RainGoat

For the PNW Pathfinders, yesterday started as the Silver Pathfinder Emporium & developed into a full on SwinGateFest 2019. Thanks to @02_Pathy &[mention=39745]stpickens[/mention] and his Dad for coming up from Portland. Also, thanks to[mention=32880]ferrariowner123[/mention] for just stopping by to hang out. Most of all, thanks to[mention=37543]TowndawgR50[/mention] for providing the venue, expertise, product development, hard work and good cheer! It really couldn’t have happened without him.

For the PNW Pathfinders, yesterday started as the Silver Pathfinder Emporium & developed into a full on SwinGateFest 2019. Thanks to @02_Pathy &[mention=39745]stpickens[/mention] and his Dad for coming up from Portland. Also, thanks to[mention=32880]ferrariowner123[/mention] for just stopping by to hang out. Most of all, thanks to[mention=37543]TowndawgR50[/mention] for providing the venue, expertise, product development, hard work and good cheer! It really couldn’t have happened without him.

Just yesterday,[mention=39745]stpickens[/mention] and I were discussing the strength of the OEM step rails. We both have the simple slim black steps as opposed to the tube steps (‘02 & ‘03). He’s actually used them functionally as sliders, sliding along the step on breakover & protecting his rocker. Surprisingly little visual damage. I know[mention=36148]hawairish[/mention] isn’t happy with how the RRO sliders mount and he and[mention=37543]TowndawgR50[/mention] are working on slider adapters that utilize the stock step rail mounting points. I actually have had RRO sliders for about 9 months while I await their solution.

Yeah, I really like those SE grills.

Around here the snow is usually super wet & dense. It can pretty easily compact & high center you as compared to CO/NM/UT snow. I’m guessing AK depends on if your coastal or inland.

I actually appreciate their plastic bumpers. They can take a lot of grinding against underbrush without looking bad & the rear bumper step insert was genius as well-wish more trucks did that. They’re a tough looking truck!

NWers are terrible at snow driving. It drives me crazy. The most risky thing out there are the other drivers. Trying to creep up a hill, jabbing the brakes, abrupt turns, abandoning their cars (on off camber outside turns if they can find one)! Ugh!!

That looks great with that bumper & those lights!

Interesting. I hadn’t realized there was a variance in the Q grill. I like yours best.

It looks great! Here’s the build thread in case you weren’t aware of it. http://rockandroadperformance.com/plate-bumper-process/#comment-200

@Citron the Xterra’s stadium seating really works & provides an excellent view from the rear for your kids. Also you can fold the front passenger seat back flat to make a work area or open up the view. It’s a nice touch. The rear rubber cargo area is brilliant as well. I love the 2nd Gen Xterra’s looks - more so than the R50 but if I had bought my Pathy a couple months later I would own a 4th Gen T4R instead. Before I could commit to my engine rebuild, I went out & drove this in Marysville. It was an off-road with the locker - VERY tempting.

I didn't know about the seats thing. I love how the 4Runner's front seats can be scooted forward and then laid flat. -GX tumbles forward but takes up so much space my 5’ Mom couldn’t sleep there. Also makes a wall that’s almost impossible to crawl over into front seat. Only If you completely remove the 60% side might you fit. The 40% side is too narrow & leaves the wall. Personally I'd prefer a split hatch like an 80 series, but that's a different topic. -True, but you’re right, it’s the best. All the benefits of a swing up hatch but with a clean seat or work area. My hatch is always protecting me from rain, snow or even the sun, plus it’s easy to load. Ultimately, I realized the side swing was a deal breaker (plus it swings toward the CURB - yeah, that’s easy to unload, assuming other cars & gravity let you open it at all). Sorry, couldn’t help myself. [Now I am cognizant that I’m about to put a swingate which will present the same problem- the very same swingate that[mention=32880]ferrariowner123[/mention] removed for this very reason.] The ability to retract the rear glass on 4Runners is awesome though!

If you decide to go down the GX470 road let me know. I dug into them heavily the summer of ‘17. There is an excellent buyer’s guide on I8MUD. Personally, the side swing hatch was a deal breaker for me for several reasons. Plus it was for my Mom, who sleeps in her rig, & the tumble forward seats are terrible for that purpose. Much more but I’ll save it until you’re interested. Frankly, I admire them but it just didn’t work for us.

That is heart rendering!

Looks good! Is that Enjoi408’s old bumper?

Welcome! She looks to be in great shape. Make sure to get this repair done ASAP as it can cost you an engine. POWER VALVES http://www.nissanpathfinders.net/forum/topic/17104-threadlocker-on-power-valve-screws-pics/page-1

The headlights are H4/9004 which are a dual filament Hi/Low beam (60w/55w) in the U.S. Spec. I was unaware of DRLs in any R50s until your post. Our 4Runner just runs its 9005 high at a lower power & our MDX has a dedicated DRL but its also a 9005 at low power. I suppose there’s no reason the high filament in a 9004 couldn’t also be wired with a lower power for a DRL but that’s purely speculation on my part.

Probably not when you can buy them at a JY for less than $20

I’d say the miles don’t matter as much if you can find a SW Soccer Mom car.

Oh, didn’t realize that. Yep, you qualify as NW. I love Boise. I’ve explored alot around there, N, NE, E, NW, SW of Boise - quite alot now that I think about it. I have a buddy who lived in Meridian & has a cabin in the mountains W of Cascade. I think the Sawtooths are as lovely as the Tetons. Idaho is great country!

Well, you’re in the SW right? Branches aren’t going to be much of an issue for you. In the NW it’s incessant!

Having lived with my truck in the desert I get it but in the woods, it’s the R50’s slender profile & tapering top which are its greatest asset. Be sure to watch for those forward corners catching on branches (up here, I’m definitely considering limb risers once my rack & bumper are done). Definitely look at@hawairish recessed mesh-that was well done. I generally don’t care for those hefty SE side rails but his use of them was perfect & took advantage of those long elevated bars (something you can’t do with the adjustable LE load bars).

Welcome. There sure is ALOT of great InstaGram stuff with R50s from Lebanon. Great to have the diversity. I know we have som body from Indonesia & at least one from New Zealand. I think PCoA gets most of the Australians-that’s a good forum to watch as well.

Exactly so! Our ‘02+ LEs mount the spoiler onto a piece that is also the glass hinge. An earlier version mount independently outboard of that location directly to the hatch metal. I would use this system, however the deflector really just gets in the way of stuff on the rack. Especially if you’re putting on a full rack.

Why not just add bars in the slots of the current side rails. It would add functionality but keep the aesthetics & still be cheap. Here is an example on 5th Gen 4Runners. LFD Off Road Ruggedized Crossbar 5th Gen 2" wide x 1" tall http://lfdoffroad.com/catalog/ruggedized-crossbar-5th-gen http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/250438-alternate-rack-6.html