First of all I would like to say hello to everyone as I am new to this site.

I'm the soon to be owner of a 2003 Xterra this weekend and I've been saving up a little cash to start the project ASAP. I want to build a multipurpose vehicle that is decent threw mud, rocks, trails and snow while still being a good daily driver. Nothing to extreme but I want it to get the job done.

I was wondering what you guys would recommend? I'm planning on going to a 32" Tire w/ a 3" body lift and 3" suspension lift by this spring. I'm planning on going with AC's lifts but not sure what tire.

First thing's I'll be doing is putting on a new front bumper, skid plates all the way back and sliders.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

to N4W

Keep your eyes on the Auction Block here and the Buy/Sell forum on www.xterraownersclub.com for suspension lift parts being sold by people doing solid-axle swaps.

Sounds like you've got a good plan so far. For tires, I would suggest 32x11.50 BFG All-Terrain's just because your truck is going to be a DD. But, if you don't mind spending the extra coin get a set of Goodyear Wrangler MT/R's (the only problem with these tires is they wear fast if used on the pavement a lot).


Any lift you get make sure the rear end is lifted with either shackles or the 3-pack AAL.

You don't need the BL to put on 32" tires, just the SL. Save some money for a steering upgrade as you'll need one if you lift and wheel it.

Yeah I meant to mention the steering upgrade as well. I'm just trying to piece together everything to have a solid built vehicle in all categories. Rock Climbing not so much but trail riding, mud and the occasional snow that Kansas gets.

I've been told that the X is a decent trail machine as it's small and nimble is this true?

I also wanted to ask about the rear sway bar disconnects. Some people have said to just take the rear sway bar off all together and some say leave it on. Would it be smart to just buy the disconnect kit or just spend the extra cash on an articulation suspension setup? Would I see much difference with the disconnect setup or the articulation lift kit?

Here are a few items I've been looking into and will most likely purchase:

1. Articulator or +3 Lift
2. Body Lift
3. Steering upgrade
4. And possibly an air locker

The X is a good little trail machine. For the couple of minutes it takes to unhook one side of the rear sway bar at the trailhead I wouldn't recommend spending money on quick disconnects. I don't know chit about revolver shackles so I can't tell you if the articulator kit is worth the extra money over the basic 3" lift.

quote:

Originally posted by Mud:
The X is a good little trail machine. For the couple of minutes it takes to unhook one side of the rear sway bar at the trailhead I wouldn't recommend spending money on quick disconnects. I don't know chit about revolver shackles so I can't tell you if the articulator kit is worth the extra money over the basic 3" lift.

So with the sway bar disconnected what advantages would I achieve? Would it be a noticeable difference on the trail?

make sure to do a steering kit with that lift.

quote:

Originally posted by Jarrett20:

So with the sway bar disconnected what advantages would I achieve? Would it be a noticeable difference on the trail?

You get a little more articulation side to side in the back. The difference can be real noticeable on the trail when the extra play in the back keeps both tires on the ground instead of lifting one because the sway bar is at its limit. Same thing applies to the front sway bar. On the street I hardly notice that I have no back sway bar but leaving the front unhooked on the street makes for a wobbly mushy ride.

Alright sounds good! I'm sure I'll have more questions after this weekend.

Go with a calmini lift kit. IMO they have better quality parts.

Get a front LSD and a locker in the back. 3" sus lift with duel lockers will get you anywhere you want to go.

if you get the 3" body, and 3" susp., I would go with AT LEAST a 33" tall tire...

then you'll want the steering upgrade, and probably new gears...

the bfg mud terrain is probably the best (one of) wearing mt out there... and, they work really well... if you're going to be doing loose dirt, mud, or rocks, I steer clear of AT tires... they'll just piss you off... haha


to n4w, and the "money pit" of 4wheeling that we all love so much!!!!

what about clearence (tire rubbing on fender)?