - $1,100 new, $600-$700 used
Cardone half axles - $120

R180 route:

PRG extended half axles, DIY - $400
Nisstec extended half axles, DIFM - $700

Titan Swap General:

2.5" Coilovers - $800 used, $1,200 new
Titan Upper Control Arms - $700 new
Titan Lower Control Arms - $250 new
Extended brake lines, front/rear - $180 new (don't buy used brake lines  )
Brake fluid for bleed - $7.50
Alcan or similar rear leaf springs - $750/$800
3-4* leaf/axle shims - $40  (this sets the drive line/pinion angle for the lift)
Rear spring U-bolts - $40
Rear wheel spacers to match front width - $100
Misc. hardware - $100

Am I missing anything?

[JFanaselle]

Am I missing anything?

How about the steering/tie rod stuff? Or are you including that under your "misc hardware" portion? Also the price of the timbrens. You suggested them but didn't include them in your caluclations. What's that, about another $400 total for fronts and rears?

Also, for the OP - if you have a non OR or Pro-4X model and you choose the M205 route (where you put the Titan front differential in, rather than just the Titan suspension with modified half axles to run with the Xterra front diff), you'll need to re-gear or replace the rear differential IN ADDITION to everything listed above. At a bare minimum, you're looking at at least $2k for that work. This is why, if you're ultimate goal is to titan swap, the OR or Pro-4X is usually a better option (although some would argue that the increased price of the Pro-4X is less effecient than just doing the rear end work or swapping out the rear end on a non Pro-4X model, especially if you're looking at a difference of $3K or $4K on the vehicle itself).

Additionally, most people choose to add an air locker to the front and or rear end at the same time all of this work is being performed, to cut down on the labor costs. This can add another $3k to the project if you do both

[Ghost65]

Tie rod ends through PRG - $50

Yes, yes...the cost to re-gear a c200K from 3.13 to 3.36, IF you don't have the M226...I almost forgot...or was it selective memory? 

My locker install/re-gear/master axle rear end rebuild (seals, bearings, poop chute stretch) was just over $3K...for parts, labor, and a six pack of really good beer to quaff when I was done.

Not a cheap endeavor going from this:

Gen2 research help/advise

To this:

Gen2 research help/advise

[Grimx]

Price break down was exactly what I was looking for. I can find low mileage s trim all day for much cheaper then low mileage pro/OF. So I'm trying to figure out if I should just say F it and make the search easier for me and spend what I saved on building it up to a pro/OF.  Or spend the extra and save some stress later on down the road

[JFanaselle]

Feel like taking a trip to NJ? This one won't last long:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?ownerId=69740187&searchRadius=0&listingId=395820554

[knightrider]

One note on steering, if your tie rods are worn or have a bunch of miles, skip the tie rod extensions and go for titan tierods.  You need 2 of the titan inners, and a titan L and R outer.  Moog is a good brand and is available from rockauto.


Also if sourcing a m205, stick with the 08+ m205 that has 3 ribs on the outside of the case, early m205 were known to be weaker.  If the year is unknown, look for the 3 ribs on the case.

[JFanaselle]

This one is CLEAN - an 07 with only 16K original miles on it. Plus the seller has already added bumpers, a winch and quite a bit of other cool stuff. Might be worth the trip to Portland (hey, it's closer than RBDuffer went for his, right?!):

http://www.thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=156233

[knightrider]

why so many floor mats?

Gen2 research help/advise

[JFanaselle]

why so many floor mats?

  Twice the protection? Maybe he likes the all weather ones but doesn't like slipping around on them when his feet are wet? I thought that was a little strange too.

[knightrider]

Yea, according to toyota, multiple floormats kills people, maybe that's why they are selling?

[Grimx]

I wish unwashed ready to buy now! About 3 more weeks

[JFanaselle]

Well if this guy still has his in 3 weeks, he might even knock the price down a little lower for 'ya.   

[Grimx]

I found a guy selling his upper and lower control arms of a 2005 titan for $150 for the lot. Should I jump on this?

[Toro]

Have you purchased the Gen 2 yet?