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Late to the party, but I’d add to @RainGoat ‘a sentiment in the sense that an aftermarket setup surpasses stock or worn suspensions parts. I’d describe my stock ride quality as bouncy, and my new setup as stiff/tight. Those are different, and I definitely prefer stiff. Any bumpy movements are handled quickly and predictably, compared to stock where you felt the entire truck (especially the rear end) seem to go from full bump/compression to well past ride height. It was super annoying, and the LR/Bilstein combo in the rear helped fix that a ton. The OME’s really are smooth, it’s awesome. The choice between the two front setups often comes down to usage/preference. thanks for the kind words on my R50 @01Pathmaker, I appreciate it

So some of you guys have probably seen various posts about my old truck, a JDM 1997 Terrano 3.2 diesel. I was about to dump a whole lot of cash into it and spec it up for 4wding, but I've now gone a similar direction with a new vehicle and sold the Terrano My father decided to upgrade his vehicle, and offered me his 2007 R51 V6 for a price I couldn't refuse. So this will be the new 4wd and will also be specced up to do trips with the Canterbury Land Rover Owners Club. During his ownership my father added a 2" lift with King springs, so that's already done. So far I have added the UHF CB and dashcam from the Terrano, bolted on a set of front recovery points, got a rear recovery hitch, fitted a snorkel, made a sump skidplate from 5 mm steel tread plate, transferred all my recovery gear, fitted a 1.5 kg fire extinguisher, snorkel, spark arrestor and lastly, a set of 255/85r16 BFG KM2 tyres on OEM Nissan whpeels. At the moment I'm pretty keen just to get out and drive it on some club trips. I've got one planned over the Waikaia Bush Rd for the 28th. As my father has had it from new I've already put some serious bush miles on it, but it's always good to get out. That's next to a 265/65r17 all terrain, Goodride SL369

I’m no help with suspensions. If it’s dirty I can help with that. Lol good luck my friend Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[emoji38] Yes, I live on Long Island, surrounded by salt water. Most of my beach use is on the south shore (Atlantic Ocean). Up until the last 2 years, I had a very meticulous washdown procedure, but kind of laxed on it since it's not a dd anymore. Still can't complain, 19 years of ocean beaches and overly salted winter roads, it's lasted longer than some of my other vehicles. Mechanically, even approaching 200k, I've done very few repairs, mainly meticulous maintenance and she still runs and drives better than most other vehicles I've been in with much less mileage. Despite the unibody, this is (in my opinion) the most bulletproof, reliable and capable vehicle I've experienced. I loved my old D21, but hated that 3.0 motor & bed that turned to Swiss cheese by year 6, loved my 96 & 01 R50's, loved my Titan too, but I treated it more like a 1-ton (commercial plowing, regularly towing a skidsteer or dump trailer) so it started racking up the repair bills when I got North of 100k, no doubt any other half-ton would have crumbled under the abuse I fed that thing. And yes, I totally agree that Toyota does a terrible job with rust prevention. Sent from my Mobile Communications Device

So I crept around under the ol' gal today and I found some good, as well as some not so good. After my inspection I scoured the interwebs in search of my most economical option. Low and behold I found a seller on eBay that had 1 last, lonely set of OME 2923's, so it looks like I'm just going to replace my tired MD's with fresh ones. Since I've only got less than 40k on my front KYB's and have newish rear springs and shocks collecting dust in the garage, I jumped on Rockauto and ordered up sway bar links for all 4 corners, some new camber bolts and some other new nuts & bolts. So fingers crossed, I'll be all-in and back on the road for about as much as the AC springs would've been, shipped to my door. I just can't justify dumping more than I have to into it, it's just got too much structural rust issues beginning to develop. I always knew that it would turn to dust before it died mechanically. She has and will continue to serve her purpose, without skipping a beat, until I deem her unsafe for my family. It'll also give me time to find a viable replacement. Sent from my LM-G820 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the input! I really did like the ride on the OME's, but at this point, availability might force my hand. Your setup is actually one of my favorites. I feel like it looks and (seemingly) performs the way it should have come from the factory, as an option package! You aced the stance and functionality. Since I'm just shy of 200k and developing a lot of body rust (in some unusual places too), I'm going to get under it today and give it a real close inspection of everything structural, then go from there. I'd hate to decide to collect all the parts to go all-in, only to find catastrophic issues when I start pulling her apart.

Sorry for the delay all. Been on sick leave pretty much since around the time i picked this thing up, not fully sure whats going on but i tested COVID negative so thats good still. On to the R51. Here's the photos from when i picked it up, had a good 2 hour drive home when i picked it up which gave some good learning to the overall characteristics of the vehicle and showed some of its problems. On that drive discovered some of the wheels could use a balance but thats fine as i planned on replacing the tires anyways not sure what i want to do for that - Had Cooper ATW's on my QX4 and they were great, now deciding if i want to stick with those or "upgrade" (read as spend more) on falken wildpeaks AT3W or BFG KO2's. And i also learned the AC has a bit of a leak inside the cabin some condensation but theres a tsb for that i saw and just need to buy a little hose. Next day i drove it to work and noticed my rad was leaking. This was actually a good thing to some extent as i could smell coolant when i bought it but they washed the engine bay so i couldnt see where from. I was happy it was leaking at the top seam as then i could throw a brand new rand in and know that my tranny would still be safe for now. Fast forward another couple days and a CEL for P0455 and P0456 together and alternating, just to play it safe i got a new gas cap - didnt help but was cheap and easy - and then replaced the evap canister purge valve with one from rock auto and so far haven't driven a ton since but no light as of yet. I also did some other maintenance items such as a new air filter, rear glass struts, wipers, had the dealer before i picked it up (for free) do a serp belt and front brakes. The last bit of maintenance i did was polishing up the headlights as they've used a bit of help. Oh and the wheels got some bad corrosion ill need to take care of. Moving on to mods i wouldnt really say i have done anything yet waiting on some money as being on sick leave has delayed some things for now but I saw complaints about they headlights so i decided to try out some new more expensive headlight bulb replacements and went with the Sylvania ZXE's. I wouldnt say in person its a huge difference but there is some improvement - in the photos though you can really see the temperature difference. I have an old light bar and some pod lights ive been considering throwing on but dont want to block the front bumper as im not fully sure as to the v8's cooling capabilities, and have been wanting to do ditch lights but RAGO wasn't the greatest informant if their frontier brackets would work or not. I have not yet ordered the SfCreations body lift as again just waitng on a little bit more money but have beem watching to see if other people are doing it - I think i would be the first v8 to try it and im curious as to how no lower fan shroud would effect anything (if at all), Lastly for a little bit of personalization i did essentially in the toyota world the Raptor light mod and threw some ambers in the grille. Easy to wire up together and mounted with some small zip ties, do power them i wanted to use a fuse tap but couldnt find any locally of the mini ATO's so instead i just tapped into the passenger side corner marker for power and straight to battery for ground. Big photo dump Day i got her Headlights before: Headlights with the ZXE: And lastly with the amber's installed:

Went for a proper run on some private land out at Thomson's Flat with the Land Rover club this weekend. Pathfinder went fairly well on the 33s, better than my old terrano on the same ground. Much like the terrano though, I caught the rear bumper on the exact same obstacle and had to remove it. Not much holding it onto the r51! Just two bolts and a few screws plus clips down the sides. I also got a bit brave and completely destroyed the right side step on a big tree root. Unfortunately I got stuck on it and had to get towed off backwards. This cause the front mount on the side step to get rotated, which in turn damaged the wiring loom to the back of the truck. It completely cut the wire to the fuel pump, and blew the fuse too. Had to do some Bush wiring to get the truck going again! And replace the fuse. Thankfully it drove home as it would have been a long slow tow down the river out (several kms down a rough riverbed) and then a trailer home from there. So, a few mods to come. Bullbar and winch are here, just need to fit them. Then I need sliders and a new rear bar too. And front suspension. Also need to do the dual battery setup and fit a new airbox. Time and money...

Sounds like it's gonna finish up nicely, should be a great touring rig! The R51, or really anything with independent suspension, is largely overlooked in the States and it's a shame, with a good driver and a few mods even an IFS/IRS rig can get awesome places.

Well, after the last trip the front shocks are toast. Unsurprising really, given they're the factory originals, have done nearly 200,000 km, and they've had 2" lift springs in them for over 50,000 km now. Fitting a heavier wheel/tyre combo finished them off I think. I shall hopefully be replacing them with this kit... https://www.performancesuspension.com.au/nissan-navara-d40-bilstein-3-lift-kit-long-travel With these rear subframe spacers to match the lift. https://www.performancesuspension.com.au/nissan-pathfinder-r51-rear-crossmember-spacer-lift In the next few months I also plan to fit an XROX bullbar, hopefully some sliders too, and eventually get a custom rear bar made that will replace the OEM rear chassis crossmember and have a tyre carrier and winch incorporated. It will also get a rear locker. Then it will be finished, and damn near unstoppable I think. Should have about 350 mm clearance front and rear with 3" front and 4" rear down travel plus factory uptravel from my calculations. Not a flex monster but should be a beast in muddy ruts.

Well, I have now fitted up the BFGs and taken it out for a good weekend trip. Pleased to report it all went well and the truck performed flawlessly. I did have to adjust the front fender liner slightly with the help of an angle grinder but it still looks pretty factory. Only rubbed on the top of the liner when I bottomed it out at the front.

Problem is that your truck is more reliable than the Rovers, at least here in the US anyway, not sure how the club will accept that. I doubt you will have issues with the CVs, they are pretty robust and as long as the boots are intact, can take a lot of abuse. I have seen more problems with wheel bearings than with the CV.

Way faster, smoother, quieter, safer, more spacious and lower mileage than my r50. Only downside really is that it has independent rear suspension. If it proves too limiting I may get a local outfit to swap in the solid rear axle from a d40 navara which should allow me to maintain the stability and traction control.