frnx

Finished the install last week and was able to take the truck camping this weekend. I have to say that this is exactly what the pathfinder needed. I loaded it up with the family and all of our camping gear and you couldn't even tell it was loaded by looking at it (it used to sag when I would fill up the gas tank). I didn't do any real off-roading this weekend other than the short trail up to the site, so I can't really report on that aspect yet. Since I did the lift there has been no rubbing at all with the 265/65/17 tires. I haven't had a chance to take some really good pictures, but here is one from right after the install. I don't think this picture does this lift justice. The stance is perfect and the tires fit the wheel wells perfectly IMO. I'll post some better pictures and the before and after measurements when I have some time. Let me know what you think.

Thanks. It is a 2004 LE Platinum with black leather interior. It has almost 100K miles but I have only been averaging about 5-7 thousand miles a year for the past 3 years. There was a picture of a 02 or 04 with the 17" wheels and manual hubs. I can't remember where I saw it but I think he said he had to grind out the hub opening on the wheel to make them fit. I probably won't put manual hubs on unless I notice a dramatic change in mileage. EDIT: Here is the link http://www.nissanpathfinders.net/forum/topic/34029-02-pathfinder-project/?do=findComment&comment=648210

Another question. The FSM references a part they call a spacer-Front Strut Insulator. It sits on top of the strut assembly between the strut and the fender. Is this something I need to replace? It is part #1 in the diagram below. I've never seen anyone mention it on the forum when talking about replacing the struts.

Got started on the install last night. The rear was no problem, it only took me about an hour and a half. The struts were more of a problem. Is the connecting rod bolt that mounts to the back of the strut always such a problem? It took me longer to get that nut off than it did to get the rest of the strut out. Once I got the struts out I made a weak attempt to take the old struts appart with one of those cheap rental spring compressors but soon realized that even if I did get it apart there was no way I was going to get the new heavy-duty spring back in so I gave up for the night. Total time to get the rear done and the front struts out was about 4.5 hours. I dropped the struts off at a shop this morning and piled all the boxes right under their wall mounted heavy duty spring compressor, the mechanic said it will take them less than an hour. I shoud be able to get the struts back in tonight and dropped off for an alignment tomorrow. I'm going camping in western Maryland this weekend so I'll be able to give everything a good test.

Got the new tires installed today. They Are BFG Rugged Terrain AT in 265/65/17. I have only driven home from the tire shop but there was no rubbing or other problems and so far I like the look. The only problem that I had heard of with these tires is that they are noisey, but they are barely louder than my old HT tires. What do you think? Here is the distance to the strut mount, not too close is it?

Thanks. Here is a before picture.

Backspacing on the OEM 17" wheels is 5.5". My springs are supposed to arrive next week sometime. I'll post some before/after pictures after everything is installed.

Thanks for all the info guys, that is pretty much the conclusion that I came to. I was hoping that someone would have put the 265/65/17 on the 17 stock rims and could confirm that they fit. Maybe I'll go out tonight and measure the backspace on the 17"rim. Does anyone know what the backspacing is on the OEM 16" wheel?

After owning my 2004 LE since new I have finally decided to uprade the squishy suspension with some OME springs, and KYB struts/shocks. I would like to put on some bigger tires after I get the suspension put on. I have the 17" platnum edition wheels and would like to put on either a set of 245/70/17 or 265/65/17. I am leaning toward the 265/65/17 but I'm concerned about the distance to the strut in the front. Is anyone currently running this size tire on the 17" rims? I have searched this and sveral other pathfinder forums but there isn't a lot of information on the 17" rims. Thanks for your help.