School me on '05/'06 Xterras

[Rev]

Ya it sucks.

[dark_knight]

Oh boy,

Cons:
weak front diffs
low mounted alternator means they hate mud (my second is on the way out)
radiator/trans leak issue (bypass is super easy)
Random Slip, ABS, VDC lights because of finicky wheel sensors
IPDM module failure can also cause the above lights
fuel sending unit will most certainly fail
Evap canister clogs with mud easy and can cause an engine light
Crappy rear springs makes it bottom out easy (even on the off road trim)
Lower control arm bolts can seize into the bushings causing major headaches when lifting the truck and installing cam bolts
Pretty lame aftermarket support so expect to shell out big $$$ (but I can make everything from lift spacers and shackles to skids and bumpers)
IMO - roughest riding vehicle I've ever owned (off road trim)

Pros:
Mega power with the legendary VQ series motor
33s fit with no lift
D44 with an elocker (off road trim)
Nissan Titan front end bolts in with no modification, UCAS, LCAS, axles and diff
Nice factory ground clearance with everything tucked out of the way
b*tch looks
Easy as pie to work on
functional interior


I dunno, lots more pros and cons but at the end of the day I love my 06' Off Road. Just ask me, I've pretty much had every issue imaginable with my X but I've also wheeled the crap out of it for the last 2 years. 167K and it's still running strong.

[Bow_Tied]

Thanks for the offer Rev. I would love to pick up your truck!! However, $28k tax-in is WAY over my desired budget.

DK - what is IPDM?
Thanks for the pro/con list. I remember sitting in a new '06 and really liking it.

The Jimmy that I would be getting rid of had a lot of issues. I don't know if I could tolerate that many issues from such a new rig. I know what you mean about loving your rig despite the issues. I feel the same about the Jimmy (amazing torque from the 4.3, great turning rad, comfort, a real tilt wheel) but the issues are ramping up faster and faster as the miles creep up and it is driving me nuts. I don't mind maintenance, not at all, but not parts that just fail early due to cheap design.

[Rev]

Thanks for the offer Rev. I would love to pick up your truck!! However, $28k tax-in is WAY over my desired budget.

Ya I figured, but had to put it out there.

For what it is worth I can't see many rigs any better than the X in the same class, and it is often much cheaper.

[dark_knight]

The IPDM is a module that controls things like the interior lights, rear locker solenoid, signals, things like that. Intelligent Power and Distribution Module. It's an easy fix, swap the old for new (if it even fails) but I'm not sure of the cost since it was warrantied.

Most of my issues are due do hard wheeling and general abuse. Over all, besides common failures it hasn't really cost me much in terms of coughing up cash for something that I didn't cause. the biggest PITA is the alternator. I love mud and it just doesn't last in its location. poor design. Rod (hotwad) makes 170amp sealed units so I'm going to get one and make it fit.

However, if I could do it again I'd buy a Rubicon and mod it. But whatever, the X is staying with me for good. Titan swap and 35s coming soon then i'll Solid Axle Swap it when it's paid for.

EDIT- deals are out there though, luckily I had a trade in value of $6500 for my sentra when I picked up the X. got an 06' Off Road, loaded with 90k for $13900 + tax after trade in. Unheard of price.

[the x kid]

My truck is for sale if you are interested. I need to scale down the car payments.

http://www.thenewx.org/forum/showthread ... post630368" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14237" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

$23,999 which is barely more than I owe on it.
39,468km
Location is Midland Ontario Canada

Looking to sell built first. Then will look at parting out after if necessary.

Is in great shape. Krown undercoasted twice over the last 2.5 years. Has two small dents on the rear hatch from my bicycle and some minor pinstripes. Truck is clean.

Sorry to here that Rev.You have quite the rig.Ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Hopefully you get back some time.

[Bow_Tied]

Do both the auto and 6 speed have 5k towing rating?

[dark_knight]

I think they are the same. I know the Frontier can tow 1500 more lbs. but auto or 6 speed I'm sure they are the same.

[Nd4SpdSe]

Typically manuals can't tow as much, they should check their owner manual, but I"m going to guess 3500lbs on stick, 5000lbs on auto, as would be typical

[dark_knight]

Automatic Frontier is rated at 6500lbs vs the Xterra's 5000lbs

[Bow_Tied]

So the 6spd off-road is 3500 towing?

[Simon]

I don't think it makes a difference on the 2005+ Xterra. I think it's 5000lbs regardless. But someone with an owner's manual can confirm.

[dark_knight]

Simon is correct, the ratings are the same regardless of transmission or model

[Nd4SpdSe]

Damn, checked the manual online, doesn't specify anything special for manual, so ya, 5000lbs, damn

[Bow_Tied]

Cool, thx. Sounds like the model to get then is the 6sp O/R edition and hope the front diff doesn't explode.
I wonder if synthetic oil would reduce dif failures.

[dark_knight]

If you wheel in an appropriate manner you might not ever grenade the front diff. however, my first one went on the street at about 20km/h and my second one popped in the snow albeit with excessive wheel spin. I've always run Amsoil Severe Gear in all my diffs so the fluid makes no difference. It's just an under engineered POS

luckily the nissan titan front diff, and all the front suspension bits bolt right in to the Xterra and Frontier

good luck finding one, and you are right...6sp OR would be tits!

[Bow_Tied]

Guys,

How do I easily identify the O/R edition? I have looked at enough autotrader ads to know dealers mislabel things all the time (I have seen countless pathfinders listed as LE when they were clearly chilkoots for example).

[Simon]

It'll have Off Road badging on the front doors as well as a stock locker button.

[Bow_Tied]

a stock locker button.

You mean electronic rear diff lock, correct?

[Simon]

Yep. Sorry, I wasn't clear.