Upgrading weak Xterra steering. Total Chaos install/update
- Morpheus
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Upgrading weak Xterra steering. Total Chaos install/update
In 2010 I started wheeling a 2003 Xterra
I drove it like I stole it, and by 2011 I had replaced most of the steering 3 times.
This started my search for a heavy duty solution.
I considered big truck parts like a Ford F-250, but that didn't get me too far.
I found the company Total Chaos in California.
http://www.chaosfab.com/
They advertised a heavy duty setup that consisted of a beefed up centre link, heim joint tie rods, and custom milled idler and pitman arms.
Since no one locally were using this system, I couldn't really check it out for myself, so I jumped in and ordered it.
When it arrived, I could tell right away that it was going to work well
Side by side you can see it.
Installation was easy, just the same as if I was replacing OEM parts.
The kit replaces the factory parts and use some very strong hardware to hold it together. Where the spindles were still tapered to expect a tie rod, the kit has a machined cone that adapts the OEM system to the TC one.
Wheel alignment was a breeze, because of the combination of right thread and left threads in the tie rod (heim joint)
Long term testing next...
I drove it like I stole it, and by 2011 I had replaced most of the steering 3 times.
This started my search for a heavy duty solution.
I considered big truck parts like a Ford F-250, but that didn't get me too far.
I found the company Total Chaos in California.
http://www.chaosfab.com/
They advertised a heavy duty setup that consisted of a beefed up centre link, heim joint tie rods, and custom milled idler and pitman arms.
Since no one locally were using this system, I couldn't really check it out for myself, so I jumped in and ordered it.
When it arrived, I could tell right away that it was going to work well
Side by side you can see it.
Installation was easy, just the same as if I was replacing OEM parts.
The kit replaces the factory parts and use some very strong hardware to hold it together. Where the spindles were still tapered to expect a tie rod, the kit has a machined cone that adapts the OEM system to the TC one.
Wheel alignment was a breeze, because of the combination of right thread and left threads in the tie rod (heim joint)
Long term testing next...
- Morpheus
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Re: Upgrading weak Xterra steering. Total Chaos install/upda
LONG TERM TESTING
I have had to replace the heim’s twice since being installed, as they had a little play in the joints, and I wasn't comfortable driving it.
The first set I ordered from a local hot rod shop, and got hosed on the price.
I have since found that TMR carries them at about a third of the cost at the speed shop.
http://www.tmrcustoms.com/store/
FAST FORWARD TO 2016
keeping in mind the xterra is not my daily driver, 5 years might be misleading. Calculate time at your own risk.
CampNL2016 saw me climbing through a rock garden on the Anson North trail. At some point I got jammed against a rock and blew out the bearings in the idler arm.
I contacted Total Chaos, as their idler arm and pitman arms are sold and labelled as “rebuildable”
I called TC and they had the kit available.
Kit was worth $80. They offered to send it usps which passes to Canada post.
Since I have timing issues with Adventure Weekend coming up, I asked them to overnight it by ups.
Kit was packaged, and showed up today.
4 business days, and I have them in my hand.
Rebuilding next…
I have had to replace the heim’s twice since being installed, as they had a little play in the joints, and I wasn't comfortable driving it.
The first set I ordered from a local hot rod shop, and got hosed on the price.
I have since found that TMR carries them at about a third of the cost at the speed shop.
http://www.tmrcustoms.com/store/
FAST FORWARD TO 2016
keeping in mind the xterra is not my daily driver, 5 years might be misleading. Calculate time at your own risk.
CampNL2016 saw me climbing through a rock garden on the Anson North trail. At some point I got jammed against a rock and blew out the bearings in the idler arm.
I contacted Total Chaos, as their idler arm and pitman arms are sold and labelled as “rebuildable”
I called TC and they had the kit available.
Kit was worth $80. They offered to send it usps which passes to Canada post.
Since I have timing issues with Adventure Weekend coming up, I asked them to overnight it by ups.
Kit was packaged, and showed up today.
4 business days, and I have them in my hand.
Rebuilding next…
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Re: Upgrading weak Xterra steering. Total Chaos install/upda
How long have you been running that setup Mike? I upgraded mine when I had by IFS Xterra, SLR I think, and it was way better than stock, but still left something to be desired. The TC setup looks pretty good, for a crappy design...how did Nissan get the steering dsign so wrong?
- Morpheus
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Re: Upgrading weak Xterra steering. Total Chaos install/upda
4-5ish years I think.sandor wrote:How long have you been running that setup Mike? I upgraded mine when I had by IFS Xterra, SLR I think, and it was way better than stock, but still left something to be desired. The TC setup looks pretty good, for a crappy design...how did Nissan get the steering dsign so wrong?
Engineers don't need to design anything stronger than what is exerted from hitting a pothole I bet.
- Bow_Tied
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Re: Upgrading weak Xterra steering. Total Chaos install/upda
The designers will get over ruled by bean counters if the parts are over designed. Robustness often costs more. There are however some trade-offs that can be made with out cost increases.
#MoreRon
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Re: Upgrading weak Xterra steering. Total Chaos install/upda
If you want to save yourself some heim joints, just jeeps has some rubber boots for them. I put them on my steering as I had to replace them about every season. I keep em full of grease and so far this is my second season on the joints with no play what so ever.
- Snafu
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Re: Upgrading weak Xterra steering. Total Chaos install/upda
Is the truck back on the road now?
Worlds Greatest Acronym:
A.D.O.S.S: Attention Deficit Oooooo Something Shiny! (thanks Simon!)
RIP - Keyser - July 2000 to September 2010 - hope we were as loyal to you as you were to us.
A.D.O.S.S: Attention Deficit Oooooo Something Shiny! (thanks Simon!)
RIP - Keyser - July 2000 to September 2010 - hope we were as loyal to you as you were to us.
- Morpheus
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Re: Upgrading weak Xterra steering. Total Chaos install/upda
Yep, all is done.
I need to write up the last part and post some pics. I think that won't happen until next week.
I need to write up the last part and post some pics. I think that won't happen until next week.