InfinQX4

Here is a picture of my 2000 QX4. Hope this gives you a reference point:

Anyone ever hear of Dobinsons Spring and Suspension out of AU (www.dobinsonsprings.com)? They also make coils for R50's.

Can't speak for the Rancho applied to the R50. However, the OME are designed to go with their springs that offer lift - just a thought. I was surprised at how beefy they are too, in comparison to the KYB I had on before. I know people that have run the 9000 on other trucks - personally I would go with them over the 5000.

And that would work too...

I was surprised, but they are more solid this way - IMO

I have the OME rear shocks - no issue. KYB struts of course...

Correct, they do NOT mount using the running board locations. They came with mounting hardward (bolts). I just had to line it up and drill the holes.

Fueler - those are SuperSliders from Rocky Road: http://www.rocky-road.com/pathfinderrockrail.html I'm running OME coils all around, and yes, installed the 35mm SnakeRacing (from AU) spacers in the front.

I'll try to remember to measure them tomorrow, but I have the SuperSliders from Rocky Road Outfitters (www.rocky-road.com). 6 bolts per side, and everything came to fit.

For slider reference - these are bolt on. 6 bolts per side. Mounting wasn't such a deal with an extra pair of hands and jack stands.

That is real nice! I may have to break down one of these days and do some cutting... Keep the side steps off - they get in the way. I wasn't sure at first myself, but I'll never put them back on. Hang some sliders on when you have a chance. They help protect you for sure, and will look good to boot. Mine have come in very handy.

I run BG Hi-Lo 0W30. Been happy with it, and know a good number of people using it. Not knowing anything specific about the oil you posted, I guess if you really want fully synthetic and can't find anything else, it shouldn't be problem. What you should keep in mind is the climate you are expecting it to perform in. As a general rule, and there is a lot more detail about this in other posts, the protection received when starting an engine, the lower the first number, the better the cold performance (hence W for Winter). The higher the second number, the better heat performance. I’m sure someone has more to say about it…I’m not an expert. And yes, I use “cold weather” oil in AZ, not because of a super low temp thing, as it protects as a 30 weight oil in the heat. I feel this is darn good oil and it can be run for 15K miles. My $.02.

Oh geez, how embarrassing - I live down this way and didn't even know that was happening... Updates say it's open east and west for now,but wind is still expected thought the day and into tonight. East is better, west faced with an accident this morning, but should be clear by now. Hope you got all the "everything that could go wrong" out in the first leg of the trip, and that the rest will be smooth. (almost said breeze, but I'm sure you've had enough of that for a while)

whats the hold up on 40? How far into AZ did you make it?