Topic: Finally, I can say hello from Anaheim!

[ArchanJoel]

Hi Xterra enthusiasts!!

I've been lurking for a while and reading/learning but just this Saturday I finally found the Xterra I wanted!!!   

It's a 2006 4WD Off Road edition!

Finally, I can say hello from Anaheim!

I can't wait to start some modifications as budget allows. I am a noob but plan on doing all the maintenance myself (I have bought and read through the Hayes manual) and learning as much as I can from this group. I am so proud to finally be able to be a part of this wonderful community.

Joel

[CAWoody]

Welcome from Orange.  If you need assistance on any mods feel free to put out the call.  We are one helpful bunch.

[CVXTERRA]

Welcome!

[beedee]

Welcome,  from Long Beach.

[EJsarus]

Welcome from Whittier, Ca!

[Ghost65]

Welcome from Escondido!

How many miles on your 2006?  Google/search the Strawberry Milkshake of Death aka SMOD, and see if you are at risk.

Nice looking Xterra, the Off Road models are great with the M226 axle with facto E button locker. 

[ArchanJoel]

Welcome from Orange.  If you need assistance on any mods feel free to put out the call.  We are one helpful bunch.

Thanks Woody! I know you guys are. One of the big reasons I decided on an Xterra was this active, friendly group here!

Joel

[ArchanJoel]

Welcome from Escondido!

How many miles on your 2006?  Google/search the Strawberry Milkshake of Death aka SMOD, and see if you are at risk.

Nice looking Xterra, the Off Road models are great with the M226 axle with facto E button locker. 

Hi Ghost!

It has 102k on it. I've read about the SMOD. I don't know if I'm at risk or not?

Yeah, I researched a ton and decided there was no point getting a 4WD if it didn't have a locking diff. I've been searching since April!! 

Joel

[RBduffer]

Well done Joel, I came to the same conclusion.  Love my OR.  And welcome from Fallbrook

[JFanaselle]

Welcome from Murrieta. Yeah, good call on acquiring an OR model. It's really hard to lift, add bigger tires, and pile on hundreds of pounds of armor on these rigs with the 3.13 gearing, too. I'm currently acquiring/stockpiling parts to swap the M226/E-locker axle into my rig (and have to swap the front diff as well, to match the new gearing in the rear). It's a PITA.

[xxSVxx]

Welcome from San Clemente!!

[ArchanJoel]

Hey guys, I thought I found it before but now I lost it, where can I find the exact stats on my vehicle, like the gear ratio, horsepower, etc...? The owners manual seems generic.

Also, the one thing my vehicle is missing is the floor mats. The dealership said the person traded it in with none.  The floor looks pretty good so I don't think they didn't use any. Anyone with some extras or suggestions for something temporary till I get some budget for some real good ones?

Thanks,

Joel

[SCUBA_Dale]

Welcome to the club that isn't a club!

-San Marcos, CA

[Ghost65]

Hi Ghost!

It has 102k on it. I've read about the SMOD. I don't know if I'm at risk or not?

It's definitely worth looking into. 

Make sure you have the updated fluid (can't remember if it's the Matic J or Matic S fluid...) and see if your cooling system (radiator, thermostat, hoses) have been replaced. 

My 2005 S Xterra had SMOD at 110,000 miles, 1,000 miles after I bought it. 

Was able to save the trans (Mossy Oceanside quoted my $6,300 to replace the trans and cooling system) by doing two drain and fills, and replaced the radiator at an independent mechanic.  Long story short...IMHO you are at risk (my dad's 07 Xterra also had SMOD at 86K miles, no mods or off road driving) and anything you can do proactively will save you some $$$.

You have an awesome starter rig...just watch out for EWS. 

[ArchanJoel]

Thanks Ghost!

Sounds like my first mod after taking off the mud flaps is to do the bypass. Is this the best link for the process?

http://www.thenewx.org/forum/15-how-tos/25955-how-bypass-radiator-transmission-cooler.html

You have an awesome starter rig...just watch out for EWS. 

EWS... Expensive Wagon Syndrome???!?