01Pathmaker

yes please!!!

^^ what he said...

Garden hose will work just fine. I always try to stay away from the "cleaners" as they can be a bit too harsh on the assorted materials that make up our cooling systems.

That's why I love my sawzall! With a good metal cutting blade on it, I could cut through exhaust pipes (cleanly too) all day long.

...yet. Never hurts to be prepared for the unknown. Just wait, I've got a few goodies up my sleeve that will be added once I'm done with the maintenance/repair phase and can get going on the "build". Trust me, they'll be good for a chuckle if nothing else.

Purely pathetic! The wife and I have been casually looking at new vehicles for her (maybe in the next year or so we'll pull the trigger) and even she's at a loss. Thank god she refuses to be caught dead driving a minivan, we both hate all the new stuff out there, the only exception being the Xterra. Who knows, we may end up looking for a low mileage, well cared for R51 when the time comes. After looking around, it'll be a while before I'll be able to pry her out of her '01 R50...

Good find as long as it works as it's supposed to.

Good to hear as long as the rust is minimal, hopefully it was caught in time.

Recently replaced the accessory drive belts and tensioner/idler pulleys on my '01, tightened to well within specs and had the same issue. I had to tighten the belts up a bit more, then do it again after a few days of driving (due to new belts stretching). That's more than likely your issue.

Disregard the suggestion to change the timing belt, you state in the thread title that you have an '02, as long as that is correct, you have the 3.5 engine which has a timing chain (which requires no service as long as there are no abnormal noises). Since (I assume) you have an '02 with the 3.5, you can also disregard the distributor cap, rotor and plug wires, as these engines use coil-on-plug style ignitions. With 131k on the clock, my recommendations (in no particular order of importance) are: Coolant flush Air Filter Fuel Filter Spark plugs PCV valve Clean the MAF (carefully) Transmission fluid & filter Drain & fill Transfer case (assuming you have 4x4) Drain and fill front & rear differentials (also a good idea to make sure the vents are working properly while doing this) These are all fairly simple tasks that can be done as time and money allow.

Definitely great info, thanks! I'll probably jump in on the second run.

It's definitely a load sensing valve (as described by the Nissan parts breakdown as well), both my 96 & 01 have them. My thinking is that it shouldn't matter if I remove it, since with a lift or air bags it'd be rendered useless anyway.

The new exhaust arrived yesterday and is awaiting install (probably won't get time til the weekend tho), finished going through the brakes, aside from needing to be cleaned, lubed and adjusted, all looks good. I'm going to replace a few short sections of hard line cause they look a little crusty. Two questions: how important is the "load sensing valve"? The 2 lines going into it and one coming out are going to be replaced, but the bleeder on top of that valve is frozen solid, so thinking of just eliminating it. Second, what's the procedure for changing a rear axle seal? The driver side is weeping a little.

So if S4 is in, that makes only 1 more to go, correct? I've been going back and forth since you posted this up, I'll make a decision by the end of the weekend, but thinking it's likely.

Looks good fwiz! Almost identical to my '01, go slow and do it a step at a time, taking the time to think about exactly what you want and doing right the first time will make you and your bank account much happier in the end.

I wouldn't believe what jiffy lube told you, I've never heard of anything throwing a code for a radiator flush, or a fuel system cleaning. Either have a legit mechanic pull the code or get a parts store to pull the codes (several will do this for free) and do some research once you have the codes in hand.

Ahhh, nothing like a little redneck engineering, I like it!

Very stunning views and terrain! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Looks good! Creative and useful, I like it! I really like where you mounted the extinguisher and maglite, perfect utilization of otherwise wasted space. Probably going to do the same now.

Welcome! Sounds like you're on the right path...

My 96 has glass (seen some other early r50's with glass, some with plastic), my 01 (as with all facelifted r50's) has plastic.

Very cool idea, almost (dare I say) Jeepesque! Food for thought...

That is the resonator and it should be pointed a bit farther down. Check the connection just above/in front of the rear axle, very common spot to rot out and sometimes a small portion will still be attached causing the resonator assembly to twist. If no issue there, try (when it's cool) gently rocking the resonator and watch to see what moving and what's not.

Correct on the body and interior facelift, but as someone else said, the 3.5 didn't join the party until 2001. S4- Judging from all the pics I've seen of yours it looks to be an XE as it doesn't have the fender flares or fog lights and it does have the xe wheels.

I thoroughly agree with rebelord, all is relatively easy even if you're just slightly mechanically inclined. Just do your homework and take your time.