TNWade

Does anyone have a pic of the 03/04 rims in black? I've been debating painting mine (until I get the rims I want w/ better backspacing) and am wondering if its worth the time and effort. I'd love to see a finished product....

Sometimes things happen just to make you upgrade. Think about how nice she'll ride once you get her back. I'll echo @AzZo: you walked away and no one's hurt. That's a good day by comparison....

@NCKrawler: I just took two weeks off and did pretty much what you're suggesting. It was totally worth it and I'm glad I did it. I posted a bit about it here: http://www.nissanpathfinders.net/forum/topic/33533-2-week-solo-cross-country-trek/. it takes some time to figure out the major details (target cities, activities in each area, how long to stay, camp/hotel, right balance of food, gear, entertainment, communications), but the small details take care of themselves. Some basic planning questions to get you started 9you don't have to answer here, just food for thought): 1. Solo trip or who's coming with you? --> Can shorten or extend the amount of time you need to complete the trip 2. How long do you have (2 wks, month, 3 months)? --> Impacts how much it will cost and how much you're away from work (not earning) 3. Do you know people in other places that you can/want to meet up with (can help with supplies, places to stay, places to go)? --> Can make things fun, possibly cheaper, but adds to having to think about their schedules, etc. 4. What's your comfort (skill and budget) for maintenance & repair? --> helps determine how much to take with you like spare parts & tools vs. budget for savings and have a shop patch up. I got a lot of help from this forum planning my trip, so keep posting if you decide to go....

Really nice job. This gives me some food for thought too. I have the AC 2" lift that I put on in Jan. Since, I had to replace passenger side CV, and as of today, I think I'll have to fix the driver side too. I've been thinking that the tire/strut issue is stressing the CV's, so I've been trying to figure out the best approach: wheels w/ less backspace, wheel spacers, manual hubs or combination. Part of me likes the 'stealthiness' of stock wheels... people don't take it as a competent off road vehicle, but some "black steelies" could give her a more aggressive look. (BTW, I *LOVE* the Duratracs. I should have gotten those had I given it a month's more thought.) I have the same '04 SE and don't see a lot of those in the forum, so your solution is a great one for me too. Did you put spacers both front & rear? And, did you ever have issues with the CV's prior to the mod? Again, nicely done!!

Question: So will a SFD *reduce* the CV angle or *keep* it? I notice a lot of guys on the forum running the AC 2" and the Krypton 4" SFD...which is where I'm headed. But only if its going to keep or reduce the CV angle. I don't want to take on the challenge if its really going to mess it up in there, but my desire to run 33's is taking on epic proportions!!!

I'm interested in your results. After installing the AC 2" lift and running some trails here in TN, I had to replace my passenger front CV axle. I enjoy a bit more of the obstacle crawling over mudding, and learned that I have to really pick good lines and take some rocks slow to reduce topping out the strut. I just got back from a 2 week cross-country trip to Moab & CO trails that really put this to the test. While I didn't damage a CV, I definitely lost some alignment on the way home (not even on a trail!) which caused severe tire wear/damage. I had to buy 2 new tires just to make the rest of the trip home. So, now I'm thinking that a SFD is in my future. From my conversations with guys who run them, they don't seem to have problems with their CV's as much, or else their just lucky. Anyways, I want to get a bit more clearance to fit 33's as I think that's the perfect balance of off/on road fit. Let me know your thoughts on how she runs before/after spacers...