Howdy!
So I've been into primitive and modern camping, backcountry, hunting, fishing, etc. my entire life and yet I've never owned a 4x4. I decided to change that last week, sold my 2003 GMC Sierra I've had for almost 16 years, and bought my neighbors 2002 Nissan Xterra.
Long Term Goals:
- daily driver
- off road capable
- overland trailer to go with it
- mobile hunting cabin
It's already got the following:
- unknown custom roof rack with lights (lights work fine)
- Rancho lift kit (2.5 inches (I think)
- taillight brush guards
Issues:
- engine is solid, but I need a new air/fuel sensor to pass emissions ($250)
- it was pulling to the left, had a few creaks and groans
- some minor wear and cracks on the plastic (front and rear)
The good:
- Interior is immaculate. I'm not going to have to fix a thing
- Engine runs very well.
- Tires are brand new
- 4x4 works great, no issues
Work I've done so far:
- took it to an alignment shop and got a new UCA and tie rod. I plan to do a lot of work myself and learn as I go but I wanted to start with a blank canvas.
Planned work
- New front and rear bumpers, and rock sliders (shrockworks)
- Spare tire either mounted on the cargo rack or on a spare tire carrier on the bumper
- Cargo rack ladder
- molle webbing for the rear back windows and cargo netting inside
- CB/HAM radio with antenna(s)
- Hi lift jack
- Jerry Cans (mounted, already have the cans)
- replace the shocks, rear leaf springs, and bushings to get rid of some creaks and groans
Scheduled:
- Memorial day weekend I'm taking the rack off and rough sanding it, priming it with Rustoleum self etching primer, and doing a safety orange/black truck bed liner coat.
- Also going to take a brass wire wheel brush to the underside and touch up any spots (there's no rust problems) with some rustoleum
Questions:
- Are skid plates necessary if I'm not planning to go insane off roading?
- What's the best place to get some replacement plastic for the light covers and bumpers?
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
So I've been into primitive and modern camping, backcountry, hunting, fishing, etc. my entire life and yet I've never owned a 4x4. I decided to change that last week, sold my 2003 GMC Sierra I've had for almost 16 years, and bought my neighbors 2002 Nissan Xterra.
Long Term Goals:
- daily driver
- off road capable
- overland trailer to go with it
- mobile hunting cabin
It's already got the following:
- unknown custom roof rack with lights (lights work fine)
- Rancho lift kit (2.5 inches (I think)
- taillight brush guards
Issues:
- engine is solid, but I need a new air/fuel sensor to pass emissions ($250)
- it was pulling to the left, had a few creaks and groans
- some minor wear and cracks on the plastic (front and rear)
The good:
- Interior is immaculate. I'm not going to have to fix a thing
- Engine runs very well.
- Tires are brand new
- 4x4 works great, no issues
Work I've done so far:
- took it to an alignment shop and got a new UCA and tie rod. I plan to do a lot of work myself and learn as I go but I wanted to start with a blank canvas.
Planned work
- New front and rear bumpers, and rock sliders (shrockworks)
- Spare tire either mounted on the cargo rack or on a spare tire carrier on the bumper
- Cargo rack ladder
- molle webbing for the rear back windows and cargo netting inside
- CB/HAM radio with antenna(s)
- Hi lift jack
- Jerry Cans (mounted, already have the cans)
- replace the shocks, rear leaf springs, and bushings to get rid of some creaks and groans
Scheduled:
- Memorial day weekend I'm taking the rack off and rough sanding it, priming it with Rustoleum self etching primer, and doing a safety orange/black truck bed liner coat.
- Also going to take a brass wire wheel brush to the underside and touch up any spots (there's no rust problems) with some rustoleum
Questions:
- Are skid plates necessary if I'm not planning to go insane off roading?
- What's the best place to get some replacement plastic for the light covers and bumpers?
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
