Offroad neccessities?

Hello All,
I have been away from the 4X4 scene for years. My last mud buggy was a CJ5. I live in East Tennessee and plan on hitting Royal Blue, The Big South Fork, Tellico etc. I just bought a 2002 X which is bone stock, and want all of your input regarding necessary upgrades to make this thing indestructible, or as close as it can be to it. Also I would like to hear about parts failures or weaknesses that you guys have encountered offroad. Thanks in advance for your help.
Chris

calmini rockcrawler gears. worth every penny!!
a spare set of tie rods are also a good idea, or you can get some beefy slr rods.

skid row skid plates
shrockworks sliders
a front bumper replacement is recommended. arb stopped selling them until jan 04, so its tjm, calmini,or shrock.

search around the different forums, they are jam packed with good stuff.

First two things should be tires and shocks then pick the rest based on the type of wheeling you want to do. To list out everything is rediculous...I can't even count the number of things I've done and my wallet is over $15K lighter just from mods.

:naughty: Gentlemen... Here's are the questions...

1) Obviously tires and suspension are a must: recommendations for both??? I hear quite a few people raving about the BFG M/T's but a few other guys on the forums here also raved about the Kumho Venture M/T's.

2) Is it worth buying an intake and dual exhaust for my baby??? I notice about 90 percent of you boys don't touch the engine and I noticed a few stock X's keeping up with the Land Rovers.

3) I LIVE IN ARLINGTON VA!!! Does anyone live near this metropolitan armpit and if you do, where do you go trailing around here. I'm getting antsy.

Thanks,

Chris

2003 V6 XE (Katie)

Evening boys.... A few questions from a newbie.

1) Any recommendations for tires and suspension. I hear quite a few people raving about the BFG M/T's and the Kumho Venture M/T's.

2) Is it worth buying an intake and dual exhaust for my baby???

3) I live in ARLINGTON, VA. Does anyone live in this armpit of a metropolis and if so WHERE DO WE GO TRAILING???

Thanks,

Chris

Chris,

There are as many opinions on this subject as there are people. Tires are a matter of choice and how you drive the vehicle. Do you plan on having two sets of tires? If so, go REAL aggressive on your off-road tires. If not, go with an MT tire and they will do just fine. Do you plan on SERIOUS crawling? If so, drive train, drive train, drive train. As was previously mentioned, crawler gears are a good idea unless you plan on running in sand or mud. Lockers are a HUGE plus and since ARB is the only one who currently makes lockers for our trucks, an on-board air system of some type is necessary. A winch would be another good idea. Do that and it might be a good idea to go with dual batteries. Basically what I am saying is planning is key. And how serious you are depends on how much money you have or are willing to part with over time. Everything hinges on your driving habits and whether the vehicle will be your primary source of transportation. Think about that as you modify your vehicle.

Don't mess with a "dual" exhaust, a good single will be more than adequate. Coupled with a good intake like the K&N FIPK it will add some oomph, but only you can decide if the modest oomph is worth the $.

Come out and 'wheel with the Greater DC Xterra club, get a feel for your X's abilities and what you prefer, and then decide where to spend your $.

Brent