N00B's Guide to Modifying a First Gen Nissan Xterra
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- čas přidán 27. 08. 2024
- Got a 00-04 Nissan Xterra? Want to modify it and make it cooler? Lift kits and intake mods? Improved capability offroad? Brush guards and bull bars? Here are some basic tips for the new owner who wants to improve the looks and performance.
I’m 20 and my first car is a 2001 xterra I love it
Great! Welcome to the club!
I have one to!
I have a 2003 Xterra, second owner, it was top of the line in it's day, but now it sits in disarray. My own fault.
After a minor incident that left the vehicle not drivable, I let it sit for many years, damage accrued from my negligence, and my hope of restoring it steadily faltered.
Then I found this single picture of an xterra online, it was one that someone had cared for and molded into their own.
It was exactly what I had dreamed my Xterra could be years ago.
Guess what, I just washed my Xterra for the first time in years, and I just renewed my shade tree mechanic license.
I'm going to restore it, and mold it into my own, no matter what it takes.
And I say bring it on, because it's about damn time.
Aweaome!!!!! You should make videos documenting the process!
I just moved to Costa Rica and purchased a 2004 Nissan Xterra. I've been looking into different snorkels and lift kits to better equip my stock vehicle with the various terrain here. Your videos are awesome and answered so many of my questions. You actually saved me from spending a lot of money on things I didn't need!
Coming from my 240SXs and my Datsun 720, I'm *very* pleased with my 04 Xterra. It's got the familiar (to me) KA24DE paired with a 5 speed and manual doors / locks. Only RWD but it rides nice.
I have the same setup on my 2002 Xterra, have any issues with shifting? Mine is starting to grind into 3rd unless I shift slowly
@@0-60carvids2 no probs and I drive it daily... at least a tank a week used so it sees some miles too.
KA is a great engine. My 240SX still has it in it. When I bought it back in 2008 I did buy an SR20DET with transmission I ended up not using. My 01 Xterra has the VG33E but not much can be modified on it. Imagine the HP you can add to your Xterra and even add 4wd. I've seen someone put a 300zx engine in a 1st gen Xterra. Not sure if it was the turbo version or NA.
I got an 02 Xterra se it’s got manual locking hubcaps to go into 4wd it’s got the 5 speed manual with the vg33e and I just got a new key fob so now I can unlock my doors with the remote
Nice to see fellow x owner do this video as we all know there under powered but have potential thanks bro
+Danny Bigsby glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!
People say underpowered but they're actually pretty quick! At least mine isn't that bad
I have a 02 X 4x4. Did the PML on her. Had to remove the mud flaps (didn’t like em anyway) and trimmed about an inch off underside of front plastic, but got 33s (285/75/16) ATs on her with no issues at all. Thanks to XterraNation and your videos, I’m doing small cheap or free mods as I can. Maybe someday get the good stuff😎. But for trails and camping/kayaking, she works perfectly.
Awesome! XN is a good group. You can learn a lot from those guys. Thanks for watching!
the part about removing the rear sway bar was actually a fairly interesting tip for me. My '02 X-terra is my first car (technically second but #1 is a long standing project) and it was given to me by my mom. The thing is she didn't bother telling me the rear sway bar was broken. When it comes to a free car beggars can't be choosers, but it's great to know I can just remove it without needing to get a replacement!
Yep! Very easy to remove and honestly I couldnt ever tell a difference. Ive been without a sway bar for 10 years or so now.
I just bought a 2002 Xterra 3.3 v6 non supercharged 4x4 5 speed STICK. I’m the 2 nd owner. Truck came from Virginia no rust anywhere on the frame or body. 105,000 miles barely broken in. I just replaced the timing belt and water pump. I’m planning on taking off the mud flaps and side steps. I also want to get a rooftop tent.
Sounds like a fun truck! Nice find! Thanks for watching!
Xterra Rob of course it’s a fun truck. It’s a stick. Crap o matics are so boring
Just bought a used Xterra and I'm excited to use it offroad!
Awesome!!!! Its a fun little off roader. I got lots of gen 1 videos, stick around!
Just picked up an 02 xterra manual 4wd. Cant wait to get those step rails off and do the air box mod. Stoked you made this video!
Happy to help!
Just pick up a 2003, SUBSCRIBED!! Great vids
Thanks for watching. What made you decide to pick up an Xterra?
@@XterraRob Son coming off age, we are making it a project. It's a 2003 XE with 87k miles, bought from an older couple on CL who managed to not put one scratch on it in 16 years...
@@jaycarl1562 nice find! Stick around and let me know if you have questions. I focus a lot on the mods with a little repairs and maintenance mixed in...but there are a few other channels out there exclusively with repair videos. Depending if you get it offroad or not...that pristine paint job may not last, be careful!
Just picked up a 01 xterra! Looking forward for more tips and suggestions! Thank you
Thanks for watching!
I miss my Xterra. My dad got one brand new in '03 when I was about 6, gave it to me when I turned 16 and I drove it until I was 21. Between the two of us we put 230,000 miles on it, put it through hell (both off-roading and because I was awful about regular maintenance). It just kept going. It finally quit when the transmission went out.
Nice story! They are fun trucks!
So glad to see that my bedliner headliner mod has taken off! I was the first one to do this and so glad so many have seen the benefit
Yeah man...i like never having to worry about a sagging headliner again...only problem is for passengers who want to grab the handle and scratch up knuckles though! PS...you posted in my build thread on clubx many years ago now posting pics of your bedlined headliner! You gave me the idea!
Thinking back I would of bedlined the headliner using Raptor Liner. Thats what I ended up bedlining the whole exterior of my X with! Definitely miss her
I recently purchased an Xterra and I find your videos very helpful and informative! Keep up the good work!
Thanks and welcome to the club!
Well im looking at getting another one,02 SC. lol will be my 5th one. I just love them!
+ProjectADD awesome! What's in the plan for your newest build?!
Xterra Rob if i do, will be the normal, tires, fluid change, small lift. Manual lock hubs. After that the tinkering in me prob take over lol. I have a thing for pathys and xterra. Had 7 old school pathys 91-95 and one 02', and 4 xterra,02s 03s. Put a 3" body and 3" in calmini lift. 33" on the last pathy. Also one trans, computer, and bunch of axles lol
This is fantastic! Just bought a 2001 xterra.
Awesome man! Watch a few of my videos...lots of good information! Have fun with your new Xterra!
Dam man you explained this hella good. Most people over think these types of things, gracias senor.
Happy to help!
GREAT video just got my 2000 xterra as my first car and will definitely be looking into some of these mods thanks a lot
Great, glad to hear. Watch some videos, read up on forums and learn everything you can!
Patrick. How much did you paid for the Xterra?
edit(original comment below): Creators who are willing to respond and understand are definitely smart enough to provide good advice. Video is still worth a watch despite my noob concerns. (Rudely expressed bellow)
Checked out about halfway through due to the number of "looks cool, sounds cool" recommendations. If that's for you go ahead but if you bought your off road vehicle not to look cool, but to work, maybe try another video.
What piece of advice do you not recommend? These are basic and cheap/free mods...for new people to Xterras. And basically it all has something I do with offroading minus a stock airbox mod. Looking cool and ability to work arent mutually exclusive.
@@XterraRob no but being that I don't know much I can't tell why I should do what you're asking for some of these. "Remove the mud flaps because they make your truck look lower to the ground" is there a functional reason to remove them or is it just for looks. Since I don't know what mods to put on, I have to assume your motivation is not primarily pragmatic seeing as there was such emphasis on look/sound. I do appreciate the step rails and brush guard recommendation but both also emphasized looks. Seeing as steps are better than no steps that one is useless, and if I'm going to buy any brush guard my first concern is durability, so I doubt I would have bought anything less anyway. I would prefer an ugly car that works, over something that looks cool and essentially wastes time or money any day. I also very much appreciate you asking and hope this comes across not as rude criticism, simply my layman's perspective.
@@XterraRob edited my original comment. Felt it would be dishonest for me to remove what I originally said. Thanks for taking the time to ask.
@@memyselfandi985 no problem. First, people mod things for different reasons. Looks is a perfectly valid reason to mod something...its fun. Many people do lifts and big tires and don't run it to the maximum utility. In offroading, the name of the game is ground clearance. Step rails cant take a hit, cheap plastic mud flaps will get ripped off on tree stumps. If you plan to do anything more than dirt fire roads, they will get in the way. Less plastic around wheel wells lets you run bigger 32 or 33 inch tires that you cant fit otherwise. For noobs that may want the lifted truck look, but not necessarily get into rock crawling, removing the stuff that hangs down is a free optical illusion and is cheaper than a full lift kit. That being said...its all a spectrum. 100% street vehicle vs 100% off roading. If you want to bias your truck more for street driving and leave mud flaps and step rails on...no worries. Let me know if you have more questions and check out my other videos. Welcome!
@@XterraRob cool. that's the info I was confused on. Thanks again for responding. Sorry for sounding like a dick in my original comment. Not knowing what I'm doing, I'm skeptical of what I read/watch online. Sometimes that leads me to making bad assumptions. I appreciate your content and hope to see more.
Hey that's me in the background at 1:46 I remember that day very well lol.
Yeah buddy! Nice cameo!
@@XterraRob Heck yes. We gotta go wheeling again sometime soon. Got 33" mud tires now so it'll be nice to flex them.
Nice man what tires did you get? Yeah maybe we can hit up Uwharrie once before they close for the season!
I'd like to. Haven't gone but once this year. I got kanati mud hogs.
I don't know if this has been addressed in the comments yet, since this video is a little old now, but I want to mention something about what you say in regards to the body lift being necessary to run taller tires: raising the ride height (with a suspension lift) affects the stuff height as well. For instance, if you have a 1.5" shackle lift, the leaf springs would have to compress 1.5" MORE than factory in order to stuff at the same level as before. Basically... a body lift isn't necessary to run slightly (one to two inches) taller tires. Also, keep in mind that if a tire is two inches taller than stock, it is only one inch closer to the fenderwell and the ground clearance goes up by one inch.
All true...a suspension lift requires MORE travel before it hits. But it still hits when the tire reaches that point. It may hit less often, since it requires more travel... Unless you get into limiting straps or other means of restricting wheel travel...body lift is the way to clear larger tires at all positions of articulation. Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment.
Yea pulling off all plastics is sweet luk .. Nothin worth than not knowing u hav a awesome front tow bar area very handy
Yup! That silver plastic thing below the grill...ditch it and show off the rugged tow bar!
Nothing special. 80 or 120. Just enough light abrasive to get stuck dirt and bugs off
@Marcelo DeJesus not sure but I have an older video about replacing the rear speakers. Give it a watch and see if you did anything differently.
Nice video. Just bought an 03 today. Im ready to do some modifications. Thanks for the advice.
+Walker Dodson awesome! Xterras are fun little trucks!
Forgot to give you Kudos on the trim paint! Soo glad you're helping us. Not many of you left in this world! Can you tell me what paint color and brand and how to prep? Sorry so many questions. 😣
I have another video. about painting faded trim plastic. I did rustsoleum spray on bed liner. Krylon fusion spray paint is popular as is duplicolor bumper paint. All can ne had at auto parts stores or lowes / home depot.
Just got a 2002 XT....I was real close to buying a 2006 Pathfinder but after I heard about the radiator killing the transmission problem I decided to go with the bit older XT
Nice! Welcome to the club!
I've noticed a lot of Xterra owners dealing with failing headliners. Where I live there's a guy who can replace a headliner for any car, and he's mobile. Comes to your house and does the job fast. Usually costs around $160. I've been taking that service for granted, assuming there was a mobile headliner guy or two everywhere. I guess that's not the case. The guy who does it says with no headliner the car will be a lot hotter inside even with the a/c on. He said 20 deg. hotter. Not sure about that but I do prefer a headliner.
Agreed...i did a DIY headliner re-upholstery job that failed and fell the first summer it set outside in a parking lot. I still have the headliner...its just the fabric backer I peeled off and painted instead. I still have the board and insulation behind it. It doesn't surprise me that it would get hotter without it though. 160 isnt bad for a professional job.
The only issues I've had with the mobile guy is it's not that easy to match the exact shade of the pre-existing material. Many light shades of what we think are gray turn out to be a light tan. He asks the customer the color so he can throw in several rolls of material hoping to have an exact match in his van. And sometimes some of the overhead lights don't work and I have to call him back to fix those. But he always comes back. I would say to check the function of all overhead lights and switches he has to remove before he leaves your driveway. If there is a mobile headliner guy in your area. After they are done it looks just like it did when the car was new.
@@siroccowind736 if it holds up...close enough is close enough for color! Thanks for sharing!
Potentially picking up an 03 S/C 4X4 with a blown engine tomorrow. Got a QX4 donor vehicle for a replacement engine.
Sounds like an awesome project!
I love your videos . Can’t wait to do all the mods on my 03. 🤙🏼
Thanks for the comment!
As an Xterra owner, tip number six is my main tip. It took years for my state to remove the sway bar from it's necessary safety check, but the minute they did that bar was gone from my vehicle. In my six years of ownership, that rear sway bar swung wide and cut my break lines eight times. No joke, and finding replacement parts was near impossible because I wasn't the only one having those break lines cut on a regular basis by that blasted bar. For years the dang safety check forced me to keep that break line cutter on "for everyone's safety".
You are right man...rear sway bar on the Xterra is not a positive experience!
Looks like I'll remove mine aswell!
Currently looking into purchasing one, thank you sir for the info
Happy to help.
I might be buying my first X-terra this weekend 😀
Welcome to the club and enjoy the videos!
I am a proud noob! Just bought a 2007 xterra!🙉
Nice find! Most of my stuff is for 2000-2004 xterras, but feel free to ask some questions. I'm generally familiar with the newer ones as well. Welcome to the club.
Great video . Iove my 02 Xterra glad your makeing videos not to many videos on them.
+ballejosRB11 i know they're not many videos out there on them...gotta spread the knowledge! Let me know if you have any questions or ideas for new videos!
Xterra Rob I think I did most of the mods you make videos on. Right now I'm thinking about bedlineing the whole truck or Plasti dipping but not sure yet . I really like the coyote tan look on the first gen I'm in Cali would be good camo for out here lol
+ballejosRB11 cool! I wasn't a fan of the bedliner on the body panels...ended up scraping and sanding it all out and got a macco paint job. I've seen others that turned out good but wasn't for me. Monstaliner always intrigued me with their color selection.
i just got me an 02 and it sounds so nice! the headliner and seats are dookie but that’ll be an easy fix, idk where to go after that
I got tons of videos...feel free to check them out for ideas. What do you want your truck to do?
Your videos are awesome! I have a 2nd gen Xterra (2006), but I still love your videos. I am debating whether to go with a PML and a 2-inch body lift, or to go with a rather expensive full suspension lift complete with upper control arms from Alldogs Offroad. I need to replace one upper-control arm regardless, so I was thinking it might be worth forking up the extra cash and just going all out. After watching this video, I'm re-thinking this.
PML won't work on a 2nd gen so you are looking at more money for a suspension lift. Nisstec is a good source.
I should probably make a video on 2nd gen xterras...I am starting to get a few 2nd gen owners trickle in to the channel. I dont own one but have read a lot about them to know a few things.
23 and got my first car yesterday. Its a 2000 nissan xterra se
Very nice! They are fun trucks. Look around for a few videos and make sure you get it up to date on maintenance!
Getting ready to take our Old Reliable off the road and get my wife something new. It has a ticking sound like a lifter knocking but only under hard acceleration don't know what it is haven't decided if I want to dig into it and see if it's worth keeping as a second vehicle because it is very capable off-road
These all have lifter tick. You can replace the lifters if you really want, but its a bit in depth. Most people let it ride.
@@XterraRob that's what I thought it's my wife car and of course she tends to worry. I told her them old iron block Nissan so tough. I'll be buying her something new in September I just told her to keep it going until then.
Yeah, its normal. No worries.
just got an 03 xterra! Helpful video thanks!
+Kyle glad to help. Let me know if you have other questions.
Great vid ....i have a 2002 3.3L 4x4 xterra..your vid has got me thinking haha
Haha yes once you start thinking...anything can happen :) let me know if you have any questions.
2:23 on my pathfinder i have a similar looking bumper but its welded on to the body itself and is made from thick wall square tubing and thick wall piping. i dont plan on off roading to the extent of other people but being as strong as it is theres going to probably be less damage as if it was a thin walled bolt on
Gotta have that thick wall tubing! Custom Fab bumpers are the best!
love your video i just got a 02 xterra this week! do you have any video on changing the head gasket??
I do not...but search for some videos "VG33 rebuild" or "vg33 head gaskets" . a guy named "ass blastic" has a great series of videos showing his rebuild with tips and tricks he learned along the way.
Thanks so much all videos like dhis
Thanks for watching!
Great useful info! Thanks
Thanks for watching.
Great video. I don't go off-road on purpose, but I haul around 500 lbs of tools with me and the handling is really bad. I am doing all 4 shocks soon and getting an alignment and new tires, so I hope that will help. Do you recommend better rear shocks than OEM since I am always hauling this weight? Everything I see online has to do with lifts and it is stock height. Thank you.
I like Bilstein 4600 series for stock ish vehicles. They are the blue and yellow shocks. Good quality and a little stiffer so it won't sway as much.
FYI lifted shocks are basically the same shocks, just the body is a little longer to let the suspension travel more.
@@XterraRob Thanks for the advice!
Hi there, really good informative video!! Need some honest advice from you guys, 2004 Xterra with 70k miles, 5spd manual transmission. Is this a good buy for $4500? It has a abs light on. Thanks guys
I'm not an expert with used car values...but I think it seems a little high. Low miles is nice...but on an old truck, that means its been sitting a LOT...sitting outside is worse than sitting in a garage. I'd check Edmunds or kelly blue book for price values...but at minimum get a third party mechanic to do a pre purchsse inspection, especially looking for fluid leaks. A truck thats been sitting is likely going to have dry rotted hoses and coolant or oil leaks.
Finding cause for service engine light can be a bitch many causes
Where I’m from you can’t get an xterra below $5000 even with 100k + miles
What General location?
I paid 2k for a 2004 rwd w/automatic
Just pick a 04 with 139,000!!🤘🤘 what did any of you guys used to beef up your suspension? I plan on pulling my pop-up camper with it. And I'm pretty sure it's all stock.
4x4parts.com has just about everything you need! If you aren't offroading then Id avoid a lift kit and just get some bilstein shocks and call it good.
My parents have a fully running and driving gen 1 xterrta but the waterpump leaks, told my parents if I purchase the waterpump and fix it, I could possibly keep the car, would love to have it as my first car.
Not a bad project. Might as well do the timing belt and accessory belts while you're in there. That will reset the clock on a lot of those wear compoments.
I have a 2004 nissan xterra 2wd not super charged with about 189k miles. I want to keep her running for a while longer. If there are any site's or tips you might have in mind it would be a lot of help. I am currently buying all the parts I need and putting together a custom air intake. Thank you for sharing this video looking forward to the next.
Read on clubxterra.org or xterranation.org .. Also do some googling for the factory service manual. Look for a site called niccolclub or something to that effect. You can download .pdf copy of the service manual which is a huge help. That and watch my videos and ask questions!
I have one more question since our last talk. My headliner is now falling down and I am going to take it out and put in new fabric, and my question was what color is the headliner fabric color of an 03 X? I did some research, and I'm 99.99% positive it's some sort of light gray, but I wanted to check and make sure. Thanks again for everything, and all your help! Hope to hear from you soon.
Light grey. Use very strong heat resistant adhesive.
Awesome, thank you very much!
Nice video thx a lot mate. What happened with yours headliner?
Fabric sagged and fell off. I took all the fabric and foam off and spray painted a camo type pattern on the cardboard shell.
My wife has a 2001 Frontier Crew Cab which I lifted 2" by means of torsion bars and rear shackles, over 2 years ago. I also replaced a bunch of suspension/steering parts and shocks. From watching you video, I'm able to add another 2" by lifting the body? My wife got excited when I mentioned this to her. I understand the body is different from the Xterra but everything else is about the same. Do you know what on your list of body lift parts would be different or added for the Frontier? Excellent video by the way!
I don't know the specifics of the frontier...but check 4x4 parts.com for the body lift kit. I bet you could find some specifics by googling and reading the forums out there. I think there are 12 mounts instead of 10 ... But don't know if the bolts are the same
My brush guard took at least 20 5 inch diameter trees and the larger center tube only has 1 dent
They aren't necessarily fragile. But they reduce approach angle and cant take a deer or another car...but will amplify damage in a large impact. If it works for you...rock on!
@@XterraRob well it's at least good for defending against plant life
It is called a brush guard after all! Thanks for watching.
Am a retired Nissan dealer master tech. Recently found a cherry 1st yr X. Red. Needed a dist. Want to make an Overlanding and camp mobile. Thanks for thots
That should be an awesome project!
Last 4wd was a 97 pathfinder. X is lighter and taller so should be good on my fav Ouchita trails and roads. Believe in kiss theory. Keep it simple stupid. Will carry long chain and come along. I'm 71 but Dad and I used to go back woods with old 2wd Chev. Shovel and jack all we had but got home
That was appropriately titled
Hahaha thanks for watching
Good help video bro, I just subscribed to your channel I have an 2002 SE 5speed been working on motor deleted the EGR, IAC , PVC and set up an oil catch can, wondering if you have done any small engine modes yourself?
Do you have videos of these mods? Been wanting to do this too!
Yeah EGR delete would be cool...did you find a way to keep the check engine light off?
What was the turn out?
Nice job brother
Thanks for watching!
Hey Rob, I will be in the market for an after market exhaust from the cat back. Any recommendations?
@@edwardbarrientos1765 I have a video I did about dual exhausts about a year ago. I like magnaflow mufflers and custom bent pipes
Thank you
Just found your channel and lemme tell ya, I wish I would have found it 5 years ago when I first got my Xterra! I love your videos! You’ve helped me out a lot!
Also I’m curious if you have done a video on replacing the passenger side valve cover gasket? I’ve seen a couple videos on YT but none of them are any good.
I have not specifically...but I did a couple videos on installing camshafts. I show some of the high level overview in those from a couple of years ago. Check it out and let me know if you have questioms.
@@XterraRob thank you will do! Quick question though, my repair manual says I should apply RTV sealant when replacing my valve cover gasket, but through my research online I haven’t found anywhere that says to apply the sealant when installing the new gasket. Do you think I would be okay if I didn’t apply the sealant? (I have a 2001 Xterra btw)
What repair manual do you have? Do a Google search for Nissan Xterra Factory Service Manual. A website called niccolclub or something like that has .pdf downloads. I did not use RTV on mine because the xterra valve cover had a pretty good clip to keep the gasket in place while putting valve cover in place. On other engines, I would use a few dots of RTV just to stick the gasket to the valve cover so it didn't fall off when turning it over to put it on engine. I didnt have issues with mine with no RTV.
So I found one of these for 5k with 75k miles. I'm not doing any performance mods at all, I'm just gonna convert it into a camper. But these tips are good to know, may lift it in the future. And do you have a video of making a custom headliner?
cant decide between a 2000 4runner, 02 xterra, 02 passport, 02 trooper so many options lol
What motor the 2000 4Runner have and where is it located. If you don’t want it I may be interested
I’ve got one that needs a lot of “stuff”. Maybe I could use one for a parts car.
Lots of options...but of course I vote for the X!
Rite on. Thank you
Thanks for watching!
Hey man. I have a 2004 Xterra XE 4wd. I bought an oem map light assembly with the display screen for the compass and thermometer. I was wondering what I need to do to be able to properly install it
+D Eazy i honestly don't know. My first question would be...where does the temp get read from, and is the vehicle already wired with the sensor? You may have to install the display, and run wiring for a thermometer. My personal approach would be to find a pull a part junkyard that you can find an X with the display...and check the wire harness it plugs into. Then you can compare your X wire harness to see if you have the same wires.
Hey man I have a 2007 Xterra se, you know anything on what to do to increase the mpg?
Buy a moped and average the MPG of both of them together! :) on a 10+ year old car...just keep up on maintenance. Filters, fluids, keep check engine lights off, drive modestly. I don't think its worth chasing MPGs on these vehicles ... It will likely leave you disappointed.
So was this reply
@@alexgroezinger762 just being real.
awesome too hear that u may have a torsion bar my extra 2002 4x4 se and I the right side torsion I live Canada if you have one what kinda price are you looking for the part remember its close to xmas waiting to hear from you. thanks James
Can you make a video of how to take off pumpers and head lights to paint? Pls thanks
Yeah, it will be a xouple of weeks though...but ill add it to the queue
Xterra Rob thank you very much looking forward to it.
Could you please do a video on a pml for a 2.4, 2wd, 2003 manual. Please please
The PML has been requested a few times in the last month...ill make that one soon!
When I remove the stock running boards, should I put better boards/sliders on it? Or is it better to leave her naked?
Depemds how you use it. Take it off road in the rocks? Steel sliders are great for protection. Mostly stock and just drive it around town or gravel roads? Naked is fine.
Hey there excellent video I own an 2000 xterra. 2wd . I have done the majority of the mods already. I know a2wd drive won’t got where a 4x4 will . I love working on my X .
Can you explain how to remove the sway bars?
Thank you
+Carlos Cordero thanks for the comment. You have a rear sway bar and a front sway bar. The rear is just a bar that goes along the rear side of the rear axle (visible from the rear of the vehicle if you duck down under the bumper and spare tire). There are four bolts that hold the bar to the axle. If you follow the bar to the sides of the axle, they go up to a thin rod bolted to the frame on each side. You will need an open end wrench to hold the stud type joint still...and the socket to remove the nut. All done!
+Carlos Cordero front sway bar noticeably reduces on road performance. But it is bolted to the front cross member under the stock skid plate/splash guard. If you remove that metal plate you will see the bar. 4 bolts hold the bar to the cross member. On each end is an end link...a long bolt with some rubber grommets and a bushing. It connects the lower control arm to the bar on each end.
Thanks a lot man!
Believe my next xterra will be a 4x4
+Carlos Cordero 4x4 is twice as much fun...but a 2wd X can get anywhere a 4x4 can as long as you have a tow strap to pull you along! You can still have lots of fun even with two wheel drive!
Great video man. I have a 2004 Xterra with a 3.3 V6. I was wondering if you knew anything about the exhaust system? I was wanting to remove the secondary cats and put a dual exhaust on to reduce restriction. Is there a way to do that without messing up the o2 sensors?
I have an older video on my magnaflow exhaust if you go back in my video history that may be useful to watch how I did my exhaust. Just cut the 2nd cat out as close as possible to the cat...so the 02 sensor is still intact in the stock pipe...or replace the mid pipes with federal mid pipes...that is a bolt up exhaust tube without the cats (including bung for o2 sensor) that was used for xterras not made for California emissions. Rock auto had those tubes last time I checked. They are called down tubes. Basically o2 sensor is reading efficiency of first cat only. As long as first cat is still there, o2 sensor is no problem to leave it in where it is.
Awesome! Ill definitely check the vid out. Thanks so much for the info and the speedy reply!
No problem man happy to help. Let me know if you have more questions.
Thanx man.... just bought a 2002 xterra supercharged.... truck need some work since previous owner ran 87 octane through it.... I think it's just a dirty injector and or bad valve.... hopefully she starts and runs but chugs and stutters..... front suspensions shot and that caused the torsion bars in the front to snap but body and frame are solid... trucks got 280000km on it and after sitting for 2 years it started 1st try lmao project vids to come hopefully... now when u were talking about no real horsepower gains did you mean even with the supercharged version??
Mostly mean for n00bs not to get suckered into snake oil...50 go from a piggy back "computer" or 50 up from an air filter. You seem to know what you're doing...so look into him wolf technology for stage 1 cams and doug Shirley headers. Those will pair pretty good with the super charger...
@@XterraRob thanx man sure will!!
@@davegrasser2774 just saw my auto correct work...i was referring to hp as in horsepower and doug Thorley headers. Thanks for watching and share your vids!
@@XterraRob lol yea I figured asmuch lmao I've seen them around but now I know someone else knows about them and which cams the one just above stock or the ones that say " biggest you can fit without modifying
@@davegrasser2774 check my older videos for a video called "cam Plan" or something to that effect. There are options...but I would do the stage 1...not the biggest you can fit. Depends on how much idle lope you are cool with and if you want to do valve springs
Rob, what do I do about the horrible body squeaking like crazy. Is this common on Xterras and what do I need to do to get rid of the squeaking noises permanently?
Depends what all is squeaking. At the end of the day...grease and tight hardware is all you can do. And its a 20 year old truck...so I just accept that its a rattling squeaky vehicle.
Hey, I know im a bit late, but if that is your xterra with the painted black plastics, could you tell what exactly did you use. Im looking for that same exact finish but dont know what to use.
I have another video on painting plastics. You'll have to check my channel page and search a bit.
Rustoleum spray on bed liner is what I used.
Ok perfect. I'll check ot out. Thanks!!!!
Your thoughts on the 1st gen Ford Escape.
They look kind of similar to the first gen Nissan Xrerras! I've had a family member who owned one and it lasted a long time as a daily driver. No other real experience with them or off roading or modifications.
@@XterraRob yeah I'll probably never offroad in mine. It's kind of a bug out vehicle.
I'm looking at a stock V6 2004 Xterra. What type of mileage would you say is acceptable?
Mines a 2004 with 95k on it, which is low for the age. The biggest thing is make sure it has had the timing belt changed if over 100k or so. I bought mine with low miles, but it actually gave me more problems because it had been sitting so long in an old ladies driveway...so low miles is not the end all-be all for a used car.
Xterra Rob Thank you for the reply and info! Take care brother.
Sure thing man, happy to help out.
@Xterra Rob I'm the original owner of my 2004 XE 4x4 manual drive and it's just now in 2023 approaching 79k miles. I'm single and have had OEM seat covers and floor liners since purchase so the back seats have hardly ever been used and no kids to trash the interior leaving a brand newish looking interior.
The exterior has its share of a few well earned scraps and small dents but from 10 feet away still looks new. Always said I was going to drive this great machine into the ground.
I recently saw the new '23 Subaru Outback Wilderness trim in the same Canteen Green color as mine with its golden yellowish accents and got envious. However seeing that at $45k and less cargo space, little improvement to mpg etc..mine was still holding its own.
So as it's approaching 29 years old, it's going through a mid life crisis and I and making improvements like new touch screen stereo and speakers, led fog lights, painting my own yellow accents as well as new yellow decals as well as new fuilds, hoses, belts etc to basically achieve a completely refreshed X.
Thanks to guys like you, I've discovered the value of my X and what I can do to have it for many more years to come. So thanks for this video.
Thanks for watching man! They are fun trucks and usually pretty easy to run them for a loooong time. New vehicles are pricey man...seems crazy how expensive they've become.
Did anyone actually remove their rear sway bar?
Lots of people do. If you are all on road driving, probably no real need to. If you are interested in lifts and flexible suspension ... Then it really helps.
@@XterraRob picking one up in the morning just looking for some cheap quick mods to help me out through the trails I'm not looking to do any extreme off roading
can I use DIFFERENT TORSION bar off a another Nissan suv for my exterra 2002
I dont know all combinations...but its usually either an xterra or frontier pickup will have them. They are technically different part numbers left and right...so get the correct one for what you need. Which side do you need? I have an extra stock torsion bar taking up space I could sell you.
Have you done a video on step nine? Repainting your bumpers
I haven't. Do you have specific questions? I could answer via thr comments here or make a new video explaining.
Xterra Rob I was wondering if there’s instructions on taking the bumper apart to paint
I can make a video to help out. Its easier to explain in video than text. Rear is easy, front is a bit more difficult. Not difficult...maybe more involved? More stuff to do.
Xterra Rob would it be easier to leave them on the car? As you can see I’m not a body guy I’m a stereo guy
It can be done either way. I personally prefer to just take them off so you dont have to worry about masking things or missing surfaces due to seams and gaps.
Do these mods also apply to RWD - not FWD vehicles?
4x4 and 2wd can all have same lifts and engine stuff.
What about super charged xterra?
Count yourself lucky. Doing intake mods and stuff on a super charged Xterra is very insignificant compared to what the super charger does for you power wise. The dream mod for power on a non super charged Xterra is to swap on the super charger! You can still do lifts tires, etc all the same.
I'm looking for mud flaps if you want to sell yours? Thanks for all the info it's really helpful
I dont have mine anymore. Sorry. Id reccommend checking eBay or any pull a part junk yards in your area.
I have some and will be willing to sell.
I have a full set for an o2 extera and will give them to u my email is bkstephenson.bs@gmail.com send me your address and I'll mail them to u
Hi, just a quick question. Can a titan engine fit in a first gen Xterra? 🙂
No clue...anything can fit when you have the ability to cut metal and weld it back together. Just depends how much work you want to do.
Nice videos, Am thinking about a xterra 04, 158k miles, but well taken care of, not modded, so, if I did a poor mans lift, just to get some clearance in case I get to a spot I want to try to get farther on,lol, if I stay with stock tiers, whats the mpg, before and after the mod, say with a step up in tires to, Where in Iowa you from? Im in NE Iowa
+mike plitnick I lived in Ottumwa Iowa for a couple of years. I am originally from and back living in NC. I am the wrong person to ask about mileage because I long ago yave that up with all my steel armor and 33" tires. As I remember, with a PML and 32" mild all terrain tires, the mileage didn't change much. Not enough for me to notice.
I was hoping for a cold air intake and a chip mostly to help with MPG. Any other suggestions for alternatives?
I like the stock airbox mod. Cold air intakes are fun though...nice throaty engine sound. Performance gains are just always exaggerated. If you ever go off road though, youd want the protection of the plastic airbox from mud and water. I like My custom magnaflow exhaust...but gains are still minimal without spending money on more invasive things...cams, headers, etc.
@@XterraRob ok noted I'll look in to getting one. I do plan on making this an awesome off road xterra. Now what about to add gas mileage? is the chip really not the helpful aswell as you stated in the video?
Gas mileage? Buy a moped and average the mileage of the two together! Off roading mods ... Lifts, big tires, armor and winches....destroy MPG...i don't chase the unicorn of a fuel efficient offroad rig. Chips are not REALLY available. You can get universal "chips" that are really just a resisitor to spoof your ECU into running richer, etc...bogus mods. Real tuning software isnt really available except a jet tuner(plugs into OBDII port) and a custom dyno tune. Not worth it to me. I had a chip on an older car from a reputable dyno tuner. 2 days later, the performance gain is invisible. Very slight improvement.
@@XterraRob understood. Thank you, always good know what's truly not necessary!
hi I have a 2002 (xterra)my vss went out can you tell me the best way to pull this part , I watched youtubers use a pair of vise grips and a dent puller but it didn't show how he did it there has to be an easier way please let us know thank Xrob :)
So, if i rise the truck Using the torsion bars: would 33s fit?
I have another video all about tire sizes on nissan xterras. In short...no. You should stick to 32s unless you want to do full 3in suspension lift and 2 in body lift.
@@XterraRob i was thinking in lift it 1.5inch using the torsion bars + 2in body lift😕 cause im in a budget, but i guess ill have to wait. Thanks for the tips, i've learned a lot
33s definitely arent for those on a budget. They will wear out alignments and steering components fast. 33s really need a heavy duty reinforced steering system in my opinion. Even with lifts...there is still some fitment concerns depending on what kind of rims you use and what width 33 in tire. 32s are much simpler for a mild build.
@@XterraRob got it, i'll stick to 31s I currently have until i have enough money. Thanks again!!
How hard is it to go from auto locking hubs to locking hubs ?
Not hard. I have a video tutorial on it. I install Warn hubs.
I just bought a 03 Xterra Supercharged and im not sure where to start!!
Start with watching some videos and reading some forums! Lots to learn! Nice X...supercharger sounds fun!
I also have a supercharger I bought couple years ago and still running strong (no off road just road miles). Have you done anything to your X?
Will the torsion bars that 4x4 parts sells add any height to the front end compared to my worn stock ones. I currently have their uca lift with 5100 bilstiens and 2” body lift on a 02 X.
+SS Tac no. The stiffer bars just make it harder to flex the suspension...which is not always a bad thing if you have heavy armor on the front and need a little extra support to fight front end sway. They could potentially make jarring pot holes less comfortable though. Even if your old torsion bars are saggy...the adjusters compensate for any sag since you can infinitely adjust them. If your UCAs have about a half inch gap between the bump stop...you are basically at maximum lift height.
I flat blacked out my xterra with 2 tone scheme
Nice I bet that look good!
Mines a 02 se
Greetings Rob,
Can you advice 4” suspension lift is available to Generation I?
Thanks
3 inch suspension lift is the max. I have a video all about suspension lifts.
Xterra Rob,
Can you provide to a specific link to your video or name of it?
@@09commify "First Gen Nissan Xterra - All About Suspension Lifts"
Xterra Rob
Awesome!!!!
Happy to help!
Where can I find a video that shows me how to do the stock airbox mod?
CZcams search for "Xterra Stock Airbox Mod" or look through my video history on my channel page.
You video in the shade?
Wherever I feel like it.
Anyone know if there's a video like this for second gens?
Not that I'm aware of. General stuff about mud flaps and step rails still apply. Melt mod can fit 33s, so body lift isn't as necessary ... No PML option since the 2nd gen has coil springs instead of torsion bars. Shackle and spacer lift is a good combination in my opinion. Tons of lift options to choose from.
Got a link for the rustoleum spray you used?
Rust-Oleum 248914 Spray Paint, 15-Ounce, Black www.amazon.com/dp/B003CT49B2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_03DhDbWKWK56A
My 03 Xterra front driver seat does not go back far enough, nor does it recline enough for a larger built person with back issues. Can I replace said seat with a newer model? What issue may I run into? Thanks for the help, ahead of time!
I'm not certain the specifics of the seats...but a seat is an integral part of the safety system, so be careful mixing and matching combinations. First question to determine is if the bolt holes in the seat will match the bolt holes in the floor boards. Next will be if the seat matches the other interior features: IE sits centered in the floor board based on having different door panels, center console, steering wheel height, etc. Too many variables to know for sure. Third thing is location of the seat controls...can you easily get to the adjustments once installed. Last thing would be electrical connections: does the truck having the wiring to interface with seat sensors, power seat adjust, etc? The best way to do this is find a pull a part junkyard and take some wrenches and a tape measure. It will require some effort.
Is a PML actually applicable for serious off roading? I have heard shackles are no good if you're wheeling hard.
Shackles are awesome off road. Love them. Why do people not like them off road?
@@XterraRob I guess it has to do with the reliability of the kind you're getting? Don't they bend the leaf kits? Actually I have a better question. If I do a 2 inch body lift with a suspension upgrade (maybe bilstein 4600 or 5100) I'll have all I need for 33s and off road capability right?
Leaf packs are designed to flex...a stock set up has shackles already. Lift shackles are just a little taller to push the frame up. I have another video on suspension lift options that has more details you can check out. Body lift can fit 33s but you may have to trim some metal with no suspension lift. Itd be tight. I have a video on tire sizes vs lift height and also I have a video on clearing 33s so you can see what the limitatioms are. 33 x 10.50 fit better than 33 x 12.50 if you are using stock 15x7 rim.
@@XterraRob Thank you
Happy to help...let me know if you have other questions. Happy to help!
What's the best and worse mods for one of these????
What a great question and good topic for video! Best mod in my opinion is the front lokka for maximum off road traction...and body lift and also my magnaflow exhaust...and maybe my bumpers. Worst? Too much suspension lift due to poor alignment, driveability, CV angles, etc. As I mentioned last night...just the PML with a small torsion bar lift is no big deal. Over lifting causes too much stress though. You can do a higher suspension lift if you want, just be ready for reinforced steering and too much money on alignments! Other worst is bedliner on rims and bedliner on actual fenders or sheet metal. Keep that stuff to the plastics! You know...diff drop bushing on the front diff...that was a pain in the ass too. Id rather just have...less suspension lift!
I have an “03” w/ supercharger. Any tips?
+Brice Bothwell start with answering the question...what do you want to accomplish? Super charger is a nice feature and makes an X far more driveable...especially if modded.
Can you please go into detail on the tans cooler bypass. Mine is a 03 with manual trans. Do I still need to do it? I'm afraid my trans. Will run hot if I do. Can I just put a new radiator in it?
Sure. I dont think you need to on yours...but it doesnt hurt. The transmission has rubber lines that pump the transmission fluid into a bottom chamber of the engine radiator to cool it. The engine radiator wont do much for cooling the transmission fluid though...so you basically buy a universal transmission cooler and disconnect the existing lines from the engine radiator...cap the radiator fittings...and plumb the lines into the new cooler. Mounting the new cooler is as simple as zip tieing the trans cooler to the engine radiator so they all get the same airflow. Newer xterras had issues in the radiator though...where the chamber for the trans fluid would crack. The engine coolant would mix with the transmission fluid. That means engine over heats and transmission doesn't get proper lubrication. Bad news. That was a big reason to do a separate cooler on 2nd gens to prevent catastrophic failure. But it hasnt been a problem on first gens.
@@XterraRob ok. Great! So mine shouldn't even have a trans. Cooler then right? I do believe it has the trans. Lines going through the rad. Though. Im replacing everything on truck anyways, including new radiator.
Technically it has a transmission cooler ... It is just in the radiator...but its not a separate piece. If you replace the radiator, you don't need to worry about the cracks mixing the fluids anyway. You can add an external cooler which will reduce the temperature better and may be good if you tow a lot or do a lot of hot summer offroading, etc. For a daily driver, I would replace the radiator and call it good.
Get the radiator for the 2000-20004 super charged version nissan xterra. Thicker...more cooling area, and drops right in to a nom SC xterra.
@@XterraRob I do tow some, but I think new radiator and drain trans. And refill will suffice. I'm not gonna flush trans. Just change.
I need help what air intake should I add to my 02
Stock Air box mod is what I recommend. Check my video lists.
Thx