i wanna go trail riding but first?

[jcalifas]

Hey guys im new to the pathfinder expierience so here is the info. I bought a 95 pathy and swapped the tranny do to whirl noise new trans fluid, oil, oil filter, open cone intake filter, new diff fluid, all new 31s incl spare. going to change out the auto hubs for manual locks. thats about it so far everything looks solid, so now my question... I go camping in the sierra nevadas and need to know what else i need to be able to do light trails, moderate dusty hills, and maybe light water cross? i know how to off road but love to here suggestions for this truck too, but my main concern is not getting stuck in the mountains so any stock upgrades that i need to do please let me know. thanks oh also any parts i may need on hand.

[Trogdor636]

For light and moderate stuff you sound like you are on the right track. My only advice is with a open cone filter be careful with water crossings, even light ones.

[pathybuilder]

You can offroad light to moderate trails in a stock pathfinder with very little modifications. Make sure you have tow points front and rear (factory tow hook in the front and a receiver hitch in the rear works well). Go with another vehicle so if you do get stuck or break something they can get you out. Over time you'll learn what other modifications are necessary.

[nismothunder]

A come-along and some straps plus a tire repair kit and I would be hitting the trails. A better jack then the stock one as well.

 

Check the ball joints and TRE's for any play. A Hooahh center link could be another up grade since the stock ones seem to be the weak-link. Although I never had any problem with mine.

 

If you dont drive like a dork you should be fine.

[RedPath88]

new trans fluid

 

The first thing that comes to mind while reading your post is..

 

What type of transmission fluid did you use? GL4, GL5, GL4/GL5, etc ?

 

If you used anything but straight GL4, change it asap!

 

If you did use straight GL4 then

[Towncivilian]

Adding to the fluid type concern above, you likely need to overfill the trans too. See this topic.

[jcalifas]

Thanks guys. Ya I used 75-90 which was recommended by the orielly system and Lucas but please let me know if I should change it now. I used to have a jetta and used the recommend coolant they gave me and the heater core exploded so let's not have that again I learned the hard way! Also if I should then where do I get gl4? Also I want to know for sure about overfilling it, if I do I think I will jack the fill side up to get a bit extra in there. Thanks for the help and I will watch ur replies for sure.

[RedPath88]

You need to find out what grade it is GL4 or GL5. It is is GL5 or "GL4 Compatible" replace it asap! If you can't find the spec, then play is safe and replace it asap!

 

Check the manufactures website for details too. This is extremely important, as GL5 will destroy the soft metals and you’ll be doing another trans swap if you don't correct it (if needed) soon.

 

From the last paragraph of the first post from the link Towncivilian provided above:

Final note, do not use any gear oil rated GL-5 in the Nissan manual transmission. It says in our manual to use GL-4, and there is a difference. GL-5 oils have additives that destroy the soft bronze synchros in our transmissions. I use Red Line MT90, and it works very well.

 

madkiwi

 

I to had to replace mine for the same reason you did. I also used the Redline MT90 (which is straigh GL4) that madkiwi mentioned and have 10's of thousands of miles on it since, with no problems.

[Slartibartfast]

IIRC most people pour the extra fluid in through the shift linkage.

 

I'd bring a piece of wood to put under the jack... can't count on the trail to support a jack, especially if it's the wimpy stock bottle jack.

[jcalifas]

Well I swapped fluid to royal purple to everyone it says on the web sight that it Will Not corrode brass or. Copper and soft metals. I got 5 qt in there but Chilton says 7.3 qt so will try to shifter fill later. Thanks for the heads up cause that would suck rebuilding the thing again! Ne ways Ne other good advise I'm all ears lol!

[Towncivilian]

7.3 quarts? You sure that isn't pints, or for the auto trans? Seems like a little much. The TSB states the revised capacity is 5.1 liters, or 5.38 quarts.

Edited June 10, 2012 by Towncivilian