Gorillamel's X- Interceptor Edition

[dhyde79]

Very true. Amount in never equals amount out financially.

Well, I have been watching out for parts for the TS and have found Titan LCAs for $75 and $90 and one axle shaft for $70, all at a local junk yard.
Rockauto has CV half shafts for ~$45-50 ea and LCAs for ~$80 ea.
PartsGeek has inner and outer tie rod ends for ~$21 ea (total 4, 2 ea side).

Still need to find an m205 4x4 and another axle shaft.

If I can source parts cheaply enough, I can maybe do the front. But then I'd be stuck with wrong gearing for the front and back. Hmmmm.

If I have 2.5" coilovers with TC UCAs, would I need to get the Titan UCAs to replace them? I always thought 2.5 was the correct size for Titan stuff for the front.

cease the craziness! no need to change out all of that, just find pathy V8 half shafts and they run from the titan diff to your existing hubs with no extending anything and no widening. also, there are gearing kits for the R180, because the OR/P4X and the other models aren't geared the same. and, you can ARB that R180 that you can't the titan diff....just sayin, it's not nearly as bad as it seems....

 

[metzican]

cease the craziness! no need to change out all of that, just find pathy V8 half shafts and they run from the titan diff to your existing hubs with no extending anything and no widening. also, there are gearing kits for the R180, because the OR/P4X and the other models aren't geared the same. and, you can ARB that R180 that you can't the titan diff....just sayin, it's not nearly as bad as it seems....

Due to the price of Pathy V8 half shafts a lot of the time it is cheaper to go the titan half shafts with uppers and lower control arms. And yes you can Lock the titan diff.

 

[gorillamel]

You can indeed lock the m205.

If you can find a weblink to a set of 4.10 gearing for r180, I am all ears.
I have also heard that the Pathy half shafts route is pretty darn expensive. Might as well go all m205 rather than only half of the process.

 

[dhyde79]

You can indeed lock the m205.

If you can find a weblink to a set of 4.10 gearing for r180, I am all ears.
I have also heard that the Pathy half shafts route is pretty darn expensive. Might as well go all m205 rather than only half of the process.

http://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/x,car...V8_FI_VK56DE_DOHC_CV_Half_Shaft_Assembly.html

pathy V8 CV shafts for $46 a piece, 3 in stock. get a titan front diff and find a locker for it, or, get an ARB in your stock front diff and don't have to change anything in the front other than gears (which you can do while you do your ARB), find a pro4X/offroad rear axle, and you're done.

as far as gearing goes, 3.69's the best I'm finding for you if you want to gear down, that said, if you do the TS to get a titan front diff you can get your 4.10's, but, I'd say this...if you've gotten rid of the WOT restriction on your X, my 3.36 or whatever the stock OR gearing is, is plenty low, dropping to 3.69 would be a significant drop in wheel speed, (remember, you're at a 3.13 right now, a 3.36 is gonna be stock gearing on that pro4X/Offroad rear axle that's already got the locker, so, I'd say find a 3.36 front diff gear set, lock it, and be great, or, grab the titan diff with 3.36 in it already)

as far as a locker for the M205, unless I'm blind, the **only** thing I'm finding for it is an ARB locker, at which point, if you're gonna drop the cash for an ARB, why bother changing diffs, just so you can put a $1000 locker in it...again, grab the ARB and a set of 3.36 gears for the front of your X, grab the OR rear axle, and you're locked all the way around and saved a lot in labor costs too. if you decide down the road you want lower gearing yet, you can drop that setup on down to 3.69, which, is still a 16% gear reduction from your current.

 

[dhyde79]

don't get me wrong, do what you want with your rig, I'm just trying to offer some input...if you're bothered by upgrade costs, the last thing I'd do is start looking for parts that'll result in more labor, more shop time, and more parts costs, over what you already have...

 

[gorillamel]

And so now, after pricing out m205s around here (holy wow, horribly over priced), I am gonna make this easier on myself- look for a used OR/Pro4x. That way I have the locker and m226.

So far, I have found this one: Solar Yellow 2005 OR w/129,337mi @$9,995 http://www.hallmarkmotors.com/2005_Nissan_Xterra_BOISE_ID_224128990.veh
Sent them a message to go look at it. Even if it is one of the grossest colors imaginable on a vehicle, haha.

Note to self: according to cargurus.com, that X is ~$612 above market value: http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inventorylisting/viewDetailsFilterViewInventoryListing.action?sourceContext=&newSearchFromOverviewPage=true&cgLocale=en&embedType=NONE&inventorySearchWidgetType=AUTO&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity=c2983&entitySelectingHelper.selectedEntity2=c24262&zip=83687&distance=NATIONWIDE&searchChanged=true&modelChanged=false&filtersModified=true#listing=77031195

KBB about it.

 

[dhyde79]

And so now, after pricing out m205s around here (holy wow, horribly over priced), I am gonna make this easier on myself- look for a used OR/Pro4x. That way I have the locker and m226. So far, I have found this one: http://www.hallmarkmotors.com/2005_Nissan_Xterra_BOISE_ID_224128990.veh Sent them a message to go look at it. Even if it is one of the grossest colors imaginable on a vehicle, haha.

I'd jump on tnx and find out from whichever guy it was that had the pre-'08 offroad that had the rear diff explode because it has a 2 spider diff in the elocker...and plan on replacing the radiator with an 09+ one, right away.

He said it was only a year or two in which they did it...

 

[gorillamel]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll go look over there.

Simply since I do not have a disposable income, I'm hoping to trade my X and swap out the modded stuff for the stock stuff. Obviously since mine has higher miles, I'll probably have to put some money down, too.

 

[dhyde79]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll go look over there. Simply since I do not have a disposable income, I'm hoping to trade my X and swap out the modded stuff for the stock stuff. Obviously since mine has higher miles, I'll probably have to put some money down, too.

Yup yup, it was....I wanna say marcin? I could be wrong...

 

[gorillamel]

I could not find one in the for sale thread other than the SMOD mechanic's special from Washington State. I did ask what model that X is.

Marcin sold his X beginning of last year.

I also found this one in MN: 2005 OR w/149,782mi @$8,599 http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/ctd/4275061012.html
Which is where my parents live. Would just need someone who knows X's to look at it for me (my parents are not mechanically inclined, haha).

2008 OR with 102,000mi @$12,900 in Tacoma: http://www.southtacomamazda.com/tac...838/~/VehicleTypeID_6~Price1_~Make_~Model_/13
Although I feel price is pretty steep.

2005 w/ 91,000mi @$11,900 in Seattle: http://www.ssmotorsseattle.com/2005_Nissan_Xterra_Seattle_WA_217856356.veh. It's a MT, so I'd need to relearn to drive that, haha! --> NOTE: dealer sent me pics of dash. This is an S not an OR. Buttheads!

2005 w/167892mi @$8,995 in Topeka, KS: http://www.carsforsale.com/used_cars_for_sale/2005_nissan_xterra_224689074_169

2005 w/115022mi @$10,995 in Rocklin, CA: http://www.swalehmotorsales.com/InventoryDetail/10100

2005 w/116,181mi @unk $$ in Reno, NV: http://www.alansautonetwork.com/vehicle-details/d2c297a574c64d01833a844cf808396b/2005+nissan+xterra+off-road+4-door+suv.html (I emailed them for details since there is a dent in front pass fender).--> sold

I bought my 2005 S in 2008 in Gaithersburg, MD for $12,900 with 75,000mi. Maybe I was dumb at the time for that price, but now that I look around, I got a bargain!

 

[01XterraPhilly]

Hey how do you like the grabbers? I've contemplated getting a set down the line but I'm not sure. Do they do great like the km2s or alike tires?

 

[gorillamel]

It took me about a year before I started to like them. They are pretty loud (which is not a problem for me, but is for some). I love that they are load range E, so they can endure a heck of a lot of abuse. I do not like that there is no sidewalk tread grip stuff like the Duratrecs. They do pretty well on gravel/rock. Not so great in mud since the treads get packed with mud and since no sidewall tread, it is hard to get it out of there. Overall, I'd rate them a 6-7 out of 10 (ten being best). I need to replace mine soon (I've put about 30,000+mi on them) and am contemplating staying with Grabbers or going with something else.

 

[01XterraPhilly]

I know they do well in short track racing in the Lucas oil race series. I've never seen anyone really off road with them. I have it's little brother the AT2s and I love them. Snow, rain, mud and all they are great. You are right with the less aggressive sidewalls. I think thy perform well but more people would buy into them if they had more aggressive sidewall. I was thinking of doing the nitto trail grapplers or mud grapplers. A lot of people in the jeep world swear by them. I think you just helped me cross the grabber off of my wish list

 

[AZhiAZiAM]

I know they do well in short track racing in the Lucas oil race series. I've never seen anyone really off road with them. I have it's little brother the AT2s and I love them. Snow, rain, mud and all they are great. You are right with the less aggressive sidewalls. I think thy perform well but more people would buy into them if they had more aggressive sidewall. I was thinking of doing the nitto trail grapplers or mud grapplers. A lot of people in the jeep world swear by them. I think you just helped me cross the grabber off of my wish list

i don't think they where made for a lot though. everyone out here runs them in the dezert.. they run great out here. only down side is the price is crazy.

 

[gorillamel]

^Exactly. I live in the desert and for the terrain out here, they work well...until it rains or snows, haha.

 

[gorillamel]

Well, this happened today:

A lot more fluid came out earlier, but I had to drive further to pull over to a safer location. Right in the middle of a snow storm when the streets are utter sh!t. And I had come from the gym, so I was in shorts. Not my best day.
When I saw the fluid at first, I seriously thought I ran over a Wendy's frosty. I smelled coolant and heard gurgling and then the engine bay started to fill with steam. My poor baby.

Trailered it to a transmission shop. Will hear tomorrow the damage and cost estimate. F-you SMOD. Here's the link about it on TNX: http://www.thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=62655

 

[Muadeeb]

That sucks. I thought you had that bypassed.

 

[gorillamel]

I did for a while, but had overheating problems. Should have replaced the radiator, but armor kept getting the better of my X budget. Alas.

 

[gorillamel]

It lives!!!!!

My baby has survived! Transmission Shop (Low Ball Transmission, Garden City, ID) managed to flush the system with 40 qts ATF (Matic-S) and replace my radiator with a heavy duty aftermarket one (with a lifetime warranty) and voila! The X lives! The transmission shifts well, no sticking, grinding or anything unhappy sounding going on.

They showed me the 5gal buckets filled with the transmission fluid and the coolant:

They said they had to empty these things at least twice. The sludgy gunk was everywhere.

Frank, the owner showed me that there is still some coming through the system and to get a turkey baster to clear off the top of both the radiator and tranny fluids for the next few days and top off both systems as needed.

I drive the X home in a nasty snow storm in 4hi and it performed beautifully. Frank even gave it a bath to clean off all the gunk AND all the mud and grime for the past few months. Awwww! Love that guy!

In all, I only spent $670 to fix my baby. Much better than the $4,000+ alternative.

Now my baby is home!

 

[Roadwarrior]

*Pops champagne*

Hooray!

Sent from space and stuff

 

[Alpine Spirit]

Congrats

 

[Muadeeb]

That's amazing!!! Congrats

Sent via wild ferrets on crack

 

[Macland]

That's incredible, congrats!

 

[gorillamel]

Apparently the turkey baster is too fat to fit in the coolant tank. So I had to run to Wal-Mart, pick up cheap hand soap that has a push plunger-type spout and then empty the container and use the spout to stick in the tank. Still lots of sludgy mess to clear out. I'm keeping an eye on it, but it looks like it may take some time to really get it all out of there.

Trans shop replaced the radiator cap with one that does not have the rubber lining so that the pressure can escape and not build up (and potentially blow up in my face or the engine bay).

My attempt to get the sludge out of the coolant tank:

Empty 1gal water jug + cheap soap dispenser = get rid of milkshake crap

New CFS radiator

 

[Timrich]

Nice Mel! I'm happy for you!

 

[Roadwarrior]

Mel, just a thought so don't eat me but what if you got a small siphon tool (one that has the air "ball".. handle.. grabber.. its rubber..) and just get a siphon going instead of pumping it out one serving size of soap at a time?

 

[gorillamel]

Mel, just a thought so don't eat me but what if you got a small siphon tool (one that has the air "ball".. handle.. grabber.. its rubber..) and just get a siphon going instead of pumping it out one serving size of soap at a time?

Depends- how do you taste?

I got the soap dispenser bc I was on a time crunch and in the aftermath of a nasty snowstorm. It was a cheap quick fix. I'll look for better ooptions later today.

Sent from my BNTV400 using Tapatalk

 

[Roadwarrior]

Hardy Har Har Har

Sent from space and stuff

 

[gorillamel]

Well. The day has come. I sold my X on 03.07.14. An unexpected offer came up and i agreed to it. I am sad that it is gone, but glad i finally paid off the car i bought my parents 2 yrs ago. Now i can make it their early Xmas present- a gifted title to their car.
I am trying to pay down my debt so i can buy a house. I know it was the right and responsible thing to do. Now i'm in search of trading in the Fiat for something a little more dirt trail friendly.

Final pics of the X the day i sold it:

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

 

[TheFauxFox]

Sad to see it go. One of my favorite X's around.

 

[gorillamel]

Thanks. Yeah, it was my baby. Most of my friends were astonished I decided to let it go. Frankly so was I, haha. Sometimes doing the mature thing sucks.

 

[akinc]

We should all take a moment of silence.......

This was one if the first X's that I saw over at TNX. I remember being amazed that you could do all that modding to an Xterra. But you have to do what you have to do. Good for you for getting out of debt and being responsible. Hope you can find something that is a little more dirt friendly than the Fiat. Please don't forget us here at XN. Your input will always be welcome and very valuable to us and the new owners that will come along.

Thanks for the inspiration.

 

[gorillamel]

Awww, that's so touching. I feel honored to break your X cherry...of sorts, haha!

I certainly plan to hang out over here. I adore XN and the people here. I'll even post up a build page for whatever I get hahaha.

 

[Roadwarrior]

I just remember you bedlining the hood, that was the best thing I had seen done on a rig. Did it go to a loving owner?

Sent from space and stuff

 

[RATTFINK]

Your X had a good run. Most definitely sad to see her go. Hope you passed on this site.

 

[Timrich]

Dang Mel! I hate to hear that but I know the feeling. I didnt want to let my first gen go. Stick around and keep us posted on what you get.

Sent from over there...

 

[SKAVYNGR]

Who's the owner? Will they continue on here on XN? TNX?


-Jonny

 

[gorillamel]

The new owner had done some research on TNX. I directed him over here, too. He said he plans to paint it OD green and make it "his own". I advised him if he crashed it, I'd come after him, haha! Younger guy. Seemed pretty excited about it. I hope I never see it around. That'll make me miss it too much.

 

[Deadpilot]

So sad to hear this. Must of been such a hard choice to do. I don't know if I could ever sell mine.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk

 

[akinc]

Awww, that's so touching. I feel honored to break your X cherry...of sorts, haha! I certainly plan to hang out over here. I adore XN and the people here. I'll even post up a build page for whatever I get hahaha.

Yeah you did. Lol.

We will gladly read any build thread you post. Even if it's a Jeep. Haha.