PathyGig12’s Build Thread

[PathyGig12]

3 hours ago, R50JR said:

I was wondering where you had gone. There are just a few of us that still post somewhat regularly. You should some photos of how your r50 is currently sitting. 

 

Those extended axles are 50/50. If you are not wheeling hard, they should work for you. 

Interesting, could you elaborate a little on the axles? 
 

I don’t do much hardcore wheeling these days but I’d still be a worried if there are documented durability issues. 

[PathyGig12]

 New axles installed and working well.

 

They look more robust than the old ones. I’m glad I did this when I did because one of my inboard Rockford boots had just torn. Still impressive that I got a few years out of them.

 

From what I’ve managed to read on the forums, the Trakmotive axles have a reputation for having issues when used in conjunction with spacer lifts. Something about hitting the strut. Other than that I haven’t found any claims of durability issues. If anyone has a story of these things busting with just a spring lift, let me know! Im hoping the extra range helps them last longer, both the boots and the joints.

 

 

 

 

Edited February 25 by PathyGig12

[M_a_D]

What front struts are you using?? do they give you at least 1.5"?? I have a 1997 and I have been doing more rock crawling than mudding since I have moved to the desert... I have Ironman 4x4 rear coils and that has givin me at least 1.5 to 2 inch lift, now I need the fronts... but finding anything nowadays is horrible.

 

P.S. I really like the front axles!!

 

Edited February 28 by M_a_D

[PathyGig12]

On 2/27/2025 at 6:13 PM, M_a_D said:

What front struts are you using?? do they give you at least 1.5"?? I have a 1997 and I have been doing more rock crawling than mudding since I have moved to the desert... I have Ironman 4x4 rear coils and that has givin me at least 1.5 to 2 inch lift, now I need the fronts... but finding anything nowadays is horrible.

 

P.S. I really like the front axles!!

 

I’m still running the KYB struts that I installed years ago with AC front coils (~2” lift)

 

Probably due for some new struts soon, maybe next year. 

[PathyGig12]

I’m trying to dig up info on swapping a manual transmission into the pathfinder because my auto is starting to act up finally. It was low on fluid and I added some thinking the problems would go away but I’m still getting a near stall condition pulling up to lights every once in a while. When it’s below 30 degrees it’s also having trouble locking up in drive when I first set off. 
 

Does anyone know what differences there are between the manuals and autos? I’ve heard the transfer case is identical but I’m not sure how that works with the AUTO mode dial selector for 4x4. Besides the obvious stuff like running clutch components, and possibly a different ECU, what else might I need to change over? Drive shafts? Sensors? Power valve delete?

 

I may have asked this before, can’t remember, but I’m starting to seriously look into it again. 

[R50JR]

39 minutes ago, PathyGig12 said:

I’m trying to dig up info on swapping a manual transmission into the pathfinder because my auto is starting to act up finally. It was low on fluid and I added some thinking the problems would go away but I’m still getting a near stall condition pulling up to lights every once in a while. When it’s below 30 degrees it’s also having trouble locking up in drive when I first set off. 
 

Does anyone know what differences there are between the manuals and autos? I’ve heard the transfer case is identical but I’m not sure how that works with the AUTO mode dial selector for 4x4. Besides the obvious stuff like running clutch components, and possibly a different ECU, what else might I need to change over? Drive shafts? Sensors? Power valve delete?

 

I may have asked this before, can’t remember, but I’m starting to seriously look into it again. 

 

Can't help you with your questions, but it sounds like a can of worms. I would personally get rid the of the Pathfinder and look for a newer model xterra.

[PathyGig12]

1 hour ago, R50JR said:

 

Can't help you with your questions, but it sounds like a can of worms. I would personally get rid the of the Pathfinder and look for a newer model xterra.

Maybe some day, but I’m looking to take this old girl as far as she’ll go. She still runs smooth as silk with minimal rust so I reckon I’ve got another 100k with her. 
 

Long term I’d love to import a 90s patrol but that’s quite a ways off lol

[M_a_D]

On 3/10/2025 at 12:21 AM, PathyGig12 said:

I’m still running the KYB struts that I installed years ago with AC front coils (~2” lift)

 

Probably due for some new struts soon, maybe next year. 

 

How do the KYBs do? Do you have numbers I can look up? Im in need of replacing my front end badly

[Slartibartfast]

On 3/10/2025 at 12:28 AM, PathyGig12 said:

I’m trying to dig up info on swapping a manual transmission into the pathfinder because my auto is starting to act up finally. It was low on fluid and I added some thinking the problems would go away but I’m still getting a near stall condition pulling up to lights every once in a while. When it’s below 30 degrees it’s also having trouble locking up in drive when I first set off. 
 

Does anyone know what differences there are between the manuals and autos? I’ve heard the transfer case is identical but I’m not sure how that works with the AUTO mode dial selector for 4x4. Besides the obvious stuff like running clutch components, and possibly a different ECU, what else might I need to change over? Drive shafts? Sensors? Power valve delete?

 

I may have asked this before, can’t remember, but I’m starting to seriously look into it again. 

 

@Lock manual swapped a VQ R50. I have not heard of anyone else pulling it off, so if you want to go that way, that's who you need to talk to.

[R50JR]

9 hours ago, M_a_D said:

 

How do the KYBs do? Do you have numbers I can look up? Im in need of replacing my front end badly

 

[commodorehat]

On 3/10/2025 at 3:28 AM, PathyGig12 said:

I’m trying to dig up info on swapping a manual transmission into the pathfinder because my auto is starting to act up finally. It was low on fluid and I added some thinking the problems would go away but I’m still getting a near stall condition pulling up to lights every once in a while. When it’s below 30 degrees it’s also having trouble locking up in drive when I first set off. 
 

Does anyone know what differences there are between the manuals and autos? I’ve heard the transfer case is identical but I’m not sure how that works with the AUTO mode dial selector for 4x4. Besides the obvious stuff like running clutch components, and possibly a different ECU, what else might I need to change over? Drive shafts? Sensors? Power valve delete?

 

I may have asked this before, can’t remember, but I’m starting to seriously look into it again. 

I downloaded this pdf guide for doing a manual swap a while back because I thought it might be something I try if my transmission goes out.  I can't remember where I got it or who made it, but its pretty detailed.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cOPtf2NZYrmooUEgqyvrg3WlZd0Er9w5/view?usp=sharing

[Lock]

On 3/15/2025 at 3:19 AM, Slartibartfast said:

 

@Lock manual swapped a VQ R50. I have not heard of anyone else pulling it off, so if you want to go that way, that's who you need to talk to.

I've been meaning to do a write-up of my conversion with photos, it's more involved than the VG33 (I used that doc commodorehat referenced above as a base). It just takes time to write and I'm busy/lazy.

I can say you can't put a manual with the full-time 4WD, it doesn't fit the back of the trans. Also the full-time computer needs the auto trans computer to work. So you'd need to convert to PT with a part-time transfer case, not impossible, but more work than starting with part time 4WD. Also if you have VDC/stability control I don't think it will work without these two computers.

You'll need a manual ECU, deal with NATS (I disabled it), and clutch assembly/parts, the rare flywheel, and some other pieces. 

I still have my auto trans which shifted fine before removal, I've been meaning to post for sale. If you wanted to stay auto, you could buy mine and put your fulltime backplate from your trans on it to fit the full time 4WD.

If I had a FT model like yours, I'd find a rusted out or blown-engine manual car, rebuild the trans if it needed it, and take all the parts and build up your car with them, it would be cheaper and everything would be there. I was just lucky that I had an SE with part time 4WD already and didn't need to many parts.

 

Edited April 26 by Lock