Hey everybody, I've been reading through many of the posts on this forum and I have found out about a lot of things that I can do to modify my Xterra and turn it into a real off-road beast. I have never been off-road but sure would like to try it. I realize that there is much that I can do to make my X more off-road worthy but I also know that if I'm not selective I can wind up dishing a out a lot more $$ than I can afford. These are some of the things that I thought I should do but I'm not sure if that is what I really need. I realize that I will probably need larger tires but I don't know which. With larger tires I'll need to raise the suspension and possibly lift the body. The Calmini bumper that I saw will also help to accomidate the larger tires and provide a good mounting point for a winch. I have been looking at the Calmini website and they look like they have a lot of really good products but who would you recomend. They also have the Warn 9.5Ti in the X in their picture but do I really need that large of a winch. Also, what skid plates do I really need to buy to keep from hurting important parts of the underbody. I also wanted to put a couple of PIAAs on the bumper light bar. Can someone please tell me which of these mods to do in order of priority and where to get some of this stuff? Also, add anything else you think I will need. I am not planning to do any serious rock crawling but I would like to do some moderate off-roading. One last thing, will doing all these mods add any value to my truck or will people likely shy away from it seening as how it will look like a real beast when I'm done?

What year is your X?

Usally, the first two mods are to put bigger tires and change out the stock shocks. As for tire, the BFG AT KO is a popular tire. Just remember, that 31's will fit without any trimming. 32's w/o a lift, you'll have to trim the front a good bit. If you put AAL's and crank the TB about 1.5 - 1.75", you'll just have to remove the mud flaps and trim where they connect. 33" and up, you'll need a SL and a BL.

For shock, the bilstein 20% stiffer are also a popular choice. The skid plates you'll want are the ones that cover you engine/tranny and transfer case. Me personally, I don't particularly like calmini. I prefer SLR. But that is just my opinion. The ARB Bull Bar is another great addition to the X. I trying to save up for one now.

Hope this helps you out. :biggrin:

Save your money on shocks unless the stock ones are kaput. Tires, then skids/sliders would be my advice. You can run 32" tires without a lift by the way.

Just to clarify, I haven't bought a xterra yet I am looking for a 2000 - 2002. I have a 2000 in mind but I may hold out for a 2002 with a supercharger and spend a little more money. I'm trying to figure out what the initial package will cost me so that I can buy a vehicle accordingly and be able to make the mods I need so that I can go offroad. I looked at the BFG T/A KO at the tirerack website a I've actually seen it on the road before and said to myself, "Self, that is the kind of tire I want on my truck." I have a few questions though. Will a 32X11.5QR15 fit on the stock 15" wheels or are the tires to big? Is it better to opt for a 16" or 17" wheel and invest Mucho Dinero $$$ in new wheels. I've read that in terms of the lost gas milage its not a big deal for the heavy tires. OffroadX mentioned that you don't need a lift to put on 32" tires but I assume that means a lot of trimming. I eventually want to put on a heavy bumper and winch so should I just get a suspension kit now from SLR or Calmini and install it at the same time that way i'll be ready for the bumper and winch and won't have to do a lot of trimming? Thanks

Yes, 32x11.50-15 will fit a 15x7 wheel. It's not "recommended" but as dozens of us can attest, it's perfectly fine. Some even run 33x12.50-15s on the 15x7 wheels.
Trimming needed to fit a 32x11.50 is moderate at best, not noticeable to a casual observer. Just cut the 2000/2001 flares to the same profile as the 2002-2004. You can even attach the 2002-2004 mudflaps while running 32x11.50 tires.

Does the wheel look normal with such a big tire? I was worried that the tire would come off under certain conditions but I guess thats not a problem. Also, do I have to worry about the tire bottoming out in the wheel well if I hit a big bump. One of the reasons I want a truck is because some of the roads in my area are in such bad shape that at times I hit a pothole and it feels like by front end is going to come apart. for G-d sake even the potholes have potholes. I want to make sure that if a hit a hole with speed I won't bottom the tire and damage it or the X. BTW offroadX, thanks for being so helpful.

A 32" tire can rub against the plastic liner in the upper front of the front wheel well, but there is nothing behind it to be hurt by the tire or to hurt the tire. Even a suspension lift won't prevent this, it just makes it harder / less frequent.
Here's my X on 32s w/ stock wheels:
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/xterraguy/32sOnStock.jpg

Here's the factory flare/flap from an 02, the dashed line indicates the additional trimming that may be needed for 32x11.50 tires.
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/xterraguy/02frontflap.jpg

By the way, we have a tire/wheel section ;)
Brent

Sorry about that, the convrsation sort of just turned that way since one of the other replies said to just stick with new tires. Anyway, that tuck looks great with all that mud on it. I don't know what it is but I just think that a truck with mud all over it looks so much better than one of those dainty "family SUVs" perfectly spotless and shiny sitting in some soccer mom's driveway. Thanks for all the info I really have been trying to read through all the sections but don't have so much time also been doing searches to find stuff. This is a great forum. Thanks.

That's a nice look'n X posted. That being said, let me pick on it a little. When you go offroading and start to flex (1 side high, 1 side low) there is not much travel space between the tires and body. This could be fixed by doing a small suspension or body lift. Depending on the size of the lift, you would probably benefit from longer travel shocks as well.

In regards to the wheels, I guess you can make the 15x7 work for you w/o problems. Some people prefer the wider rim because they plan on going bigger down the road. Also, if you get the 15x8 rims, you can get it with less backspacing. Doing so will push the wheel a little further out from the X, but may help take away rubbing issues.

I might also note sticking with the 15 inch wheels are probably a good thing. Your cost will be lower for both wheels & tires. Plus it seems offroad tires are catered more towards the 15" rims, not saying you can't find bigger rim sizes just they are more expensive. If you want the 15x8 wheels w/o breaking the piggy bank, you could always check into the black steel wheels.

As a comparison, here are a few pics of my Jeep Wrangler with 32's. Keep in mind I'm running a 2" budget boost (plastic spacers sitting on top of the springs) and 15x8 wheels:

http://members.cox.net/rckymtn/img/bb1.jpg

http://members.cox.net/rckymtn/img/bb2.jpg

http://members.cox.net/rckymtn/img/bb3.jpg

http://members.cox.net/rckymtn/img/bb4.jpg

http://members.cox.net/rckymtn/img/bb5.jpg

http://members.cox.net/rckymtn/img/bb6.jpg

http://members.cox.net/rckymtn/img/bb7.jpg

http://members.cox.net/rckymtn/img/bb8.jpg