Karmann

Yup all stock, just cleaned and sprayed.

Sounds like you have an LSD, congrats!

Not 100% sure as I haven't done it before, but I assume so, considering I have 30.5"s with no rubbing. Are the steelies different backspacing?

Plastidipped my rims this weekend

I used a scuff pad on my grille when I did it and had great results. You pretty much only have to give whatever it is you're painting a good clean, paint thinner does a really nice job for my applications. I did my rims today (pics tomorrow) and used Meguiar's Hot Rims All Wheel and Tire Cleaner on them with excellent results. That's what I use on my rims/tires anyway, so I know it's good stuff. But in short, no really special prep- that's what makes it magic!

Interesting, I was referring to the VQ R50 trannys which from what I've heard are essentially beefed up Xterra units? All I remember is some crazy guy on here from Costa Rica I believe strapped a twin turbo on his pathy, and everyone acted like the sky was falling regarding the tranny.

Wouldn't say no one can afford to buy tires Rubber costs, quality tires, and new tech help drive up costs too. Feasibly there's much cheaper 245/75r16 tires out there, but for Duratracs borninabarn got a solid deal. I paid $135 for my Toyo AT-IIs as part of an Off Road Expo deal.

Good to hear you made it through, this is the reason why I keep my old belt, and the tools to change said belt in the rear cargo floor at all times.

No lockers available, but LSDs. Check to see if there's a tag on the diff or test it with jackstands. HP shouldn't be the issue, torque off the line is what lights up rear tires. Sounds like you have the LSD and it's working, which is good, and frankly enviable

Rear wheels are the ones spinning in 2wd, less gas is the cure

Plasti-Dipped my wheels

I have 245/75r16s, pics on my build thread. Plenty of clearance on my stock height rig. In a related question, anyone know if 235/85r16 would fit?

Here's a related question: How would I retrofit HIDs into my stock units without blinding oncoming traffic? I know projectors are the way to go, but seeing as they're generally unavailable, and I'd prefer not to cut into the stockers I'm in a quandry. How hard is the wiring, and where do I get them? (I'm having a tough time with mentally picturing electricals so I need very specific links/instructions )

Well when I was looking at the replacement KYB ones, they have something acting as a bump stop in them. So what I now have to do is get the year old yet shredded bump stops off and replace them with the new ones. I really hope the whole assembly doesn't have to be taken apart.

Absolutely, there's ways to finagle things into smog, but that's some of why it's nice dealing with my '62 VW and '31 Ford- I could put in a flathead Ford or a 426 Hemi and the only thing I'd be having to comply with is my bank account. As far as transmissions, seeing as most members mentioned them only holding ~300hp max, it would be a custom job. Stock titan tranny maybe. Or just say f@*k it and put a new hemi in. (Sorry I'm a Mopar guy, just can't contain myself sometimes ) Either way though 4doordrift, SUWEET rides!! I would be proud to own either, nice work!

TheExBrit, I'm just noticing now, did your hi-lift get egged?

Related question: How exactly do you replace the boots on the front struts?

Washed it, re-plasti dipped my grille.

I've never had an issue after hitting the mud mechanically, but I'm definitely avoiding it from now on, just the clean up is a PITA. Good luck with that alternator, should help.

Just picked up the cans this weekend, going after black rims....

Definitely sounds like an alternator to me.

Sometimes in CA though you can get away with it if the motor is a model year newer or optional on the vehicle? I'm not sure, the laws are obscure and I've yet to do it haha

Looks great! Thanks for showing us the closeups A.

I do too! Great traction, quiet, and excellent wear. Plus not too bad on the wallet. Sorry to hear that, if you're going to swap, my pipe dream is a Titan motor, might be worth looking into. Or you can always build up the VQ a bit.

Looks great! We have the same taste in tires, out of curiosity, why does it need a new motor?