The Nissan Path

I find myself back in a Pathfinder. I had 1995 SE(might have been a 94, or a 96, I can't recall...), and I liked it very much. But it got too rusty and I sold it.
I traded my 2001 Durango in on a 2010 Pathfinder SE this weekend and so far I am really digging it.
Although the engine is a smaller V6, it is not lacking power, great pick-up.
I miss a couple of things that the Durango had, like the built-in programmable garage door opener, that had a cardinal direction indicator. The cushier seats, and a WAY better stereo (I had put in several upgrades, new head unit, much better speakers, woofer). So there are definitely some upgrades in its future for Pathy.

I read that there are several recalls for this year, so I am gonna take it to the Dealer and have them give it a once over and make sure they have all been done, or get them done.

Many of the dash buttons are kinda sticky, not to the touch, but when I press them, they stick in place, spray with electrical cleaner?

What is a good choice in for an aftermarket stereo? Do they keep the screen functionality, or augment it, tie into the engine diagnostic to display stuff from that?

Anyway, thanks for letting me in!

~John

Welcome, John! Enjoy your R51!

As far as the built-in garage door opener and cardinal direction indicator, the original owner optioned a mirror like this from the dealer when my PF was new, which has outside temp in addition to the compass and other functions, look aftermarket/used for cheaper options: http://parts.nissanusa.com/nissanparts/ ... &siteid=14

For recalls, maybe just look up your VIN here, it might save a trip to the dealer: http://www.nissanusa.com/recalls-vin#/

Great links, thank you. $577 for a new mirror.... I'll definitely be looking at aftermarket there!
Does the air ride you have listed maintain, or make better (or worse) body roll?
Can you lower the ground profile and get better mileage on the highway?


~John

The Airlift 1000 is a must have on our R51s, IMHO. Keep them inflated to 25psi all the time, no more rear sag. increase to 35psi when towing.

Great, glad they were helpful.

Yep, that is a costly mirror!!!

I definitely agree with Terry, the Air Lift is a must have. Affordable to buy and installation is easy if DIY and affordable if not. No drilling or other permanent changes are required. Look for the install threads on here to get some good ideas to use or pass on to your mechanic to speed/ease the process.

Once it's installed, try different pressures and see what suits you best. For my suspension (lifted) and tire combo, with a decent load in the back (though not towing) and just me or me and 1 passenger, I've found 15 psi to be optimum. Definitely increase pressure when towing/carrying a heavy load. It certainly doesn't worsen body roll, that's for sure. In my case, it helped decrease it and synch up the behavior of my front and rear suspension.

Here's a link to the proper Air Lift 1000 kit for the R51: https://www.airliftcompany.com/shop/60810/. There are various threads on here about install. Most agree dual lines are best. I mounted my fill valves to the right of the trailer hitch, partially concealed by the bumper on an L bracket. Easy to fill, but out of the way. Saw the mounting idea here on the forum.

I haven't researched this, but based on experience, lowering would be very unlikely to result in any significant fuel savings. I've found the engines in both my R51 and the first gen Xterra (both 4x4 V6's, the X was a stick) I had before it to be pretty thirsty for fuel. But, maybe ask some of the lowered PF owners about their experiences. Edit: Maybe you're asking if the Air Lift allows lowering for highway use, etc.??? No, it doesn't. Deflating the bags to the minimum pressure (5 psi) would return your PF to normal ride height and spring behavior, but not lower it any. A true air suspension for performance/show cars, like this that Air Lift also makes, would be able to do what you describe, albeit at a high cost and not sure about PF compatibility: https://www.airliftperformance.com/?utm ... mpaign=ALC.

That Air ride looks pretty sweet, I thought it was going to be a lot of money, but it is inexpensive. After downloading the manual, I understand how it works.
My first priority is upgrading the stereo, it is not good at all.
I guess the way it looks, I'll need to use the lower cubbyhole to add a head unit, new speakers all the way around, and a sub.
Do any aftermarket double din units go in using the display, and augment it, maintaining things things like tire pressure, mileage, etc?

You'll probably have to get some info from a later model owner about that. Earlier models like mine (I believe 2008 was the cutoff, but don't quote me on that.) don't have TPMS info displayed other than a warning light. Also, sounds like you have a nav screen?

In the meantime, maybe check around the forum and also places like Crutchfield to see how to upgrade to maintain full compatibility with everything.

Here's some info about a radio swap: http://www.thenissanpath.com/viewtopic. ... 9edd98828e