Abbypathy Posted August 26, 2013 Share Posted August 26, 2013 Wondering if anyone else besides me has done a 6" SFD on the 97 Pathfinder. If so have you had problems with cracks in the frame where the rear bolts for sub frame bolt into the frame. I suspect the problem is putting in a 6" spacer between the frame and sub frame is to unstable. I am adding a lateral cross member that will join the spacers as one. Thus the spacers will not be able to twist in a lateral motion. I would think a 4" SFD is the max. you would want without adding a lateral cross member. Keep in mind on my pathfinder this created an extremely dangerous condition in which I figure within a short period of time I would have lost control completely while driving. In fact for the longest time I thought the bearing was loose on the passenger side front tire. I was getting a vibration at highway speed just like if you had a tire out of balance. Upon further inspection I found some serious cracks in both the sub frame and frame. So really want to warn you all of this issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nismotr Posted August 27, 2013 Share Posted August 27, 2013 At anything over 4" I think your money would be better invested in a waggy d44 sas instead, more capable and a whole lot safer than an sfd if it's done right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbypathy Posted August 28, 2013 Author Share Posted August 28, 2013 I am into the SFD for about $1400.00 . I don't know if a solid axle swap is possible with that amount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nismotr Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 (edited) I guess I must have misread your first post, doh. Edited August 30, 2013 by nismotr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96Pathfinder4x4 Posted September 24, 2013 Share Posted September 24, 2013 How are the CVs holding up? I would imagine you have quite the angle on your front axles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XPLORx4 Posted September 24, 2013 Share Posted September 24, 2013 How are the CVs holding up? I would imagine you have quite the angle on your front axles. The CV angle shouldn't be that much different with a 6" SFD than with a 4" SFD, provided that the strut tower extensions are also 6"... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96Pathfinder4x4 Posted September 24, 2013 Share Posted September 24, 2013 I don't think the strut tower extensions can go 6", can they? 4" was a bit tough getting in there. Figure with 6", it's gonna be under the fender... Pics? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbypathy Posted September 27, 2013 Author Share Posted September 27, 2013 (edited) I have manual lockers for the axle. And its strictly used on weekends and off road. Maybe 5,000 kms a year. No sign of wear yet. The angle isn't excessive, how ever more wear and tear will result. Guarantee that My sub frame spacers are 4 1/2" and strut spacers are 6". I wanted max possible clearance in the center of the axle. That's why the configuration is such. So CV angle is greater than normal. However got a nice clearance in the center and with the manual hubs and low mileage excessive CV Joint wear is manageable. Edited September 27, 2013 by Abbypathy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbypathy Posted September 27, 2013 Author Share Posted September 27, 2013 (edited) I don't think the strut tower extensions can go 6", can they? 4" was a bit tough getting in there. Figure with 6", it's gonna be under the fender... Pics? I found 6" for strut to be max'd out. Its was a bit of wiggling to put it back together Edited September 27, 2013 by Abbypathy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96Pathfinder4x4 Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 I would suggest carrying a couple spares and the tools needed to swap 'em on your next offroad adventure. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbypathy Posted September 28, 2013 Author Share Posted September 28, 2013 (edited) I would suggest carrying a couple spares and the tools needed to swap 'em on your next offroad adventure. I think XPLORx4 is right. In reality it isn't any different than doing a 2" lift using something like stiffer springs on the strut or 2" spacers. Not a bad idea to bring extra axles though. My pathy is fully loaded with tools, parts, shelter, food and anything else I can think of just in case. Edited September 28, 2013 by Abbypathy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fixinto Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Wondering if anyone else besides me has done a 6" SFD on the 97 Pathfinder. If so have you had problems with cracks in the frame where the rear bolts for sub frame bolt into the frame. I suspect the problem is putting in a 6" spacer between the frame and sub frame is to unstable. I am adding a lateral cross member that will join the spacers as one. Thus the spacers will not be able to twist in a lateral motion. I would think a 4" SFD is the max. you would want without adding a lateral cross member. Keep in mind on my pathfinder this created an extremely dangerous condition in which I figure within a short period of time I would have lost control completely while driving. In fact for the longest time I thought the bearing was loose on the passenger side front tire. I was getting a vibration at highway speed just like if you had a tire out of balance. Upon further inspection I found some serious cracks in both the sub frame and frame. So really want to warn you all of this issue. I read around here where another fella did a fairly large SFD and it was unstable. His solution, WELD that bad boy. Haven't visited the post in a while, heck i probably cant even find it, but i know his pathy was white and he wasn't state side. Beautiful country where he was though. Braces! ya sounds good to me. may even stiffen her up a bit in turns. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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