msavides

I meant with mods that are not available for the r50 the wd rules. Mods that increase articulation that are not available for the r50. If the same mods are done to both vehicles they would be even in my eyes. Mark

Ok I have a story to tell as well. I first learned of a pathfinder when my dad was shopping around for an suv. He was trying to decide between the axes van or the pathfinder. Thank God he chose the pathfinder. When he brought it home I fell in love. It had so many features and gadgets I played with it for hours. It was a 1990 SE 4X4, and it had everything, It was a dealer driven gem. I borrowed the truck several times over my teen years (even more than my dads 1987 944 porsche, but that another story) I went on my first coed unsupervised camping trip with it (oh the memories). I ended up doing the first bit of damage to the truck, while wheeling on that trip I backed into a ditch and crushed the tailpipe slightly. I was lucky it went unnoticed. Later when the vehicle had served its usefulness to my father he handed it down to me. It had 289,000 miles on it and was well abused. It had no major work done on it until I got a hold of it. I then drove it until about 360,000 and the transmission went out. I then spent about $3,000 on getting it rebuilt (automatic transmission) then 200 miles later the flywheel broke (should have been replaced with the trans IMO) then at 376,000 the engine blew a head gasket. The engine went in for a rebuild for about another $3000 then I wreaked it at 409,000. It sat at my dads for about 4 years. Some parts thieves ransacked it along with the Rats and squirrels. I then decided the only way to keep it safe was to move it to my house (now that I owned one) I then started adding up all the stuff I needed to fix it and get it back on the road. I added it all up to about $4,000 for parts and materials. I then decided that I could probably find a parts vehicle for less. I started the hunt. To my suprise I found one the exact color model everything except for 2 differences. The replacement was a 1991 and a Manual transmission. It was selling for $2500. The pathfinder was in almost perfect condition. I bought it. Next I pulled any parts I needed off the wrecked one (which was not much). I then found this board and was awakened to all of what my pathfinder could be. First began the maintainence. Since I did not know much about the truck I began with replacing the timing belt seals ect. Then the tuneup. I then began the mods. Body lift, wench, suspension lift, lockers, Argh I began to go mad. Before I knew it I had sunk 5 grand into it on top of the cost of the truck. I then sold my wrecked pathy to Slick. I have now began to start wheeling it instead of working on it. This is where the real fun begins. So everyone in my family thinks that i have the same old truck. LOL I can totally see how you guys get addicted or start collecting pathfinders. I only have 1 now but It is my baby. Mark

Unibody can be just as strong if not stronger than a frame if engineered correctly. (goes to show how well the xj was built) The only disadvantage to having unibody is the modifications, while not impossible they are more expensive or time consuming to perform. If you are not going to mod then the r50's are a great SUV and I believe to be just as capable to a stock Wd. However add a few mods and the wd rules. The same mods would cost more (money/time) to do on the r50. The advantage of the R50 is they superior on road, so much that the WD could never compete. Just my 2 cents. Mark

With a 3 inch body lift the fan shroud fits just above the steering box. Without a body Lift you would need to modify the lower fan support on the shroud. mine had a body lift so no modifications were necessary. I chose to put a piece a metal behind the radiator to reinforce the tab that sticks out on the sides of the radiator (where the stock shroud bolted up to) just because this weighs more than the stock shroud. It seems really sturdy though. Also this is not the stock radiator it is a so called Oem replacement from autozone. Should be the exact same as stock though. Mark

bolts on the shroud match up with where the bolt hole are on the stock radiator. just the stock holes in the radiator are a little high. A couple of self tapping bolts and it is done. Mark

Hey Guys, I just completed my E-Fan mod. I hooked up the dual fans found on a 1989 Nissan Maxima I found a Pick N Pull. I think I paid $25 for the fan . I picked up a Fan controller that uses the stock temp sensor and is adjustable. Here is the link to the Fan controller. I ran the wires out a hole under my A/C lines and wrapped it in wire loom around the battery and behind the headlamp then fed the sensor wire and the A/C Clutch wire into the stock loom on the front of the engine then tied them in to the sensor wire and the A/C clutch wire. I ran 10 Gauge wire for the feed to the built in relay in the temp controller and for the lead out to the fans. I tied the ground to the ground wire where the ground battery wire bolts to the body. http://www.centechwire.com/catalog/cooling/fc2p.shtml Here is the link to the photos of my install http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/Al...165/t_=88532165 Mark

This is the prefect thing for a control freak such as yourself. I just did my efan mod with dual maxima fans and used this controller. I mounted it on the side of my ac box. under the glove box. It works off of the stock gauge sending unit and has a ext turn on wire for the ac. Works AWESOME. http://www.centechwire.com/catalog/cooling/fc2p.shtml Mark

Hey rock auto has the complete half shafts for 50.97 each.(no core charge) Why pay $30 bucks for just the boot and a whole lot more work when you can get the entire shaft for $20 more. I think shipping for two of them was like 30 bucks.

You guys have some awesome places to wheel. I am Jealous. Mark

I purchased the calmini system. The one thing that wears out is the idler arm bushings. You can prevent them from wearing out by making sure you lube the idler arm through the zerk fitting after the first few wheeling trips or just keep trying to pump grease in there every week for the first month from when you first installed it. When it comes it is really tight and there is no room for grease. I tried greasing when it was new and could not get any grease pumped in it. But as it initially gets used it will wear in and allow you to pump grease in. this will prevent further wear as the grease will get between the bushings. They wear out because people do not grease them after the wear in period and it continues to wear until it gets too loose. It would also help if calmini explained this. Or even came with half decent assembly instructions. As for the price the calmini kit does replace the pitman arm and the idler arm and they are really beefy. (pics on site do not do it justice.) Now whether that justifies 2 times the price that is up to you to decide. I just know I have been really happy with mine. I probably have about 2500 miles of everyday driving and hard wheeling with 32" tires and my new rims stick out more than the old ones. I am sure that put more stress on the steering. And as for bump steer there is not much on mine.I have 3 inch body lift and the so called 3 inch suspension lift I am cranked up pretty good and my cv angle are quite extreme. I installed everything at once so I do not know what the steering would have been like with the suspension lift without doing the steering. The steering felt the same lifted as it did stock (except for the lesser turning radius due to the larger tires) Just my 2 cents. Mark

where did you find the info on the shock length. I have some part numbers that i was trying to find the length on and I cannot find that info anywhere. Mark

Ditto, When I bought my 91 pathfinder the power windows did not work. Guy knocked some money off the truck because of that. While driving it home the windows started working. then they quit. I was getting ready to tear it apart the first thing I did was pull up the drivers side switch assembly, The plug was not snapped all the way in. After re seating the plug all was well and had been well for over a year. So check the plug. Also could be corroded if someone left the windows down and it got wet. Mark

When I bought my 91 Pathy. The key they guy gave me was a copy and was all worn out. It was so worn out that I knew a reliable copy could not be made. I was lucky that the key code was still stuck on the inside of the glove box door. I took a trip to the dealer and had 2 keys made. (costed me about 20 bucks) The keys worked flawlessly and I no longer had the problem. 20 bucks was cheap compared new door locks or the hassle of tearing open the door panels. Not saying this is your problem but it sounds like the same. Mark

If I can find time to go through my entire front end of my truck and re torque everything I will be able to make it. I just need to try and get off early one day this week to be able to do it. I will update. Mark

I think I may just meet you guys at Hollister hills. I will get there before you guys and hang out in the obstacle course until you guys get there. I have a friend of mine who may want to bring his pickup. So I will probably take the I-5 route. If things change I will give one of you guys a call. I will be driving a White 91 Pathfinder Mark

I told mine she wouldn't want to come as she would be tossed around the truck. She complains when I go over a speed bump to fast. Whenever she pesters me about going with me I just remind her of that and she decides against going. Besides she has a baby shower to go to on Saturday. Hurray for me. I will probably be bringing a buddy as we plan on going to the garlic festival afterwards. Mark

well the fact that Hollister hills may be closing would be the only thing that stifles that idea. Please go to this link and sign the petition to save our wheeling spots http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=598320 Mark News Hollister Hills' Future in Hands of State Lawmakers Jul 11, 2007 By Michael Van Cassell Hollister - If state lawmakers can't agree on changes to the California off-highway program before year's end, Hollister Hills on Cienega Road may close. Off-road vehicle enthusiasts and environmentalists have butted heads over changes to a Senate bill that would overhaul the state's 36-year-old off-highway program. Funds for state off-road vehicle recreation areas come from fuel tax and registration and entrance fees, but will expire Dec. 31 unless groups come to a consensus and lawmakers pass the bill. The problem is, in its current form, no group on either side supports the bill, according to a state bill analysis. Jeff Gaffney, chief ranger of the Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area, said an agreement needs to be reached so the park can stay open. Gaffney said he has a difficult time understanding why environmentalists, whom he often considers his allies as a state park ranger, oppose funding off-road vehicular areas. "This whole facility would cease to exist," Gaffney said. "It's kind of sad. This is where my heart and soul is, and I believe in the people who come here." If the groups can't come to a consensus, the Hollister Hills Off-Road Association will try to educate the public to prevent the park from closing, said Margie Ghione, the group's vice president. "It would be horrible for San Benito County," Ghione said. "It's a family sport, especially in this area." Ghione said Hollister Hills provides another option for many local youths looking for an activity. Brent Schoradt, a deputy policy director for the California Wilderness Coalition, said the bill would double available funds for off-highway vehicle recreation area land acquisition without doing enough to protect the environment. "We're trying to make sure there's a proper balance," Schoradt said. Schoradt noted that the current version of the bill could cut funding for law enforcement for off-road vehicle areas and restoration of damaged caused by such vehicles. Sen. Jeff Denham, R-Merced, who represents San Benito County, voted against the bill the Senate passed. The bill passed 21-17 and made its way into the Assembly. Under its current form, the bill would triple off-road vehicle registration fees. When Denham voted against the bill, it would have doubled park entrance fees. That language has been removed.

earlier the better for me so I am game. Also . I am an early riser. I normally get up at 3:45 every morning for my long commute to Redwood City, so I will have all of my lunch shopping done and ice chest packed before I leave the house. But hey I am just fine going with the flow. So no problems from me here. I also will have to install a new airline fitting on my truck sometime between now and Saturday am should take about 5 min so I will have something to do if the rest of you guys stop to shop If i don't find time to do it today or tomorrow. Mark

well Then I am lucky cause my pathy in not test only. Actually I do not own a single car that is test only. we will see if that changes though(in 2 years). Funny thing is I always take my cars to a test only place anyways even though I don't have to. Why Because this guy is the laziest smog guy I have ever seen. I don't think he even does a visual test. I had a major exhaust leak when he did mine (before I did the headers and fixed it) and he did not even care. I don't think this guy would check anything let alone numbers off the engine. Mark

so how do they sound on the freeway. I got some real aggressive tires but they are kinda loud on the freeway. I just drowned it out with the stereo, just curious. Mark

I am coming from Manteca so I could meet in San Jose, depending which route I take to get to Hollister if I took the San Jose route I would be coming 580 to 680 through San Jose to 101 If I took the other route I would be coming I-5 to 152 to the 156 to the 25. On a Saturday morning traffic should not be too bad that I would have to take the 152 route. What time did we want to meet in San Jose? Preferably early so it is not so hot. Just give me an address where we will meet and I will let trusty GPS lead the way. Ohh and does anyone else have a CB Radio? what channel if so? Mark

How did truck hill look last weekend? My main reason for going this Saturday will be to climb it. Who all is going to make it this Saturday? (7-28) Mark

These are the gaskets I used from summit http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.a...mp;autoview=sku I used the permatex copper stuff as well on mine. I cleaned my heads using a fine 3m abrasive pad on a die grinder. Got them at harbor freight. take about a min to clean the entire head surface. Mark

The 28th would be cool. I could do some wheeling in holister and then hit up the garlic festival in gilroy. A two for one trip. Mark

I bought a harbor freight air powered bleeder system. It works awesome. It has a bottle with various adapters for the master cylinder that holds a quart of brake fluid. I did my entire brake system in about 2 min and the petal was hard as a rock when i was done. I no longer look at brake bleeding as a hated job. and it comes with a universal adapter that works on the nissan, honda, hyundai, kia. At least that is what i have used it on so far. Mark