Trailsearcher

Yeah, I actually didn't realize how much it looked like my Pathy until I uploaded the photos. It's uncanny lol. I gave my friends a good scare with that one. I have no idea what happened to the Runner but it looks like a head on collision. No trails above so it wasn't a roll. Funny thing, on my way out a few hours later, a flatbed stopped by me as I was airing up. The trooper following him had to get on the horn and tell him I'm not the one.

Had a little fun over the holidays. Hope the New Year is going well for everyone. Oh and be careful out there lol.

So a bunch of things happened this past week. Let me start with the fact that I went to Pronghorn Trail to check out that steep hill... but from the ascending side. It is much much steeper than it looks in any picture or video. I've learned that this distortion of perspective is a common theme with trail shots. Long story short, the stupid side of me decided to try this rocky hill a couple times during this "scouting" trip (smh). I ended up with a small gouge on my rim and a long trip home with my tail between my legs. The guy in the Cherokee watching me was trying to talk me into some pretty ballsy lines. I didn't listen to him, I just didn't wanna keep trying with my ripped balljoint boots. I ended up talking to the guy about trucks for a while before I left, cool guy. I'll be back Pronghorn *shakes fist*. I changed my balljoints today as well. Thanks to Xplorx4 for the easy writeup. The other day I went to Rowher Flats OHV Park in Agua Dulce, CA. The place is pretty cool, I went exploring and found 2 random trails off the Vasquez Truck Trail. One was Lookout Trail, a double black diamond rating. I drove up to the first climb checked it out and turned around. Again, the pic doesn't do it justice. It's definitely close to 45 degrees realistically, and like most trails in this area, the majority of the roads are comprised of dirt and giant rock slabs. It's a little dusty right now but after it dries from a good rain there should be lots of grip. If anyone thinks they can tackle this, feel free to come down. A good front locker would probably do the trick, I'd be happy to show you to it lol. The second trail I spotted is Rowher Trail, the South side. It has a single black diamond rating. Its a very straightforward trail, not very difficult in terms of vehicle requirements but the road itself is pretty dangerous. It's a constant series of steep climbs with small straightaways in between and steep drop-offs on both sides the whole way. I read a story about three 19yo's in a Samurai trying to drive the trail after sunset, they made a wrong turn, drove off the steep embankment and rolled multiple times. Only the driver survived, his sister and friend both perished in the fall. It's a grim reminder that these places aren't theme parks and they should be taken seriously. With that being said, I feel like if I make sure the truck is in good working order before I try it, she should be able to make the climb. Definitely don't wanna do this one alone and definitely going to do it during the day. Here's a link to a video of this trail. Also, the guy at Pronghorn told me about Millers jeep trail in neighboring Los Padres Forest. It's located in Frazier Mtn. I did my research and guess what?!? It closes from Nov-Mar. every year... I have 2 days to go lol. Pretty sure the Finder can handle this one too. Man... I need to join or start a 4x4 club or something.

Awesome! Also thanks for the heads up. I was looking at the x-bulks on amazon and similar. Just trying to decide which color. I also want a hilift or a smittybilt jack, probably the latter cause its taller and cheaper. They aren't so useless if you have the right equipment. I was looking at these. I already have a 2 ton trolley jack and a wood plank in my truck and of course the stock tire change kit. What I really want next is a full size spare and an OEM rear tire carrier which I realized is pretty rare around here. Does carrying a spare on the roof effect the center of gravity noticeably? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00042KQ58/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_3?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/Hi-Lift-LM100-Jack-LM-100-Lift-Mate/dp/B00042KGWG/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3P2XOA9TR9MUL&dchild=1&keywords=hi+lift+jack+accessories&qid=1603329498&s=automotive&sprefix=hi+lift+%2Cautomotive%2C205&sr=1-3 I also want a snatch strap, one with elongation properties. Trying to decide between this off brand one with good reviews or the ARB one. The price difference is ridiculous though. I think I might be decided already. https://www.amazon.com/ALL-TOP-100-Nylon-Recovery-Strap/dp/B07593BS2G/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3PNPCM4RK4F94&dchild=1&keywords=snatch+strap&qid=1603165128&sprefix=snatch+%2Caps%2C216&sr=8-7 https://www.amazon.com/ARB-ARB710LB-3-1-Recovery-Strap/dp/B004P9C5H8/ref=sr_1_8?crid=3PNPCM4RK4F94&dchild=1&keywords=snatch+strap&qid=1603165128&sprefix=snatch+%2Caps%2C216&sr=8-8

Thanks! Yeah, I wanna run all those trails especially Big Bear. I wanna go but no one I know has an off-road setup. I haven't gotten my truck stuck yet and I don't want to be solo for the first time it happens. Definitely down to link up though! Need more 4x4 friends.

Side note, exhaust smells really rich sometimes at startup for a min or 2.

Knock Sensor is good, all electrical checks passed. I had 91 in there for the past week. Nothing. Tried to bang on the exhaust while cold, no rattle anywhere. The motor mounts and headers are so solid I can't shake anything to get a rattle out of it. Srsly considering renting a small jackhammer to put to the frame and reproduce the rattle. But since it only makes the noise under load who knows it that'll work? I also cleaned the afm and threw some injector cleaner in there. Nothing. Checked the damper, looks solid. I banged on it and nothing. I guess I can unseat it and wrap it up like you said, but I doubt it's the culprit. I'm leaning towards tranny or cats. The sound goes away so it's resonant, I'm guessing it's the cats. It would explain the sluggishness and inconsistent acceleration once in a while when I'm at WOT. I'd call it a very slight hesitation every 5-10 pulls in the powerband between 2-4k. Gotta wait a couple weeks before take it to my guy so he can fab up some test pipes. It looks pretty tight in there, anyone ever change cats? I wonder if it's straightforward or if things need removing. Extra theory... Exhaust leak at a flange causing the gasket to flap around at low backpressure. Couldn't see anything though, but that doesn't mean it's not leaking.

It is a manual... I'm checking this first thing in the morning.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I threw some injector cleaner and premium fuel in there. I only drove a few miles so far so I don't expect any results yet. I have an original hard copy of the FSM so when I have time I'll do the electrical checks for the knock sensor. It seems the previous owner bookmarked the knock sensor electrical check, ecm and different obd codes. Unfortunately no notes. I wonder if he was chasing this problem before me or if the sensor has been changed. Lastly I'll look under the truck for any loose clamps or a bad cat. I tried banging on the cats but the mounts were too solid and nothing moved. Any suggestions? I heard a jackhammer to the frame works but who keeps a jackhammer in their garage? Don't answer that... At this point I'm really leaning towards the cat being corroded or the transmission being damaged but I will try to eliminate the knock sensor first. The fact that the rattle goes away after 2k rpm is really throwing my diagnosis off though.

I already checked for codes, nothing so far.

I havent tried premium fuel yet. I'll try it and see what happens.

I've been dealing with this for weeks! Ripped off all the heatshields except the left bank one and both cat shields. Its a faint rattling noise between 1-2k rpm when I floor it (lug it) in 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Yes I know lugging is bad but, the sound doesnt sound normal. Goes away instantly between 1.8 and 2k rpm and on. Also, it only makes the noise under load, seems to be a resonance thing. I originally thought it was the tranny but it was rebuilt only 40k miles ago. Also, if it was the tranny wouldn't it be constant? Since my I already ripped off the shields my next guess would be cats? My theory is that the honeycomb inside is corroded and clogging the system causing rattling until the pressure buildup holds everything down. How common is cat rattle? The guy who sold it to me did say it failed smog once and passed after changing the o2 sensor. They look original. Also, I've never driven a vg33 before but I have driven a vg30 in a 300zx. This seems sluggish compared to it. But also I'm running 32" tires and this tranny wasnt geared for acceleration. Do the larger tires make that big of a difference? I feel like the engine loses torque after 3k rpm. Is this the normal powerband? Removing those cats look like a pita, please tell me I'm wrong. My second guess would be pinging? But, I would assume detonation would sound more violent.

Sweet! Yeah I'm down. Just lmk when the rig is up and rdy.

Went to 2N33, Pilot Rock Truck Trail today. It's about a 12 mile stretch along one of the highest ridges in the San Bernardino Forest. It's filled with multiple off shoots from the main trail that offers anywhere from beginner to expert level wheeling. It runs along Silverwood Lake in the beginning and you end up near Lake Arrowhead at the end. Extremely beautiful. I managed to make some friends in a pretty nice F150! Together we went up some of the more challenging off shoots, it was epic! I got some free pinstriping and even got spotted for the first time because I was afraid of rolling. We ended the trip with pizza at Lake Arrowhead Village and a beautiful view of the lake. On the way home we got a surprise, the Rim of the World Highway. Yes, its that high... Google it. 2N33, Pilot Rock Road, a sweet trail... minus the trash. I ended up taking home a bag full.

Actually nvm not a good idea given the current situation lol

Sweet! I can't wait haha.

It would actually be nice to have another vehicle along. All my gearhead friends are still into their track cars, I'm the first one to get into a 4x4. Is there a section in these forums for local meetups?

Actually, I just watched this on YouTube: The obstacle at the end of the video, is that your hill? I wonder if the Pathy can handle it...

Thanks man, definitely wasn't too crowded today. I can't wait for the 1st rains though. should make wheeling a bit easier. It is really dusty and dry out there right now.

So I went to Hungry Valley SRVA in Gorman today! I drove through a few green circle trails and found the 4x4 practice area. I spent a good hour or 2 there learning my truck. After that, we ate lunch and drove over to Rattler Trail, a blue diamond trail. It was awesome! The more I drive the truck through difficult terrain, the more I yearn for more advanced trails. I am assuming the LSD and brand new tires help considerably. The park is pretty big, I think the ranger said about 20,000 acres. Which doesn't include the fact that the park sits right on the Ventura County Line. The main road connects you directly to the Los Padres NF, right into a bunch of different trail systems and campgrounds. I didn't go in because I didn't have a map for that area and phone reception was bad too. Definitely going in next time. Exploration options here are more than enough, a pretty impressive place. All in all Gorman was really fun and beginner friendly. Sometime next week I'll come back here, do Pronghorn Trail, and take a few more pics along the way.

Hey, thanks! I finalized my wheel choice because of your youtube video. I recognize the custom tube bumper up front!

Thanks guys, I'll definitely check out Gorman soon. I'll probably be hitting Cleghorn Ridge next week too if they open it up.

Hi guys, I've had this Pathfinder for a few weeks now and I'm really impressed. I got a pretty good deal on this 97 with 191k miles. It's a base model with 4x4 and a 5 speed manual transmission. I'm the 3rd owner. The 2nd owner got the truck at around 50k miles and has kept a bunch of records since. I found a Nissan FSM in the trunk and the original owners manual in the glove. Inside the owners manual I found receipts for a complete drivetrain rebuild minus the engine. The rebuild was done at a reputable shop in 2010 at 150k miles. Inside the FSM, I found lots of different notes regarding the various things he's done to the truck. Since I've had the truck I changed the timing belt, water pump, cam seals, front main seal, radiator, hoses and all the associated gaskets. I replaced all the gear oils with Redline Synthetic. As for the lift, I threw on AC coils w/ KYB's in the front and Land Rover Defender 9447 springs w/ Bilstein 5100's in the rear. For wheels I went with Pro Comp Rock Crawlers in 15x8 w/ 3.75 BS and Falken Wildpeaks in 32x11.5r15. I even followed the previous owners example and recorded all the maintenance performed in the logbook. Just like at work. I live in SoCal. Because of the recent fires all our surrounding National forests and its roads are closed to the public. I haven't been able to off road locally for weeks! I'm getting tired of driving so far just to do beginner things. If anyone reading this is in the area and has experience with the local trails please let me know. Thanks!

Hi guys, I've had this Pathfinder for a few weeks now and I'm really impressed. I got a pretty good deal on this 97 with 191k miles. It's a base model with 4x4 and a 5 speed manual transmission. I'm the 3rd owner. The 2nd owner got the truck at around 50k miles and has kept a bunch of records since. I found a Nissan FSM in the trunk and the original owners manual in the glove. Inside the owners manual I found receipts for a complete drivetrain rebuild minus the engine. The rebuild was done at a reputable shop in 2010 at 150k miles. Inside the FSM, I found lots of different notes regarding the various things he's done to the truck. Since I've had the truck I changed the timing belt, water pump, cam seals, front main seal, radiator, hoses and all the associated gaskets. I replaced all the gear oils with Redline Synthetic. As for the lift, I threw on AC coils w/ KYB's in the front and Land Rover Defender 9447 springs w/ Bilstein 5100's in the rear. For wheels I went with Pro Comp Rock Crawlers in 15x8 w/ 3.75 BS and Falken Wildpeaks in 32x11.5r15. I even followed the previous owners example and recorded all the maintenance performed in the logbook. Just like at work. I live in SoCal. Because of the recent fires all our surrounding National forests and its roads are closed to the public. I haven't been able to off road locally for weeks! I'm getting tired of driving so far just to do beginner things. If anyone reading this is in the area and has experience with the local trails please let me know. Thanks!