Hi All, first off, I recently purchased a 1988 Pathfinder, with a 3.0 6 cyl. I have been on a few other posts, and asked what should be the first thing to do, and everyone agrees to replace the timing belt. What happens if this is not changed. I noticed in another thread that someone said oil mixes with something- I would like to know if I should look for something in particular.
Another question I have concerns body lifts- I have been looking at www.4x4parts.com and came across a 3in body lift. I was wondering if the body lift kit for the hardbody will fit on the pathy (i know they are very similar) but want to make sure all the necessary components fit.
What is a good suspension lift to go with. I have heard good things about calmini--i will be using the pathy for mostly highway, and weekend mudding and minimal rock climbing. What is a good size tire to go with so as not to lose too much engine power? I was thinking of the Calmini 3 in susp. lift, 33 in tires, and 3 in body lift. Would I have to regear with this combo? Could the lift combo fit 35"?
I am also looking for a full bumper with grille guard, and found the ARB for around 700 bucks. ARe there any other products that I am missing? I would like to spend around 350-400. Any websites would be great.
And lastly, the pathy had the front clip removed by the previous owner. I was thinking of going with fiberglass fenders and hood, but would like to get some input on this mod as well. I am somewhat familiar with the pros and cons, but I would like to hear from you all on this swap before I decide to go with fiberglass or stay with the sheetmetal
Thanks in advance

For changing the timing belt, it depends on how many miles have been put on it since its last been changed (if ever). 90,000-100,000 miles, change it. While you're in there, change out the water pump and hoses too. Consider doing cap, rotor, wires, and plugs as well.

Instead of buying an HB 3" body lift, why not just buy this? I dont see why this wont fit your model pathy.

quote:

i will be using the pathy for mostly highway, and weekend mudding and minimal rock climbing. What is a good size tire to go with so as not to lose too much engine power? I was thinking of the Calmini 3 in susp. lift, 33 in tires, and 3 in body lift. Would I have to regear with this combo? Could the lift combo fit 35"?

Anything above a 31" tire you will feel the loss in power. If you do a 3" body lift and 3" Suspension lift, you could clear 33's with minimal rubbing. 35's and this type of setup there would be a good deal of rubbing and a ton of power loss, IMO you'd have to regear. Also, if you plan on running 33's, look into a steering upgrade from either Calmini or L&P.

quote:

I am also looking for a full bumper with grille guard, and found the ARB for around 700 bucks. ARe there any other products that I am missing? I would like to spend around 350-400. Any websites would be great.

Check out www.purenissan.com and TJM's website, they both make aftermarket bumpers for the pathfinder.

quote:

I was thinking of going with fiberglass fenders and hood, but would like to get some input on this mod as well.

I cant tell you too much about the fiberglass hood other than you'll have to use custom clips to hold it down.

I have fiberglass fenders on my Frontier. I liked them due to the fact that they clear a ton of space (saving me from getting the sawzall out and cutting sheet metal) and they gave the truck a different look from the front. The bad thing about them is the cost and that they dont come painted (and good paint is $$$$$) And instead of bending they crack real bad.

Thats about as much as I can offer you. Other people will probably come in and offer you somemore advice!

The timing belt schedule is every 60,000 miles on that engine. If the belt breaks, you might damage the valves, pistons, and who knows what else.

The fiberglass will not line up perfectly, unless you spend alot of time tweaking it. But it would look cool. I think.

I've been amazed at what these things will do at stock height with 31" mud tires.

thanks for the input. I think I have decided I am going to go with a 3 in body lift (the one Killing recommended), a 3" Calmini susp lift, and 33's. The engine has 156k, so I think I am going to tear into it, and replace all the seals, belt, cap and rotor, and check for anything unusual.
I will try and keep you all updated on the buildup, and post some pictures if possible. the build will start tomorrow....

Don't forget Calmini steering!

does anybody know what kind of gears my pathy has? it is stock to the best of my knowledge

Check here to see what type of axle you have. The link contains a number of different axle codes and their ratios. Check your door jam sticker for your axle code and then just match them up.

To find your axle ratio you have open the hood and look at the plate one the passenger side inner fender close to the firewall near the bottom it'll say something like HG43 or HG46 Those will be your gear rations 4.3-1 or 4.6-1

I have a 95 with 4.6 gears and 33's and haven't suffered any notable power loss over what it was stock...otoh I have some power mods too...I also have some power mods.

If you go to 33'2 you MUST address steering. Either Calmini or L&P are the way to go.