After building a super flexy Suzuki Samurai I needed a vehicle capable of towing it to and from trails. Suzuki's with 33's aren't known for good hwy speed... After looking and looking I found the Pathfinder I wanted. It's a 93 4dr SE with the Sport Package which means it came from the factory with 31" tires and a LSD differential in the rear along with rear disc brakes, something needed when towing. The day I brought it home I took it out to a local trail to see how well she'd do. Not as nimble as the Suzuki and I was sure the el-cheapo treads that came with it were as much fault as the lack of flex. I did however find it very comfortable and controllable off-road. It negotiated obstacles quite well and visibility was great. But certain areas I never thought were tough cause the Suzuki would just crawl over them the Pathfinder required a lot of driver input. Guess I gotta work on my driver skills :>). Although the Suzuki has tons of improvements so I can't compare apples to melons.
This buildup will cover 50% of all Nissan owners out there and what mods they'll need or want to do to theirs to improve off-road performance as well as power.
On a club trip to Connelsville I learned the hard way the
weaknesses imposed by my Pathfinder. Those stock nerf bars are for
looks! A properly engineered set should be able to hold the weight
of the vehicle there. So the list started on what to improve and
what it needed to a bit more capable as well as look the part of
the family.
First up on the list was a Class III trailer hitch and a tranny
cooler. The local All-Pro trailer supply was happy to install the
tranny cooler. Me and my friend Doug did the trailer hitch, which
didn't quite fit too well.
Cargo room, ok I know what your thinking "it's already three times
the size that I'm used to." But the fact is I'm carrying for two
vehicles and tools that I normally wouldn't. Since I have a tow
vehicle now I'm not second guessing extreme trails and rollovers,
I'm looking for them!
Then on a trip to Fishing Creek after Doug and Janet Frey's wedding
I swamped the entire truck into a 4' deep mud hole, hey before you
say it was stupid I know and I was the only one to make it through
before, although it was with a different truck... I blame Troy
Mayko for this... :>) After the repair bill for all new
computers, which BTW are mounted under the seats (VERY BAD PLACE!),
which ended up being $2105.88 I was strapped for cash again... Troy
did loose his $1000 wedding band throwing me the strap... Sorry
Dawn...
That's where we are now. The roof rack was made. I purchased a KMA
Wincher bumper from a fella on the mailing list but decided after
looking it over I wasn't gonna go that route and sold it to Robert
Morawski. I will be doing an ARB and Warn 9000 winch later on, I'll
explain later why.
Please be patient with this little project. I have to undergo
surgery for a few things so I may not be able to get around to it
as quick as I would like.
Whats coming up next?
Rock Sliderz
32x10.50 Swamper TSL Steel radials
2" Superlift w/Rancho Coils
Front Bumper and Winch
Rear bumper-Will build this one
Rear ARB locker
Tons of Skid Plates
Safari Rack-See How To Article
Relocating the Computers and security system!!
ARB Snorkle
Engine improvements for more power!
 |
Off-Road.com Newsletter Join our Weekly Newsletter to get the latest off-road news, reviews, events, and alerts! |
Follow @Off-Road
Your Privacy Choices