Yet another Build thread

I need a cool name like "the pantyfinder" for that pathfinder... any suggestions?
Pathfinder nickname: ???

In Apr 2021, I was finally lucky and found a nice-to-me V8 pathfinder with NO rust:
topic21032.html

I also had an Xterra and it had taken all my attention,
but now I feel like the Xterra has reached its peak,
and I am focusing my attention on the Pathfinder.

Full Set of Skid Plates:

You all know the HeftyFab full set of Skid Plates for the Xterra.



Nisstec lists a set of Pathfinder Skid Plates (from HeftyFab) on their website,
but Chris Hefty was not aware one existed! Haha!

I ordered another full set of skid plates for the Xterra and after some modifications,
I am happy to report that my 2010 Pathfinder is now fully skid plated:

The Radiator, Engine and Transmission skid plates mount as-is on the Pathfinder





Using an angle grinder, I had to notch the side of the Transfer Case skid to allow for an early exit of the exhaust pipe:







Finally, the Gas Tank Skid is the most involved.
First it requires two cuts to clear the rear suspension mount and the sway bar:



It is held by mounts on the four corners.
The two corners closer to the engine are bolt-on and require no modifications.

For the one closest to the rear differential,
HeftyFab's first version was using the gas tank strap bolt, which could have worked on the Pathfinder. However HeftyFab.com decided to "improve" their mount by using an existing nut welded in the cross-member.
That works great on the Xterra, no need to hold the gas tank and mess with its strap.

However the Pathfinder does NOT have that nut welded in the cross member.
Chris Hefty from HeftyFab is not interested to support the Pathfinder platform as it's too small.
It's easy to modify the bracket when you have a welder: cut it and re-weld it at 90 degrees.

Finally the fourth bracket, the one closer to the driver-side rear wheel needs to be completely redone as the subframe mount now takes its place:

Here is how is it on an Xterra:



And here is the bracket that "Fabrications Unlimited" in Alviso, CA built for me:


So, with some modifications, the Xterra Skid Plate Set can be ported to the Pathfinder.

An alternative would be to order the set of skid plates from 4x4parts in Florida.
They advertise one specific for the R51 Pathfinder:
https://www.4x4parts.com/i-18979861-pat ... plate.html


(if you want to see a larger version of the image, right-click and choose open image in new tab to get the full size version.)

I suspected an Xterra skid plate kit might fit the R51 given that they are both Nissan F platform.
Its good to know someone on this website has actually done it though

Today, I did the hatch strut modification.
I was tired of that hatch taking its sweet time to open,
and being too low when fully open (I hit it with my head sometimes).

Our Xterra buddies have a choice of 150lbs or 175lbs (good with a ladder bolted on tailgate) struts from McMaster Carr.

I've installed on my Pathfinder:
2 x 9416K28 in 225 lbs force.
https://www.mcmaster.com/9416K28-9416K149/
and 4 long ends:
4 x 9416K75 (length 1.18")
https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/128/1397

If you do not want your tailgate to reach for the sky, use 4 short ends (or a mix of long / short):
4 x 9416K79 (length 0.75")

If you prefer your tailgate to not try to slap you in the face while going up,
or like to close it effortlessly, get the struts in 200lbs force.
That's closer to the OEM struts that seem to have a 184lbs force.

Here is the length difference when using long balls on each end of the struts:


I've gained 8 inches above the previous struts:


My tailgate now sits at 81 inches from the ground:


Hope that helps somebody.

I have been preparing for several weeks now to be ready to tackle my 3D puzzle.
I'll start tomorrow on it.

So excited !

Thanks for the share and confirm the skid plates would fit.