vengeful

The following is adapted from 6 months of research and numerous conversations with 4x4 Connection owner James Asti and many 4wheeling enthusiasts. As far as what kind of winch to get, there are advantages and disadvantages of both hydraulic and electric. However, I'll touch on that a little later once I cover some of the other basics. I've been looking at, and comparing different winches for about 6 months now. I'm taking my time and trying to find the best possible winch for my application, because, well, I don't even have a bumper yet. I've looked at all the typical brands, and some not: Ramsey, Superwinch, Warn, Milemarker, and Harbor Freight. Of those winches, I was looking primarily at the 9000-9500lb range. Those that fit into that are the Ramsey Patriot Series, the Superwinch EPi 9k, the Warn 9.5ti, the Milemarker 9000 and the Harbor Freight Cheapy 9000. My reasoning behind choosing a 9000-9500lb winch is simple. Twice the force of the vehicle weight is more than adequate to winch yourself out of most any stuck, and if need be, you can winch with another truck winching you if you're REALLY stuck. As far as mounting situation, I looked at several options. An externally mounted winch on a full winch bumper, an internally mounted winch on a full winch bumper, or a front receiver mounted winch. All of them have their advantages and disadvantages, just like the different winches. Of course, cost is one factor that the reciever wins out on. It is simply a lot less expensive to fabricate. However, strenght is not one of its strong points, pun intended. They are not tolerant of angled or side pulls, and they do not have the surface area of the winch plate to distribute the force. However, the winch is removable (a big plus in certain climates and neighborhoods), and you can run wires to the rear for rear winching. It is not realistic to run a hydraulic winch with a receiver. The external and internally mounted winch bumper winches, are the same as far as strength goes, but with the externally mounted winch, you can get an electric winch with an integrated solenoid (Superwinch EPi, which is able to be run under water as long as the connections are sealed). The problem with mounting your winch here, is it is fully exposed to the elements, natural and criminal. With an internal winch mount, is it not possible to use an integrated solenoid electric winch, because of space limitations, which eliminates the option for underwater use. However, it is better protected from the elements, again, natural or criminal. The only problem that I see with an internally mounted winch is when mud gets into the bumper it is very hard to clean out. Now that I've sufficiently tangented for 15 minutes, it's time for the Hydraulic vs. Electric argument. (Is it just me or is this starting to sound like a lecture?) Anyways, the obvious advantage to the hydraulic winch is underwater use. Since it is not electronically driven, all hydraulic winches are able to be used under water. However, a hydraulic winch is substantially slower than an electric winch, and the vehicles motor must be running for it to be operational. There are also many, many weak points to the hydraulic power steering systems on today's vehicles, as well as the hydraulic system in the winches. I have seen hoses blow, valves give out, solenoids blow, you name it. And, if any of these occurs, then you're stuck (well, I guess you already were if you were winching, but, now you're really stuck). On the other hand, with a hydraulic winch, the power delivery to the winch is more consistent, meaning that it doesn't matter as much how much line has been pulled out, the winch will still draw at the same speed and very close to the same power. With an electric winch, though, I feel that the advantages of the electric winch outweigh the advantages of the hydraulic winch, UNLESS, most of your off-road driving is done near or in water/deep mud. If you regularly dunk the front end of your truck, I cannot recommend purchasing an electric winch, because 99% of them will not work under water. As stated above, Superwinch has just released an integrated solenoid electric winch, that, when sealed properly, will work partially submerged. However, for the rock crawler, average trail runner, an electric winch is the way to go. They are much easier (and less messy, no hydraulic fluid to worry about) to install. They are generally quite a bit faster than the hydraulic winch, especially during feed or unladen draw. However, I feel the greatest advantage to the electric winch over the hydraulic winch is that the engine does not need to be running to run the winch. It will go strong until there isn't enough juice left in the battery to run it, which, depending on the winch you get and the battery setup you have, can range quite a bit in time. When I get my winch and bumper, I am going to have a clone of the Shrockworks bumper for the Xterras made for my Pathfinder, and mount a Warn 9.5ti in it. I decided on that bumper, because not only is it very strong, I think it looks great. I chose the Warn because I've heard nothing but great reviews about Warn and have never had a problem with a Warn product in the past. Also, I've got experience with that particular winch, and liked it a lot. I decided to go electric, because I have an upgraded alternator, and I just purchased 2 Optima Yellow Tops and an Isolator for a dual battery setup, just haven't gotten around to installing it yet...You know...lazy...Heh. Well, I'll be...this turned out to be almost a book. Hope this post helps you all choose the right winch for ya...

I mounted mine directly to the Radiator with the supplied clippy jobs. Since it is in line with the Rad and AC Condensor, and subsequently fan, you do not need another one. The easy part is mounting it, as they usually come with long zip-tight cable clips, and you can just stick it in front of the AC condensor. The hard part comes when it comes to connect the lines. You will want to connect it in series, AFTER the stock cooler (which is part of the radiator.). I don't remember exactly how I got the fluid into the cooler, but it's a similar process to flushing the transmission, just use the new lines. Connect the line from the factory cooler to the new cooler, then use the line that's coming out of the and add some vacuum to it and pull fluid into the cooler, and then connect it to where the factory line went into the transmission. Took me about a half-hour because I spent 10 minutes staring at my front end trying to figure out where to mount it. And the difference is amazing...my console used to get hot to the touch after driving for a long time, but now it stays ambient. Also, you'll want to get the biggest one you can find that will fit...mine is 24".

Search... sssh

You've got a PM.

Hahaha....When I ran the carfax, I found that mine was sold originally in Arizona, then retitled in NY (still original owner), and then I bought it 6 months later...wierd, huh?

Damn..Spokane, huh? I was up there once a LOOONGGGG time ago, I dont have a clue why though.

I can only imagine you walking through a Target...LMAO...

Currently, there are no drop pitman arms available for Nissans. However, there are reinforced and modified ones available through a few different vendors... L&P Performance has the least expensive steering solution, and it is wonderful. http://www.lpperformance.com Next would be Calmini - excellent quality, but very pricey: http://www.purenissan.com I don't recall if SLR has a steering system out for the D21s or not, but I do know they have great stuff for Xterras...worth a look: http://www.spencerlowracing.com Also, Automotive Customizers (AC) has a steering system: http://www.4x4parts.com That would be the order in which I would buy them, assuming they are all available at time of purchase. Also, Phil (of L&P) is very open to suggestions for new parts, and I'd be willing to bet he'd be willing to attempt a drop pitman at some point. However, they only currently offer Double Sheer Pitman and Idler arms for use with their upgraded Centerlink. (Which I would highly recommend purchasing since you've got so much lift on your truck, already.) Good luck.

Where in the Southeast are you? Check out the Nissan Offroad Association of the Southeast at http://www.noas4x4club.com. Also, there are quite a few OHV parks and areas throughout the region. Tellico Uwharrie National Forest Coal Creek OHV Just to name a few. I'm located in Northern Virginia (near DC), and if you're local, I can show you to some pretty tame trails in the George Washington National Forest... I'm always looking for an excuse to go out, anyways..hehe. (That offer stands for anyone in the region as well.) Oh, and congrats on the new truck! I'm sure you'll love it!

It works very well, actually. Opens up a window when you click submit and checks the post for errors and highlights them...you can opt to disable it individually though.

Yeah, I hear ya on the cost of living, its outrageous!...I'm used to the traffic by now though, so it doesnt really bother me that much. But, if you're ever back up here, lemme know and we'll head out to GWNF, sometime.

Measuring from the wheels and getting different heights, means you have uneven tire pressures and no more. To check for ride height, you have to measure from the body.

Probably would be the same...I looked at the mounts before I went, but forgot how many holes there were.

For Spellcheck software (if not included with this), check out http://www.spellingcow.com

Did you just fill your gas tank, or put something on that side of your truck? The extra weight may be the cause of your issues...with my tank full, my drivers side sits about 3/4" lower than the pass side....

Does anyone remember how many bolts there are for the 4crawler sliderz? I found 19 between both Home Depots...hoping that'll be enough.

Actually, the new Xterra is closer to the WD21 Pathfinders than the R50s.

Damn...that sucks....Tampa, eh? What possessed you to move there? DJ, where are you located?

YES!!! THAT WAS IT!!! I knew I recognized that truck from somewhere....We definitely should hit some trails sometime! Did you, or do you, work at, or have some work done at, that little garage on the southbound side of Lee Hwy as you're getting into Falls Church (I think its called All Tune And Lube or something along those lines...)? I seem to recall seeing your truck over there a few times. Hehehe..."barked your Flowmaster"...hahaha...that cracks me up...

7 MONTHS!!!! His name isn't Mark is it? (most of you who have been around a while should know what I'm talking about...think botched SAS x2). I would be FURIOUS...there is no excuse for him to have had the truck this long...this is pathetic. He is a waste of life. I would be there EVERY SINGLE morning and evening getting on his case about, when is my truck going to be done? Sounds like you are getting the royal shaft man. Sorry to hear it, but you need to cut bait and find someone RESPONSIBLE to do it...he may be reputable, and may do good work, but if he doesn't have the responsibility to get the job done, then he's no good to you. And as for your mother, she's definitely got her priorities all out of whack. I don't see how anyone can put a friend before their own son.

Is there a picture of this? I'm intrigued...

I LOVE Canaan! I used to go Skiing out there all the time when I was a kid. I didnt even know there was a trail out there.

Yours is special, too Ryan...just needs a little more work to be Extra-special...

No, I bought them used from a guy who sold his Pathy but never wheeled it, and he used the stock hardware and reinstalled his step rails before he sold it....so no hardware.

Turn off your caps lock...PLEASE...