So I have had my 2002 Xterra 4x4 for about a year. I thought about getting rid of it and getting something a little nicer. Its paint is shot, no head liner, etc, and it has a noisey lifter. But since it is paid for, runs good, and only has 89k miles I have decided to dive in and build it up. I am sure I will be doing common upgrades that have been done by eberyone else (3 inch lift, 2 inch body lift, 33's, etc). I just want a decently capable 4x4 that I can take camping and on some good trails. Now I gotta go spend some money.
1st gen Xterra build
- Thread starter RyanX
- Start date
Explorer I
- 3,680
- First Name
- Brian
- Last Name
- McGahuey
- Member #
-
23711
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- GMRS WRMV941
Need pics!
Welcome.
I wish mine only had 89k. I'm sitting just below 150k.
What kind of off road experience do you have?
A PML and 32s will get you practically everywhere the 3in kit will get you.
The 3in kit doesn't get you any more clearance either. And installing a body lift is a lot of work, that only gains you 1/2 in (32 VS 33in tires). You can fit 265/75r16 tires on a stock height 1dt Gen, and then do the PML.
I'd personally do skids, sliders, beef up the steering, and call it a day. Then send it.
If you want to learn all about the first Gen X, head over to xterranation.com.
Welcome.
I wish mine only had 89k. I'm sitting just below 150k.
What kind of off road experience do you have?
A PML and 32s will get you practically everywhere the 3in kit will get you.
The 3in kit doesn't get you any more clearance either. And installing a body lift is a lot of work, that only gains you 1/2 in (32 VS 33in tires). You can fit 265/75r16 tires on a stock height 1dt Gen, and then do the PML.
I'd personally do skids, sliders, beef up the steering, and call it a day. Then send it.
If you want to learn all about the first Gen X, head over to xterranation.com.
Yeah I am going to do the PML first. Replaced the stock shocks a few months ago. Maybe I will hold off on the body lift
I am getting close to needing a timing belt change so I wasnt sure if I wanted to put the money into it. But I like driving it, ac works great, and it is paid for. I drive it to work once a week 45 minutes each way. Wish it had a little more power. And the lifter noise is annoying sometimes.
Explorer I
- 3,680
- First Name
- Brian
- Last Name
- McGahuey
- Member #
-
23711
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- GMRS WRMV941
Yeah, d22 xterras are slow, get crap gas milage, but I'll be damned if they don't go pretty much anywhere.
I don't have to worry about my timing belt for another 50k. I don't envy that bill.
On the plus side, at least you don't have to worry about pinstriping!
I don't have to worry about my timing belt for another 50k. I don't envy that bill.
On the plus side, at least you don't have to worry about pinstriping!
Influencer I
Hey welcome fellow Xterra owner!
I too have a first gen Xterra that I am building overland style.
2003 Atomic Orange XE 4X4 AT
Yes! Definitely build away! You won't be disappointed. I love the simplicity of these vehicles. 100% all mechanical 4WD system which is unheard of these days. Yeah it's slow and yeah it's a thirsty pig but they're very durable and simple to work on. I plan on driving mine till the wheels fall off.
My build thread:
www.overlandbound.com
I too have a first gen Xterra that I am building overland style.
2003 Atomic Orange XE 4X4 AT
Yes! Definitely build away! You won't be disappointed. I love the simplicity of these vehicles. 100% all mechanical 4WD system which is unheard of these days. Yeah it's slow and yeah it's a thirsty pig but they're very durable and simple to work on. I plan on driving mine till the wheels fall off.
My build thread:
2003 Atomic Orange Nissan Xterra 4X4 Overland Build (Codename : Tigger) Picture Heavy
So i finally decided to start a build thread on my Nissan Xterra. He is a 2003 Nissan Xterra XE 4X4 Auto in the incredibly rare Atomic Orange (only 993 ever built). At the time of purchase (February 2020) he only had 127,000 but kinda sorta neglected by the previous owners. I managed to scoop...
Attachments
World Traveler III
- 5,483
- First Name
- Dustin
- Last Name
- Helms
- Member #
-
24720
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- KD2UNH
- Service Branch
- USAF
Welcome fellow Xterra owner!
These things are awesome, both of mine have about 170k and are bulletproof… but I get 13mpg…
I don’t have a fancy build thread, but I have a water drip coming from the sagging headliner where it meets the windshield… and a water sloshing sound up on the roof for days whenever it rains (is it just me?)
Currently running 265/75r16. My frontier has a PML, no rubbing etc on either one.
If you take care of them they treat you well
These things are awesome, both of mine have about 170k and are bulletproof… but I get 13mpg…
I don’t have a fancy build thread, but I have a water drip coming from the sagging headliner where it meets the windshield… and a water sloshing sound up on the roof for days whenever it rains (is it just me?)
Currently running 265/75r16. My frontier has a PML, no rubbing etc on either one.
If you take care of them they treat you well
Attachments
Explorer I
- 3,680
- First Name
- Brian
- Last Name
- McGahuey
- Member #
-
23711
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- GMRS WRMV941
Unlike SOME people, I won't post picture of my rig in your thread 
(just giving ya'll a hard time!).
My rig is stock height, running stock 265/70r16 tires, and I've not found that to be a hindrance at all. I've rubbed the frame rails a couple of times, and that's it.
I'd say you're better off figuring out a way to carry extra fuel. I'm considering buying a 12gal marine fuel tank, and putting it on the roof.
If you'd like check out my build for some ideas as well, you may do so here:
www.overlandbound.com
(just giving ya'll a hard time!).My rig is stock height, running stock 265/70r16 tires, and I've not found that to be a hindrance at all. I've rubbed the frame rails a couple of times, and that's it.
I'd say you're better off figuring out a way to carry extra fuel. I'm considering buying a 12gal marine fuel tank, and putting it on the roof.
If you'd like check out my build for some ideas as well, you may do so here:
Reaver's 03 Xterra XE "Gamora" build thread
I just realized I don't actually have a build thread going.... A little back story. I got into overlanding after buying a 2004 Chevy Colorado z71 (which I still drive almost daily). I went on many awesome trips with it, but discovered it has some major weaknesses that are VERY expensive to...
