Topic: Nissan Newbie

[Phall92139]

This is my first time on the site and just want to say 'Hi' to everyone.  Actually, GhostX turned me on to your club and from what I've already seen y'all seem to be a great group of folks.  I've been wheeling a Jeep since 2003 but the wife and I just bought a 2010 Xterra Off Road.  I must admit I was surprised at how truly capable this rig is in off pavement.  It is the wife's Daily Driver so it's probably going to be awhile before the new wears off and she's willing to get it dirty but one of these days we'd love to join in on one of your runs.  We'd probably start off with just day trips and love places like Ocotillo Wells, Anza Borego, Joshua Tree, and so on.  For longer excursions I usually flat-tow my Jeep behind our motor home but we also like Death Valley, have yet to make it but have plans for Moab, Arches, and wherever the urge takes us.

The Xterra is bone stock.  I am a technical junky and would really like to read up more on and find out how things like the axles, transfer case, e-locker tick.  So far, I haven't found to much information available.  Also would like to know what you've found to be the strong and weak points of the 2nd Gen models.  And as for aftermarket goodies...what is necessary and what is just desirable.  Right now, I thinking about a good set of rock rails for lower quarter and just parking lot protection, if nothing else.  That bit of aluminum front differential peaking out from that massive skid plate has also given me some concern.  Tell me what you guys have done.

Anyway, thanks for having such a good web site.  I'm sure I'll enjoy.

[FrankB]

Welcome to the club.

You'll be pleasantly surprised at how capable your stock OR Xterra is. For lots more information on the Gen2 Xterras you should check out thenew.org if you haven't already.

[Blackx]

Welcome Phil!  I agree with Frank.  The Xterra, especially the OR, is highly capable stock.  Adding protection is good as you mentioned especially if you'll be hitting the trails with the truck.  As far as weaknesses I guess the front differential comes to mind.  It's weaker than the gen 1 Xterra.  Some guys swap them out for a Titan diff but it requires additional work as well.  Mostly, just treat the truck nice.  If you can't get over an obstacle flooring it and risking the front diff breaking isn't going to do you any good.    Right now a lot of people, including me are having problems with faulty FSU's.  Some are covered by a recent recall and others aren't.

Look forward to meeting you on the trail.

Jeff

[Phall92139]

Thanks guys.  I actually was on the thenewgen.org site where I met John (GhostX).  Again, when I compared the Gen 2 specs with my stock '03 Rubicon I was surprised at how well it looked on paper.  I don't understand Nissan's reasoning for leaving the front diff. exposed, would have liked to see heavier gauge skids and "LT" rated tires.  A Neutral position in the transfer case so the rig could be flat-towed would have been nice.  Obviously none of that stopped us from buying what's proving to be a great vehicle.

BTW Frank, you are one helluva photog!  Absolutely beautiful photos.

[Goldfish]

Welcome Phil. Look forward to meeting you.

[Soylent Yellow]

Welcome to the club Phil.

[Bobby B.]

Welcome aboard.

FWIW, we can't flat tow the first gens either, even with a neutral on the t-case.

[Nissanpatrol]

Welcome to the club phall1239

[SuperSlideStyle]

hi.  Nice choice in vehicle selection.  Check out 4x4parts.com (automotive customizers) and Calmini.com to see what the aftermarket offers.

[yogi1956]

Hi All

Just took delivery on our new Xterra OR 6spd S/Black with tow package (tow behind RV) last night. I sold my 06 Dodge Power Wagon (gas eater) and I think the Xterra will be a great replacement. Great ride vs the truck and doubled my gas mileage.

Nisan has some great rebates and dealer discounts going and this vehicle is a great value compared to alot of used stuff we looked at.

Anyone know if Nissan can put XM in the 6spd?

Thanks, 
 

[Phall92139]

Hi All

Just took delivery on our new Xterra OR 6spd S/Black with tow package (tow behind RV) last night. I sold my 06 Dodge Power Wagon (gas eater) and I think the Xterra will be a great replacement. Great ride vs the truck and doubled my gas mileage.

Nisan has some great rebates and dealer discounts going and this vehicle is a great value compared to alot of used stuff we looked at.

Anyone know if Nissan can put XM in the 6spd?

Thanks, 
 

Cool, and I know how excited you are...we picked up ours less than a month ago.  We went through COSTCO and bought it for $200 over invoice + a $95 program fee.  We also got in on the 0% interest for 60 month deal.

As for flat-towing, I believe the "tow package" you are referring too was actually the Class III receiver hitch and trailer wiring package.  The only thing the Owner's Manual says about flat-towing your 6-speed is...

Manual Transmission
● Always tow with the manual transmission in
Neutral.
● On four-wheel drive vehicles, place the
transfer case in the 2H range. Failure to do
so will cause the powertrain to bind up.
● After towing 500 miles (805 km), start and
idle the engine with the transmission in Neutral
for two minutes. Failure to idle the engine
after every 500 miles (805 km) of towing
may cause damage to internal transmission
parts.

...so you should be good to go.

[yogi1956]

Phil

Thanks for the info on flat towing. This one came with the hitch, they call it the Nevada tow pack for some reason. We have a boat to pull so it worked out well.

Thanks, George

[Goldfish]

Congratulations on your Xterra purchase George and welcome to the club.

[yogi1956]

Thanks Goldfish

[Soylent Yellow]

Welcome to the club George.

What rail line is the locomotive in your avatar from?  It looks like either BNSF or Great Northern to me but it's hard to tell.