1998 Nissan Pathfinder R50 SAS *Pepsi*

[hotwod]

Hey guys,
My names Rod. I'm on a few of the other Offroad forums. Thought I'd post up some pics of my truck!!

So this is how "Pepsi" began. I got the truck from my mother in-law for Christmas. Needed to change the look a bit to get rid of the "Old-Lady" look hahaha (I hope she doesn't read that)



I moved up to the 2" lift with just springs and a leveling spacer.



I made a tube bumper to get rid of the plastic that got caught on overthing.



Then I moved onto the Sub Frame Drop



Just blocks, steering extension, custom rear coils, and shocks.



Then I moved on to 35's and rigged up a Winch bumper made for a Jeep XJ. Liked how small/light/out of the way it was (and cheap) hahaa




With the bigger lift, tires and winch I got brave (stupid) and started destroying stuff. So I looked for things that handled my "Courage". First was the alternator. Its a modified CS 130D (chev). The brushes are sealed from the elements. Normally used for confined Sailboat engine compartments. But worked AMAZING for mud/water. Also higher Amps then stock, 200 A.



I also moved my intake to higher ground after hydrolocking my engine.

[hotwod]

A little while later (and countless wheel bearings/CV shafts) I decided to start collecting parts for the SAS!!!

Axle, '88 Wagoneer Dana 44.




Spool, I love it!!! Amazing difference in traction.



4.88's to match up closer to the Nissan 4.9's. With install kit




Steering box from a '99 Dodge Durango



14" King coilovers 300/250. 15/10 Valving

[hotwod]

Now to stick it on the truck!!!

Locating the axle and Custom Crossmember





Mounted the shocks (above and below OEM strut mount)




Re-enforced the unibody for the steering box




Removed clutch driven fan/shroud. Replaced with an Efan



3-link Upper on the crossmember



Lower links

[hotwod]

Outer C gussets/Shock mounts



Steering



Pepsi back out of the shop



Next was the Beadlocks. Designed them in Autocad



Lazer cut and set on the wheels



Relocated the valve holes



Tigged em up on the rotatory




Chuck some balancing beads in and DONE!

[hotwod]

Then Came the snorkel. Used some Boat exhaust pipe to go from the Air box to the 3" exhaust pipe I used




And here it is as it sits now



I'm just on my way out to grab my 1998 Isuzu Rodeo Dana 44. To start my rear end swap!

[hotwod]

Rodeo D44!!!! And Spartan locker

[hotwod]

had a couple extra minutes, installed the locker



These things are so effing easy, why does National 4wd charge so much to install them?

[hotwod]

Burned the Radius brackets on the Plasma table.



Welded them up



Set them on the axle, ready for Mock Up Day!!!

[hotwod]

Here's the last view of the Nissan arse!!



And there it is... gone!



Radius arm/Spring mounts



Lower arms mocked up with the upper arms



Radius/spring mounts tacked with the lower arms all finished up.



Coils set in place



I'll have more tomorrow!

[hotwod]

A bit more progress today.

Got the Radius arm mounts all welded to the Lower control arm. I have to work something in for the johnny joint bushing end. AND THEY'RE FINISHED!!





And it looks like I'm gonna be using the same TYPE of shocks on the same upper mount as OEM

[hotwod]

A bit more progress today.

Got the Radius arm mounts all welded to the Lower control arm. I have to work something in for the johnny joint bushing end. AND THEY'RE FINISHED!!





And it looks like I'm gonna be using the same TYPE of shocks on the same upper mount as OEM

[hotwod]

Ok, got the rear end completed!!





I'm happy with the way it turned out!




New Stance


And new brake system... Got rid of the MC/ABS and most of the line



The ride control is soooo much better now that I don't have the broken rear control arm bushings. The brakes, wow, unbelievable difference!

I'll post the video of the rear end working on a mild offroad run, when I get out of this God forsaken province hahaha

[akley88]

this is the coolest r50 i have seen. thats a lot of work.

[hotwod]

Hahaha thanks! Pppfff 4x4 work= fun!

[akley88]

wanna do the sas on my r51?