Scotty's desert warrior XTerra - Subaru Enthusiasts Car Club of the Sierras

ScottyS · 2012-01-19, 06:02 PM

Because I bought a 2002 Xterra. Gonna be the family desert expedition vehicle, although I am still planning on fitting the Montero out this year as well.

Bob just put some new tires on there so we are ready for snow. I'll take some pics tomorrow.

Plan is for mild mods - 2" lift, Bilstein shocks, small air tank and compressor, remove side rails and mud flaps, amateur radio install, extra driving lights. Will add rear bumper/tie carrier, rack upgrade, rear hatch ladder, side sliders, and possibly front bumper and winch as fab time and $$ allow.

Dean · 2012-01-19, 06:14 PM

Please leave the mud flaps or replace them with bigger floppier ones if you are concerned they will get torn off

I hate trucks, SUVs, etc. that think it is OK to blind everyone for 100 yards behind them in a cone up to 3 lanes wide in the wet. It is worst during the quicky thunder storms when they are throwing mud...

khail19 · 2012-01-19, 08:20 PM

Nice Xterra Scotty! One of the few SUVs I would actually consider driving.

If you need any audio stuff, you know who to call! I really need to clean house (garage) and get rid of some of my stash.

MattR · 2012-01-19, 09:42 PM

Very Cool, can't wait to see it in full desert trim!

sperry · 2012-01-19, 10:59 PM

Man Scotty. You know you could have lifted the svx and made it into some mad max thunderdomemobile!

I actually got an offer on the svx today that I'm considering. I need to talk it over w/ Lisa though, since it's a bit under what we were asking. But I'm hoping to be able to work something out, so you won't have to feel bad buying a silly desert truck over a future classic that combines Italian styling with Japanese engineering.

ScottyS · 2012-01-20, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sperry

Man Scotty. You know you could have lifted the svx and made it into some mad max thunderdomemobile!

I actually got an offer on the svx today that I'm considering. I need to talk it over w/ Lisa though, since it's a bit under what we were asking. But I'm hoping to be able to work something out, so you won't have to feel bad buying a silly desert truck over a future classic that combines Italian styling with Japanese engineering.

I would have left the SVX as-is. But YOU should re-wire it for an STi harness, drop a 6-speed in an track it! Ha!

No doubt I will always wish I could have taken both projects on at the same time. If I had the Legacy SS together in a working package, I probably would have made a serious effort to sell it and get the SVX, but alas I still need to get the motor back in.

I hope it goes to a good home if you make a deal on it though!

I'll consider big floppies just for you, Dean.

Jeikun · 2012-01-20, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean

Please leave the mud flaps or replace them with bigger floppier ones if you are concerned they will get torn off

I hate trucks, SUVs, etc. that think it is OK to blind everyone for 100 yards behind them in a cone up to 3 lanes wide in the wet. It is worst during the quicky thunder storms when they are throwing mud...

qft

JC · 2012-02-13, 04:54 PM

Nice, Xterras are pretty tough. I wanna see it after the lift.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean

Please leave the mud flaps or replace them with bigger floppier ones if you are concerned they will get torn off

I hate trucks, SUVs, etc. that think it is OK to blind everyone for 100 yards behind them in a cone up to 3 lanes wide in the wet. It is worst during the quicky thunder storms when they are throwing mud...

I hate the way mud flaps look. I never had them on my truck and it looked like a wall of water behind me when it rained. It had basically no rear bumper and a lift so it just made it so much worse. Keeps assholes from tailgating me as a nice bonus.

ScottyS · 2012-02-17, 02:57 PM

Well, the new 235/85r16 Goodyear Duratrac load range E tires work great, especially when aired properly for pavement or dirt.

I installed a small onboard air system and replaced the *huge* OEM muffler with a smaller Flowmaster so I could put the 2gal air tank under the car with a lot of clearance. I can take the tires from ~25 PSI to 38psi in about 5 minutes from hose plug-in to un-plug.

Did a full tune-up, clearly the #6 plug was original. Parts are on the way for the suspension mods, not going too crazy, just a 1"-2" lift, steering stabilizer, Bilstein shocks, and uprated tie rod adjusters.

This really is a great car for kids to adventure in, with the high rear seats.

sybir · 2012-02-17, 04:54 PM

I was considering the same type of 12vair setup for the wagon - which compressor model did you go with? Are there any overpressure concerns with no tank (I know you're running a 2gallon, but not sure where I could toss one in the wagon)? Is that a class C compressor, or a higher end one with more surge/backpressure protection?

ScottyS · 2012-02-17, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sybir

I was considering the same type of 12vair setup for the wagon - which compressor model did you go with? Are there any overpressure concerns with no tank (I know you're running a 2gallon, but not sure where I could toss one in the wagon)? Is that a class C compressor, or a higher end one with more surge/backpressure protection?

It's a Viair 325C, I think it's rated for 150psi. I'm using a 110psi=on, 140psi=off pressure switch, in addition to a ground-activated relay. If you are worried about overpressure, maybe just use a pressure switch that is 20psi or so under your max? They make some pretty small air tanks, but I don't know where you'd put one in a Subaru. Alternative would be to fabricate a long, thin one perhaps that would fit under a seat or something.

There is a very similar model that is a 100% duty cycle unit, just a little slower, I think it's the 340C or something like that.

100_Percent_Juice · 2012-02-18, 10:36 PM

That's a sweet idea putting the compressor in the engine compartment like that.

MPREZIV · 2012-02-19, 05:34 PM

Nobody likes to change the #6 plug on those Nissan 3.3's. I've seen SO many of them with 5 new plugs in them...

ScottyS · 2012-02-19, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 100_Percent_Juice

That's a sweet idea putting the compressor in the engine compartment like that.

Yeah, I had to cut up the cruise unit bracket to organize things better, but both items are now securely mounted with rubber isolation. The use of space in the engine bay is pretty inefficient from the engineering perspective.

Now I've got some Blue Sea fuse blocks to play with, and I'm still on the fence as to where to jam them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cory

#6 plug never gets changed

Haha, the Xterra forums are awash with stories that shops charge the full labor price, but never actually change the #6 unless there is a misfire code. Personally, I found that it took two patient mechanics (me and a buddy), a "custom" dirt scraping tool (rifle cleaning rod with a nail), custom shop-vac extension, a mirror, the right combination of 3/8 extensions and knuckles, some duct tape, and about 45 min for that one plug. It was a straight-forward process with no swearing, but it did take some time. Judging from the corrosion on the plug and the fact that the electrode arm was almost completely gone, I figure mine was factory.

MPREZIV · 2012-02-19, 10:08 PM

I hate that crap. I get paid to change all 6 plugs, and I change all 6 plugs. I do have a fancy, double-universal spark plug socket that makes that job a breeze, but before I found that I NEVER considered *not* changing a spark plug in somebody's car because it wasn't easy.

MattR · 2012-02-19, 10:27 PM

Those Goodyears are looking pretty sweet. I swore off goodyear tires for off roading a few years ago after some bad luck on the Rubicon, but those look awesome. They seem to have really good reviews as well, very nice.

Kevin M · 2012-02-19, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPREZIV

I hate that crap. I get paid to change all 6 plugs, and I change all 6 plugs. I do have a fancy, double-universal spark plug socket that makes that job a breeze, but before I found that I NEVER considered *not* changing a spark plug in somebody's car because it wasn't easy.

I skipped that job on the Ranger I had and the Aerostar... but I wasn't getting paid to do them. I'd be livid if a pro skipped it, but for amateurs I understand.

sperry · 2012-02-20, 02:34 AM

I've never had problems changing plugs. Even the impossible rear plugs on the svx. I just do em the next time the motors on the stand.

ScottyS · 2012-02-23, 01:52 PM

Oh, and here's the new muffler and air tank before I routed the hose.

ScottyS · 2012-06-12, 08:41 AM

Finally got the alignment adjusted (thanks Bob@KSpeed) after putting new Bilsteins on all corners, raising the truck about 1"/1.5" f/r with shackles and heavy-duty torsion bars (in anticipation of that bumper and winch at some point).

Also installed a steering stabilizer and idler arm brace. Removed the side rails and RSB as well.

Have only got it into one situation where I had to back off - a steep washed out sand trail on Peavine where after crawling up about 50 yds I just could not get the angle to exit (shoveling would have been cheating). An LSD definitely does not equal a full lock, especially at low speeds.....my wife was looking straight out the passenger window at the side of the rut we were in - I was more worried about the mirror and paint getting trashed than anything else.

The kids love loading up and heading to the hills for an afternoon, and being able to drop the tire pressure to the low 20's for the bumpy roads makes it enjoyable.

Oh, great balance on the tires Bob, it runs down the highway smoothly now!

Kevin M · 2012-06-12, 11:37 AM

Did you decide what to do with the new fuse block?

ScottyS · 2012-06-12, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin M

Did you decide what to do with the new fuse block?

Well, I want to be able to fuse items and switches off inside the engine bay as well as the interior. I have not started any additional electrical work since the compressor yet, just no time.

But......one spot I have picked out is on the firewall driver's side. For the interior one, I'm not sure yet. The ham radio gear will be going underneath the passenger seat, since radio faces are remote mounted. Probably centralized, maybe even under the rear seat near where I brought in the air tank mount.

ScottyS · 2012-09-19, 02:31 PM

Photo update! Had to test the new camera.

michio10 · 2012-09-24, 12:16 AM

Beautiful!

2012-01-19, 06:02 PM	#1
ScottyS EJ205 Real Name: It is real! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: RNO Posts: 2,367 Car: 1998 Impreza Wagon, 1991 Legacy Turbo Sedan, 2003 Nissan Xterra Class: tvFree Yes, I'll fix it for you. Again.	Scotty's desert warrior XTerra Because I bought a 2002 Xterra. Gonna be the family desert expedition vehicle, although I am still planning on fitting the Montero out this year as well. Bob just put some new tires on there so we are ready for snow. I'll take some pics tomorrow. Plan is for mild mods - 2" lift, Bilstein shocks, small air tank and compressor, remove side rails and mud flaps, amateur radio install, extra driving lights. Will add rear bumper/tie carrier, rack upgrade, rear hatch ladder, side sliders, and possibly front bumper and winch as fab time and $$ allow. Attached Thumbnails __________________ "Trend Number One is that people aren't getting any smarter." Dogbert Last edited by ScottyS; 2012-02-17 at 02:50 PM. Reason: new photos

2012-01-19, 06:14 PM	#2
Dean Señor Cheap Bastarde Real Name: Dean Join Date: May 2003 Location: $99 Tire Store Posts: 9,294 Car: $.04 STI Class: Fast,Cheap & Reliable=STI Deal, did somebody say Deal? Oh, Dean, yeah that's me.	Please leave the mud flaps or replace them with bigger floppier ones if you are concerned they will get torn off I hate trucks, SUVs, etc. that think it is OK to blind everyone for 100 yards behind them in a cone up to 3 lanes wide in the wet. It is worst during the quicky thunder storms when they are throwing mud... __________________ I am a Commodore PET --- Now get off my lawn you kids...

2012-01-19, 09:42 PM	#4
MattR El Matador Real Name: Matt Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 10,660 Car: 2012 Toyota Tacoma Class: ?	Very Cool, can't wait to see it in full desert trim! __________________ "Dallas..We have a problem.”

2012-01-19, 10:59 PM	#5
sperry The Doink Real Name: Scott Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 20,335 Car: '09 OBXT, '02 WRX, '96 Miata Class: PDX/TT-6 The way out is through	Man Scotty. You know you could have lifted the svx and made it into some mad max thunderdomemobile! I actually got an offer on the svx today that I'm considering. I need to talk it over w/ Lisa though, since it's a bit under what we were asking. But I'm hoping to be able to work something out, so you won't have to feel bad buying a silly desert truck over a future classic that combines Italian styling with Japanese engineering. __________________ Is you is, or is you ain't, my con-stit-u-ints?

2012-02-17, 02:57 PM	#9
ScottyS EJ205 Real Name: It is real! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: RNO Posts: 2,367 Car: 1998 Impreza Wagon, 1991 Legacy Turbo Sedan, 2003 Nissan Xterra Class: tvFree Yes, I'll fix it for you. Again.	Well, the new 235/85r16 Goodyear Duratrac load range E tires work great, especially when aired properly for pavement or dirt. I installed a small onboard air system and replaced the huge OEM muffler with a smaller Flowmaster so I could put the 2gal air tank under the car with a lot of clearance. I can take the tires from ~25 PSI to 38psi in about 5 minutes from hose plug-in to un-plug. Did a full tune-up, clearly the #6 plug was original. Parts are on the way for the suspension mods, not going too crazy, just a 1"-2" lift, steering stabilizer, Bilstein shocks, and uprated tie rod adjusters. This really is a great car for kids to adventure in, with the high rear seats. Attached Thumbnails __________________ "Trend Number One is that people aren't getting any smarter." Dogbert

2012-01-19, 08:20 PM	#3
khail19 EJ205 Real Name: Khail Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,769 Car: 2016 VW GTI Meets? We have meets?	Nice Xterra Scotty! One of the few SUVs I would actually consider driving. If you need any audio stuff, you know who to call! I really need to clean house (garage) and get rid of some of my stash.

2012-02-17, 04:54 PM	#10
sybir The Don Real Name: Aaron Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,097 Car: '97 Legacy / '05 FXT Class: low	I was considering the same type of 12vair setup for the wagon - which compressor model did you go with? Are there any overpressure concerns with no tank (I know you're running a 2gallon, but not sure where I could toss one in the wagon)? Is that a class C compressor, or a higher end one with more surge/backpressure protection? __________________ Tact is for people who aren't witty enough to be sarcastic.

2012-02-18, 10:36 PM	#12
100_Percent_Juice (40 percent vodka) Real Name: Joel Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 4,446 Car: 2004WRX Class: Baby-Hauler/GroceryGetter	That's a sweet idea putting the compressor in the engine compartment like that. __________________ "A power nap is when you sleep on someone who is weaker than you." - Dimitri Martin

2012-02-19, 05:34 PM	#13
MPREZIV Token Real Name: Le Stig Afrique? Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: sitting next to a big yellow box Posts: 3,589 Car: 2001 Impreza 2.5 RS Class: 05 TDSP No, I won't work on your car. F your car*	Nobody likes to change the #6 plug on those Nissan 3.3's. I've seen SO many of them with 5 new plugs in them... __________________ "...these condoms have a topical anesthetic to reduce sensitivity, so you can last longer. What a paradox. You can't feel a thing, but you can f*ck for HOURS..."

2012-02-19, 10:08 PM	#15
MPREZIV Token Real Name: Le Stig Afrique? Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: sitting next to a big yellow box Posts: 3,589 Car: 2001 Impreza 2.5 RS Class: 05 TDSP No, I won't work on your car. F your car*	I hate that crap. I get paid to change all 6 plugs, and I change all 6 plugs. I do have a fancy, double-universal spark plug socket that makes that job a breeze, but before I found that I NEVER considered not changing a spark plug in somebody's car because it wasn't easy. __________________ "...these condoms have a topical anesthetic to reduce sensitivity, so you can last longer. What a paradox. You can't feel a thing, but you can f*ck for HOURS..."

2012-02-19, 10:27 PM	#16
MattR El Matador Real Name: Matt Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 10,660 Car: 2012 Toyota Tacoma Class: ?	Those Goodyears are looking pretty sweet. I swore off goodyear tires for off roading a few years ago after some bad luck on the Rubicon, but those look awesome. They seem to have really good reviews as well, very nice. __________________ "Dallas..We have a problem.”

2012-02-20, 02:34 AM	#18
sperry The Doink Real Name: Scott Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 20,335 Car: '09 OBXT, '02 WRX, '96 Miata Class: PDX/TT-6 The way out is through	I've never had problems changing plugs. Even the impossible rear plugs on the svx. I just do em the next time the motors on the stand. __________________ Is you is, or is you ain't, my con-stit-u-ints?

2012-02-23, 01:52 PM	#19
ScottyS EJ205 Real Name: It is real! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: RNO Posts: 2,367 Car: 1998 Impreza Wagon, 1991 Legacy Turbo Sedan, 2003 Nissan Xterra Class: tvFree Yes, I'll fix it for you. Again.	Oh, and here's the new muffler and air tank before I routed the hose. Attached Thumbnails __________________ "Trend Number One is that people aren't getting any smarter." Dogbert

2012-06-12, 08:41 AM	#20
ScottyS EJ205 Real Name: It is real! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: RNO Posts: 2,367 Car: 1998 Impreza Wagon, 1991 Legacy Turbo Sedan, 2003 Nissan Xterra Class: tvFree Yes, I'll fix it for you. Again.	Finally got the alignment adjusted (thanks Bob@KSpeed) after putting new Bilsteins on all corners, raising the truck about 1"/1.5" f/r with shackles and heavy-duty torsion bars (in anticipation of that bumper and winch at some point). Also installed a steering stabilizer and idler arm brace. Removed the side rails and RSB as well. Have only got it into one situation where I had to back off - a steep washed out sand trail on Peavine where after crawling up about 50 yds I just could not get the angle to exit (shoveling would have been cheating). An LSD definitely does not equal a full lock, especially at low speeds.....my wife was looking straight out the passenger window at the side of the rut we were in - I was more worried about the mirror and paint getting trashed than anything else. The kids love loading up and heading to the hills for an afternoon, and being able to drop the tire pressure to the low 20's for the bumpy roads makes it enjoyable. Oh, great balance on the tires Bob, it runs down the highway smoothly now! __________________ "Trend Number One is that people aren't getting any smarter." Dogbert

2012-06-12, 11:37 AM	#21
Kevin M EJ22T Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Reno Posts: 9,445 Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red Class: 19 FP	Did you decide what to do with the new fuse block? __________________ FWD is the new AWD

2012-09-19, 02:31 PM	#23
ScottyS EJ205 Real Name: It is real! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: RNO Posts: 2,367 Car: 1998 Impreza Wagon, 1991 Legacy Turbo Sedan, 2003 Nissan Xterra Class: tvFree Yes, I'll fix it for you. Again.	Photo update! Had to test the new camera. Attached Thumbnails __________________ "Trend Number One is that people aren't getting any smarter." Dogbert

2012-09-24, 12:16 AM	#24
michio10 EJ18 Real Name: Michio K. Join Date: May 2012 Location: Reno Posts: 79 Car: 2013 BRZ/04 WRX Class: C-Street Living by your own rules is the real freedom	Beautiful!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Well, I Tested out Scotty's Mtn. Bike (Some Blood)	cody	Off Topic Chat	10	2011-04-11 08:24 PM
Photos of A1337STI at Desert Storm Rally 2010?	youloze	General Subaru Discussion & Club Chat	1	2010-04-15 07:22 PM
Happy BDay ScottyS!	MPREZIV	Off Topic Chat	13	2008-01-23 08:47 PM
ScottyS, come on down!	Kevin M	Off Topic Chat	12	2006-01-23 10:14 PM
Blackrock Desert Trip: Fun for all	ArthurS	Off Topic Chat	5	2004-06-09 08:16 PM