Future R51 owner
Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2015 9:22 pm
Hello Pathfinders!
I'm going to be in the market for an R51 in 2016, and I'm hoping to collect some ideas and research well beforehand.
I currently have an overbuilt 2002 Xterra, and I'm an active member on XterraNation and ExpeditionPortal.

The Xterra has been really good to me, but my family is growing and I want to focus on creature comforts more than being overdone.
I'm looking at the V8 instead of the V6; the extra power is desired after my many years of having the under-powered 3.3L on the Xterra, especially when traveling with camping gear.
My goals for the R51 will be:
-All-terrain tires (stock size or close to it)
-Suspension enhancements (not necessarily a lift, but I need to help the suspension to carry lots of gear)
-ARB front bumper
-Small enhancements - CB radio, Thule crossbars, lighting upgrades, rear dog barrier, etc.
I've been reading as much as I can, but a lot of this is a new market for me. The 2002 3.3L is easy to work on, and the IFS suspension with rear leaf springs is easy to upgrade. I'm trying to get more familiar with the springs, coils, and all that jazz, but could use some pointers.
I know about the radiator bypass on the 4.0L V6; is there anything like that with the V8? Any other major issues?
I'll continue reading back through all the threads on here to get a better idea of enhancements and upgrades for the truck; in the meantime, looking forward to gaining some knowledge!
I'm going to be in the market for an R51 in 2016, and I'm hoping to collect some ideas and research well beforehand.
I currently have an overbuilt 2002 Xterra, and I'm an active member on XterraNation and ExpeditionPortal.

The Xterra has been really good to me, but my family is growing and I want to focus on creature comforts more than being overdone.
I'm looking at the V8 instead of the V6; the extra power is desired after my many years of having the under-powered 3.3L on the Xterra, especially when traveling with camping gear.
My goals for the R51 will be:
-All-terrain tires (stock size or close to it)
-Suspension enhancements (not necessarily a lift, but I need to help the suspension to carry lots of gear)
-ARB front bumper
-Small enhancements - CB radio, Thule crossbars, lighting upgrades, rear dog barrier, etc.
I've been reading as much as I can, but a lot of this is a new market for me. The 2002 3.3L is easy to work on, and the IFS suspension with rear leaf springs is easy to upgrade. I'm trying to get more familiar with the springs, coils, and all that jazz, but could use some pointers.
I know about the radiator bypass on the 4.0L V6; is there anything like that with the V8? Any other major issues?
I'll continue reading back through all the threads on here to get a better idea of enhancements and upgrades for the truck; in the meantime, looking forward to gaining some knowledge!