Karmann

So far as I know there aren't any tuners for our rigs. Kinda bites, but that's what happens with a small aftermarket following.

I'm not even out of college and I think it sucks

It would be a good idea to replace your factory spare. At some spot on the tire, there is the serial number, which if you look up the manufacturer's serial number decoder, it will tell you the year it was made. I would suggest that if it's 5 years or older, or shows signs of cracking etc then it would be a good idea to put a different tire on. I would suggest going on Craigslist and finding a used tire that's in the same size, and tossing that on there. Your issue regarding the flat on a set of brand new tires isn't exactly reassuring. Some tire sellers have a "buy-back" policy where they'll take the tires back if you're unhappy. I would see if the dealer offers a program like that, as honestly a flat that wasn't sharp-object related is bad news regarding their construction and/or installation. They're not aggressive tires as far as I'm concerned, so they might be pulling your leg. Tread carefully. As far as the Japanese vs. Domestic part requirements, 99% of members on here have been just fine buying factory replacement parts made by USDM manufacturers. In fact, RockAuto is a terrific source for said parts, and has treated me, and tons of others well for much cheaper than Nissan dealer prices. They have three gradients, and I usually go for the top spec, never had an issue. The issues you describe regarding american workmanship are long past as far as I'm concerned, and really that was the OEM's fault for specing such low tolerances, not the manufacturers of the parts themselves. So buy with confidence I would say, and either you or your independent mechanic of choice can install said parts as they are needed. Nissan dealers don't keep much japanese-made parts on hand anyway, especially for a 15 year old car, so in many cases all that are left are the American parts sellers.

See above^ No need really. I actually drove up to Eureka and the Oregon border last summer, and growing up had spent time all over Oregon, and briefly, Seattle. Really I'm thinking a trip to Colorado may be in the plans.

Thank you very much, I was actually pretty fond of the parts of Texas I passed through, so no worries there. Minus that heat! But to be 100% honest with you, my very least favorite part of the trip was being in Myrtle Beach. From what I saw, I can have confidence that you aren't missing anything by not going. I don't think that I'm being snobbish because I live in Surf City USA here on the coast, but Myrtle Beach was legitimately a hellhole. Hot and sticky as all get out, even at midnight. The whole town was filled with crack-heads and otherwise low class people wandering the streets for their vacation time. If that was where people went to relax, I really don't know where they were coming from. Truly a terrible place, the beaches were garbage, there was wayyy too much tourist places like run-down miniature golf courses, towel and other chintzy souvenir shops which as a chain populated much of the city, and ridiculously overpriced hotels. Perhaps it was because of the time, but we ended up staying in an econolodge that was so crime-ridden and run down one of us kept watch, and yet it cost $150 in cash per night, run by a toothless a-hole. Combine that with what was apparently a donked golf cart show, and the place was really a dive. I would not recommend spending time in this city. Unless someone on here can suggest to me a part that isn't wholly awful, I stand by my comments. We left absolutely as fast as we could. If you want a nicer beach atmosphere, go anywhere else. Jacksonville FL wasn't bad at all. Reminded me of San Diego for instance.

2002 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4x4 Wheels: Factory 6-spokes Tires: 245/75r16 Toyo Open Country AT-IIs Suspension: OME MD suspension with 1" HDPE front spacers from fluerys

See R50s had a fix for this- self breaking CD players!

Post some pics with those mounted, they look great.

There, fixed that for you.

Excellent question It's off because I was doing a little project on it, which after finding plastic cracks became something more involved.

Here's a trick, buy the bar, then just mount it to the factory cross bars. Might not look super sleek, but it'll definitely work.

Here's the link to my official writeup, check it out and you'll see some new pics haha. http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/131242-Three-Guys-6000-Miles-and-Southern-Heat-quot-Graceland-quot

Love my Warns overall, the mpg increase and wear decrease was worth it. Plus it adds some old-school flavor. Looking to replace mine under warranty as they seem to have some clearcoat, and noise issues, but the warranty is one of the big pluses over the MMs.

Wow, I'd take it exactly as-is, minus the paint. Nice rig with the trailer.

I would say my favorite mod thus far would be my OME lift/Bilstein shocks. Made a tremendous stride in ride quality and load carrying ability. Outside of that, my tires, Kenwood deck with SiriusXM receiver (lifesaver on road trips), and Rigid Dually off road lights would be right up there. Oh and my magnaflow exhaust for that nice rumble.

Looks really good, nice bit of engineering there . Where are you finding all these MCM-tastic JDM parts?

That's about normal mileage, I always use Mobil 1 Extended Performance and it's treated me right so far.

Man, can't believe I missed this one, I think I was in the Deep South at the time, chasing storms. Anyway, really clean, nice pathy the OP's got there. Excellent English too.

I would say just to get the hang of getting into 4-low, go to an empty parking lot (where you can only drive straight) and practice the "down and way back" technique. Having come from mostly electronic t-cases myself this helped me immensely. No light indicating hi or low either.

When you love it enough to bump this thread

But a twinkle in my parents' eyes

This

They're good little cars. IIRC there was an SE model starting in 2000 that had nicer wheels, more powerful motor, and an LSD. Might be worth taking a look at. I think the SE-R was out around that time, if you can afford one it's worth the investment.

Would you mind taking a picture of your current rack so we can help you better? Is it the Xterra style, or low profile?

Bilstein?