Topic: Off-road modifications

[Lialexly Desforo]

Hello;
I’m curious as to what modifications would a 2007 Xterra need at a minimum to be trail ready? I’m not mechanical inclined so everything would have to be professionally done. How much should I budget? Any recommendations on where I should take the Xterra in for modifications? Thank you.

[knightrider]

Depends on how difficult of a trail you want to go on and what your budget is. 

[Lialexly Desforo]

Easy to moderate? Budget is what modifications absolutely needed. Thank you.

[knightrider]

I would say a decent set of all terrain tires is a minimum to get out on the trails, everything else will just make it easier and safer.  You can stay with a stockish size of 31" or go up to a 33" tire(285/75/16) at stock ride height and stock wheels.  the stock wheel well plastics can be massaged with a hair dryer or heat gun to fix the minor rubbing of plastic that can happen. 
upgrading the skid plates is also a good idea so you protect what's important underneath just in case you don't have the height to clear an obstacle.

A spacer lift on the front and lift shackles on the rear is the cheapest and easiest way to get a bit(1.5") of lift and maintain the same ride.
https://www.prgproducts.com/product-page/1-5-lift-xterra-frontier-basic-lift-package

If you want to spend a bit on upgrading the suspension, a set of new shocks like Bilstein 5100 or 6100 offer a better ride and adjustable lift options (stock to 2")  for the front at a fairly good price. 
https://www.prgproducts.com/product-page/xterr-frontier-5100-bilstein-front-shocks
https://www.prgproducts.com/product-page/frontier-xterra-bilstein-6112-60mm-coilover-kit

The rear can be upgraded with an AAL to firm up the soft rear springs and add a bit of lift, as well as a set of bilstein shocks to match the front.
https://www.prgproducts.com/product-page/xterra-2-5-dual-leaf-aal-pack

all can be had in a package for ease and will get you 1.5" to 3" of lift.
https://www.prgproducts.com/product-page/xterra-frontier-budget-advanced-3inch-lift

Best option honestly is to just get out there and see where you would like to improve. 
All of these options are fairly easy bolt on jobs, we even occasionally do mod days to help members do work on their trucks and meet and greet.  It's a fun day to learn how to work on your vehicle and gain a sense of accomplishment, not to mention will help if you ever get stuck or broken down while you are out on the trails.

[G.B.H.]

Just go out and drive. That's what I did. Wound up on a muddy incline and realized I needed better tires. Added some weight in the back and realized I needed heavier springs in the back. Later I came down on the factory side steps and bent them then ordered some sliders. I think using your X is the best way to get what you need and not what you don't. They really are pretty capable vehicles if you mod a little. Careful though, just like that first muddy incline it's a slippery slope. It's fun to get that next mod but can get a little $$$ if you get addicted.