01Pathmaker

It looks to me that they attach the same way (comparing my 01 to my 96, both with original oem flares). I like the flares on the facelift r50's better, but you might have really sparked something here, I've never thought of trying them on the 96, til now...

Ticking could have also been valve train or lifter noise, as when left to sit for a while more oil drains down, then can take a while, especially if your a little low, to thoroughly coat the rockers and pump into the lifters (higher mileage engines more so than newer ones, as oil passages become more restricted, even on well maintained engines).

I've always used Purolator or Bosch filters (occasionally Napa Gold which is made by Wix, or mobil1) because they have high quality elements and the internals are all metal. Several of the major name brand filters actually use glued on coated cardboard for internal end caps, probably not all that big of a deal for these applications, especially when properly maintained, but I like the stronger construction for peace of mind. Quaint~ Purolator pure one filters also have a nice textured gripping surface.

That was a great way to kick off the season! I definitely think the living are more of a threat, as long as you can make them think you're more dangerous, ruthless and crazy than they are, most won't mess with you. Create yourself a fortified "base" in a secure location with good visibility, yet the place needs to not stand out. Also needs to be within reasonable distance to supplies, but far enough away as to not be noticed by others scouting for supplies. Kind of a "hide in plain sight" theory.

Not knocking the desire to use oem filters, but are they made with metal end caps inside? I know several aftermarket brands use cardboard or plastic, Purolator, Bosch and M1 use metal I've been using those for years with great results. Interesting though that oem has all these different part numbers, but aftermarket, same number for the 3.3 in my 96, 3.5 in my 01 and even the 5.6 in my Titan, go figure. Sure makes it much less confusing for me though.

Best way to see which spacers you'll want, mount the tires up then do your 2x4 test and measure from your sidewall to the edge of the wood. Easy peasy.

Finally, after months of chasing this issue, I replaced the tank gasket (actually an o-ring) and that was the issue! It's been 3 weeks now since I did it, no more gas odor, no more SES light and now when I loosen the gas cap the get gas I hear the "pssssss" again. It wasn't terribly hard to replace, just a bit frustrating, as the push-lock connectors used to connect the inner tubes to the base of the "cover" can be a bit troublesome to take off. For anyone having this issue and wanting to give this a shot, the Nissan p/n is 17342-01A00 - SEALO RING,FUEL GAUGE, my cost was $11.77, but list was a little higher, still well worth it though.

Sounds like you're talking about the inside (engine compartment side) of the strut tower, correct? If so, I'd think Nissan should be on the hook for that, as that IS the strut tower, just the side of it that most people would never see (or even think about). It would be pretty ridiculous for Nissan to deny that (though certainly believable) part of their inspection/repair process should encompass that area. I've never looked over the procedure (I probably will now though), maybe Nissan or your dealer either overlooked it or are banking on nobody looking at the "other" side and just repairing inside the wheel well, where anybody can see.

Wait a second! You're the guy with that Pathfinder listed on cl?! Been kicking the idea around of giving you a call, but I have to wait til my Titan sells to have any funds to put into yet another r50. What lift are you running in the one for sale? How far gone is the "frame"? Crazy that you're only about a half hr away from me (without the weekend traffic anyway).

Um, ok. Cops around here would be pulling that thing over all the time. Only zombie mod I've done to the 96 so far is added a ZORT spare tire cover. Future plans are for just enough lift to fit the near new 285/70/17 Terra Grapplers on Titan wheels, skidplates, bumpers, ample lighting, possibly a winch. When the zombie apocalypse becomes eminent, I'll add extra radiator protection, auxiliary fuel tank, a roof mounted swivel so my passenger/gunner can take care of certain issues by simply popping up through the sunroof, military style blackout lighting.

Nice work!

Sweet! That's the Canadian craigslist, right? Nice score! Looks like they'll be fine for trailer use even though they're worn, pick out the best 2 and you've got 3 spares!

Had a similar issue on my 01, road force balance helped quite a bit, but didn't totally cure it, wheel alignment helped more but again, not completely gone. Still get a slight shimmy in the wheel right around 65ish. Within the next few weeks I'll be replacing struts, mounts, shocks, full front brake job (pads and drilled/slotted rotors) and upgrading to MileMarker hubs. All this will require repacking wheel bearings and a new wheel alignment. Hopefully it'll all be gone after that.

Will be sweet indeed! Where'd you score those?

Oops! Looks like I fell right into fwizzles trap. :O

I like that! Any detailed close ups, side views, bottom? Very interested in possibly running with this idea. Nice xe titan wheels by the way, what size tires and are you running any spacers?

Tire wise, sounds like a true all terrain tire would even be to aggressive for you, Quaint made a great suggestion with the ltx's, might also look at the Yokohama ats or Cooper at3, I'm sure there are others as well, just can't think of them. These are tires that are pretty good in many areas you've mentioned, but keep in mind that there is no tire that will excel in all the areas you've named, so some comprimise will be needed.

Awesome find! Going to pick these up for the lower bolts and just some larger hardened washers to the uppers. I agree the original are probably fine, but I'm a big fan of overkill when it comes to securing things.

So just a quick update, haven't been doing much with it lately except driving it to and work, running errands, basic dd duty. Running quite well, drives great, and getting better mileage than my Titan. Only real problem is the release cable for the spare tire carrier snapped today, anyone have a part number for this? I searched on my Nissan parts software, but couldn't find the carrier anywhere.

Bolted mine up today under my 01, fit and finish are top notch! My only constructive criticism would be to use washers with larger surface area since the holes are slotted. I'm going to pick some up during the week and swap em in when I get a chance. My previous comments stand though, great work Steve! I'll be hitting you up for another one in a few weeks for my 96!

Man your ride is looking good, and serving you well I see! Love to see unlikely vehicles earning their keep. Love the plate, bolted mine under my 01 today (no pics though). Keep up the good work!

The 3.3 is not really a "powerhouse", but if you have a plugged cat it will definitely rob some power, the more clogged it is the less power you'll feel. I would try to see if it looks like the timing belt has ever been done. You won't have anymore worries about power loss if it is original and decides to give up, get the random misfire cured as that is likely contributing to your plugged cat, then either replace the cat or hollow it out.

Hahahaha! Only 2 more weeks til the new season starts! Woohoo! No Jay, 2" is the max lift spring compatible with the struts of an r50.

Yeah baby! Got mine too! Hopefully I'll have time to get it bolted up this weekend. Big kudos to Steve! Excellent workmanship, awesome service and a great price (I'm not easily impressed by products these days, but I'm very impressed in something as simple as a skidplate!) very glad to have found someone who still takes pride in what they put there name on. You sir have gained a customer for life.

At 130k you're 25k overdue for the timing belt, if it was never done, it's also a good idea (if nobody's been in there yet) to do the water pump at the same time as the timing belt. For those parts, don't skimp, go with oem, there is a guy in either the vendor or services section that is a Nissan parts dealer and gives good pricing (and great advice) to members of this forum. As for your leak, probably valve cover gasket, some have had luck just gently tightening the screws, but the right (passenger) side is actually very easy to change (only come in pairs though). For parts that don't need to be oem, I highly recommend rockauto.com, they're also in the vendor section, usually offer a 5% discount code. Basically, a good idea to stick with oem parts for timing belt, water pump, strut mounts/bearings. Most everything else can be replaced with quality aftermarket parts. This forum can be very helpful, so search away! Oh, and welcome to the Pathfinder family.