tekazgtr1984

Really? Thanks for the clarification! That definitely makes me reconsider my stance on going ARB...

Yeah, I'm pretty sure they'd look just swell on the R50. I've heard that 3.75" backspacing on a 15x8 wheel running 33x12.5 tires is enough to clear the struts; when I first planned on going SFD I posted up a thread (which, for the life of me I can't find) regarding wheels and that was confirmed. Then I also read how it may not work... Which left me one confused and misled fellow... I'm going to take your advice and try the wheels and tires first. If it doesn't work, then I get to throw some money at spacers...

I'm pretty sure there is no '96.5 Pathfinder. As Pezzy posted, it would've been pretty illogical for Nissan to release a new generation Pathfinder in late '95 and then release another less than a year later. Based on what's been posted on here, I think you may be referring to the '99.5 Pathfinder, which was the first year the R50 was given its new front fascia and modified rear shock mounts.

Cool! Still gonna stick with the same wheels?

This is probably a dumb question but this type of locker is engaged full-time, correct? If that's the case, I'd prefer having the option of locked or open... This looks like a pretty decent combo... Rugged Rocks ARB combo <--- I like!

I've come to the conclusion that I'll just go with spacers so I can go with the wheels I want. These look pretty beefy and I'm always game to support fellow Pathy enthusiasts. Rugged Rocks 1.25" spacers This means I won't have to trim any studs and I can go with the BR Viper 900s!

Absoltely great pics! The rig looks sweet! Are you running the same wheels and tires as before the SFD?

Differentials are the same, too. AFAIK, the only difference in the rear would be the shock mounts.

Hope is bullsh*t... BR only offers backspacing on their steel wheels...

Nevermind... The website was non-specific but I got an e-mail from BR and they only offer their steelies with custom backspacing. Looks like I gotta go with spacers if I want to run the Viper 900s...

I may have figured out how to avoid using spacers... Wheel thread It sounds like this is doable based on BR's advice.

I think I've figured out what will work. Obviously, it'll be more pricy but I really don't care at this point. Black Rock Wheels offers custom fabrication for their wheels, so the Viper 900 is totally possible with custom backspacing! Black Rock Wheels Viper 900 Now I can *hopefully* avoid the whole wheel spacer dilemma and still get the wheels I want.

Yeah, keeping it simple is always the best option. And I wouldn't call that lazy. It's smart, if you ask me. I'm totally fine with getting 1.25" spacers as I have no issues with a wider stance. Especially with a lifted truck, the wider the better. However, a wide stance can lead to steering issues. I want to make sure I can clear 33x12.5 tires up front and keep the steering rub to a minimum.

Timing belt, water pump, front struts, harmonic balancer... I mean you could, in all fairness, give the whole truck a once over. Better to be thorough than not...

Thanks for fixing my bunk link. And I'm not sure what you mean by 'the warning'... Regarding trimming the studs? I'm wondering what I should do. I only need an extra 0.5" combined with the backspacing of the wheels I want (3.75") in order to achieve 3.25" total BS to clear the struts. That being said, would I be better off getting adapter plates to get that extra 0.5" clearance or getting 1.0" spacers and have to trim studs? This is more confusing than I expected...

Thanks for the input! The wheels I want have 3.75" backspacing so I'm thinking these might just do the trick: 1" spacers Hopefully, this doesn't make turning too hectic...

Just wondering where's a good place to find reasonably priced set of 4 of these. I might as well see if I can find these without blowing $330USD by going through AC... That's just ridiculous. If anyone can throw out some ideas, it would be much appreciated. Thanks!

I know there a few of us on here who tried this mod (myself included) and all it lead to was oil over the driveway. The sandwich plate for these kits is designed with the D22 VG33E in mind. That being said, the steering pump bracket on the R50 VG33E is pretty close to the oil filter and the sandwich plate doesn't seal up properly. I've still got my kit and am thinking the best option would be either a custom sandwich plate or to modify the one included in the D22 kit so that it can clear the bracket. In any event, best of luck and keep us posted!

Yeah, these guys look like they know how to have fun.

Yeah, I'm beginning to think spacers might be a good option. I did find these though... (15x8, -32 offset=3.25BS) link Too bad it's only a single wheel...

Hey hey Pathy people, I'm looking for the right wheels to fit my rig once I've got the SFD ready to go. I thought I had the right wheels picked out but as it turns out they don't have sufficient backspacing to fit 33" tires. To that end, I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to what wheels might be ideal. I'm looking for 15x8, preferably alloy (but steel is just fine), in either black, silver (or chrome), or a combination of black/brushed silver. The backspacing would be have to be 3.5" or less, 3.25" would be best. I'm researching as best I can online but so far no luck... Thanks in advance!

You're absolutely right. It would be a pretty extensive job, not to mention you'd need to explore relocation of other hardware to fit a dual cam engine in the R50 engine bay. I tinkered with this idea back in '09, and even after sourcing a donor motor (JDM VG30DETT), I was told this type of custom job would be too pricy. Not to say it isn't possible; I don't think the end result would be worth the time, money and energy. Hell, I would drop in a RB26DETT but that's just me... A custom turbo kit for the VG33E would be a more practical alternative and far less pricy. Failing that, you could look at swapping in a VG33ER from the D22 Frontier/Xterra or a QD32ETI turbo diesel from the JDM R50 (Terrano). If you do decide on going balls to walls, just make you post it all!!!

No, I won't. 5.5" lift all around; just the rear is gonna be custom. Okay, I had a feeling 4" BS wouldn't be sufficient. Hard to find a decent 15x8 wheel with 3.25" BS...

This build never ceases to amaze. Truly, a most epic job.