All about my 2004 Nissan Xterra

Just a quick over view of the modifications on my 2004 Nissan Xterra. Suspension lifts, body lifts, armor, tires,, and all sorts of goodies.

[@vermontvermont9292]

You should go through and paint all the suspension/frame etc with por15 or similar product. Looks good, and protects.

[@XterraRob]

I have heard good things about POR 15

[@MrHellfinger]

Your steering mods are strong. I'm taking notes here. Thanks for posting this video!

[@XterraRob]

+MrHellfinger thanks for watching and commenting! Glad you found a few things noteworthy!

[@0riginall337]

My powersteering on my xterra is shit

[@XterraRob]

Thats no good. What seems to be the problem? What year xterra?

[@0riginall337]

Xterra Rob 2004, it is leaking fluid and it has alot of problems with the suspension. Just replaced the bushings, new shocks, and new balljoints

[@0riginall337]

Also my gas pedal started vibrating when I accelerate and i also desperately need a front alignment

[@SeanOMatic]

Amazing Xterra. I've got to redo the suspension on mine.

[@XterraRob]

Thanks for watching!

[@ballejosRB11]

I got those matte love those

[@XterraRob]

Awesome thanks for sharimg!

[@ticoalochancho]

She's gorgeous

[@XterraRob]

ticoalochancho hey thanks for watching ! do you have an xterra too?

[@plutosforest]

Might get one tomorrow... To me they seem like poor man's 4runners but I'm poor so I guess it's all good.

[@XterraRob]

I bought mine because I didn't want to spend an extra 2k for a used 4 runner of the same age and capability. Youre not wrong!

[@plutosforest]

@@XterraRob my thoughts exactly. I found an 03, 213,000 miles, two owners and squeaky clean record. Will aim to get it $3,000 out the door. Similar 4runner might cost $6,000.. LOL. Wouldn't be surprised. Anyways, whether I buy it today or not, your channel has been a humungous help. I learned so much about these vehicles from your videos. Thanks.

[@XterraRob]

Awesome, could be a good find. Thanks for the comments!

[@plutosforest]

@@XterraRob well, I didn't get it. First, went to the wrong location (their mistake) then found out it had 3 trouble codes and leaking oil everywhere. They said it had no problems.. "runs and drives". Two trouble codes were about a misfire, no big deal. Other code I wasn't sure of: "vacuum cut bypass valve" or something like that. Not a dealbreaker, but the oil was. Oil under the front, sides, and rear. And here I was getting concerned about my Sequoia's valve cover gasket. I wonder if this Xterra is a lemon or if their seals start to break down at 200K+ . What could the owner have done to get it leaking so bad? BTW, the frame was in excellent condition, I was really surprised. They might have some extra rust proofing or something similar.

[@XterraRob]

That sucks man! Id say that rubber components are likely to wear out at this age just due to time aging regardless of miles. I had to replace rotted coolant hoses on mine at 100k (12 years old at the time). I have a rear main seal leak right now that I'm debating whether I should fix it or not. I just leave Amazon cardboard on the garage floor for now :/

[@lukekranyak]

Do you have a link to the backup camera?

[@ryanbauer8424]

Nice video man. I'd love to get a prerunner for mine

[@cyranoburleson4240]

i usually watch your videos while i'm working on my car and i'm is xnation for years but i was there was an easier way to get in touch with the group.

[@XterraRob]

Whats your name on XN? If you need me you can just comment on whatever my latest video is. I answer everything I see come through.

[@cyranoburleson4240]

@@XterraRob oke thanks man. i'm bursje on xn and now also on IG and FB.

[@dronejunglistplatoon]

this was great! thanks for the insight.

[@XterraRob]

Thanks for watching!

[@RevengeAvenger]

Crap. I just purchased Mile Markers for my 2002. Do you know if they have changed their public opinion in the last 5 years. Everyone I know with them, loves them

[@XterraRob]

I have only ever heard good things about them. I think my issue was specifically the snap ring on the end of the axle wouldn't stay seated so it allowed the hub to loosen up. I think it would have been fine if my snap ring was working as it should. I swapped out my CV axles and snap rings when I changed to Warn hubs and never had another problem. Pretty sure my Mile Markers would have been fine too with a new snap ring and axle shaft

[@kyplummer3657]

Pretty dang good looking paint for 400 bucks!

[@XterraRob]

Its held up well! Its showing age now and has a few spider web type cracks but still a lot better than it used to look!

[@XterraRob]

Its held up well! Its showing age now and has a few spider web type cracks but still a lot better than it used to look!

[@kyplummer3657]

Xterra Rob I recently purchased an 04 as a second vehicle and I’m excited about cleaning her up I’m doing the plastics now and need some good tires for it. Thanks for the video.

[@XterraRob]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching!

[@stevieg2440]

Could you help me find a front bumper like yours for a 2003 nissan xterra. I'm having trouble finding them.

[@XterraRob]

My bumper was a custom one off build from a local fabricator. Best way to have a custom bumper built is to look on Craigslist for local fabricators or find local off road clubs or forums and ask around if anyone has a tube bender, grinder and welder. I basically took the stock bumper off and left my truck at the guys garage for a couple days while he built it to size on the actual vehicle. If you want a bumper made for an xterra right out of the box, then Google search for Shrockworks, PP Engineering, or Calmini.

[@Warren01s10]

So what glue/spray did you use on the headliner i also have an 04 with a sagging headliner and need to redo it

[@XterraRob]

I ended up using a spray paint. I did it with a 3m spray adhesive and it melted by the time summer rolled around and it was sitting in a parking lot. There are other options that are probably specific for headliners and can handle the heat but I didn't want to deal with it again.

[@lanceliu4720]

can you make a video on how you made that back bumper and more in depth about the front one with the skid plate on it thanks

[@XterraRob]

Sure. Ill add that one to the list.

[@discgolfmark6444]

Right on . Well i guess i will probably be finding out. How do you like it for comfort on long rides? Im planning on taking it on a summer long trip down highway 1 on the west coast and may keep going after that who knows.

[@XterraRob]

Comfort is subjective. Its a 15 year old truck. Back seats aren't very comfy, but fronts aren't bad. Depends what you're used to though. I've never had a vehicle with 12 way electric adjust memory foam 7 way recline with active ventilation and heated seats. Maybe I just don't know what I'm missing?

[@discgolfmark6444]

@@XterraRob lol ya man me nether i joke about just test driving the seats not the cars lol

[@XterraRob]

Hahaha!

[@BOBMAN1980]

I am seriously considering purchasing a 2004 Xterra for slightly less than $4000 (I'm probably going to try and negotiate for a bit lower). Any owners of this vehicle are free to talk about the vehicle. . .esp. the reliability. thanks

[@XterraRob]

Major components are generally pretty rock solid. On a vehicle this old now...main concern would be nuisances of degraded rubber parts. Oil or coolant drips...AC performance due to refrigerant leaks, etc. Ask about routine maintenance...oil changes and spark plugs...and timing belt. Typical old vehicle stuff but not too bad. If you are handy with a wrench...you can do a lot of that yourself for a couple hundred bucks. If not, its worth the cost for a pre purchase inspection from a mechanic.

[@zachmiller9543]

Hi! Great video! Have you noticed any lack of power due to the 33’s? And is there a way to correct your speedometer after switching to 33’s?

[@XterraRob]

Definitely slower on 33s. Of course armor and winches and lifts dont help. The speedometer isnt off much. I just let it ride.

[@zachmiller9543]

Xterra Rob Awesome! Thanks for replying!

[@XterraRob]

No problem...thanks for watching

[@TheBobertVR]

that looks awesome. what was the total cost ?

[@XterraRob]

Total cost...?! Don't make me cry thinking about it! Its a tough question, because some stuff I had to redo because I didn't do my research, or some stuff needed replacing anyway so I might as well upgrade it. Some stuff I made...but bought tools to fabricate it (bumper, tire carrier). I'm a hobbyist, so I just incrementally tinker with things. The money spent, I consider it more of a recreational expense than an automotive expense. Ill try to make an approximate list though in the next comment...

[@XterraRob]

Front bumper: $450 Rear bumper and tire carrier: $300 materials only Body lift: $150 total including relocations Suspension lift: $550 (UCAs and Adjustable shackles) Steering: $500 pieced together (not counting trail spares or repairs) 5 Tires: $1000 Winch: $250 Rock sliders: $200 used CB equipment: $75 Light bar on bumper: $50 Maaco paint job and dent repairs: $1000 Truck: $8500 like 5 or 6 years ago. ...anything else you want to know?

[@gaara10122]

@@XterraRob w h y

[@XterraRob]

Because I can.

[@johnnyranger9489]

hey rob. your trck is sexy. i need your help, i dont understand why you needed to modify your idler arm and pitman arm. was the grassroots centerlink not enough to keep alignment? or did you want to overkill it? im not a smort man, please excuse my ignorance.

[@XterraRob]

Mostly overkill. It's like a chain...strengthen your weakest link, and the next weakest link is your new weakest link. Repeat until everything is stronger!

[@adammontgomery1405]

Thanks for the video I’ve been looking for a front Locker. But Does the front Locker make a big difference in the way it drives on road. In conditions where you would still need or use four-wheel-drive.

[@XterraRob]

Depends on road conditions and how often you drive in snow. I am in the south so drive in snow 1 or 2 times a year and for relatively short distances. I usually lock in my hubs and shift in and out of 4hi as snowy or icy patches emerge on the roads. If you have lots of traction (only patchy snow or wet roads), 4wd with a lokka will have more steering efforts ... But in those instances I stay in 2WD and let the weight of the vehicle keep it from sliding. Its all a spectrum...more friction between tires and road = more steering efforts and feedback from the lokka...but it also reduces need for 4WD. More snow coverage and less friction between tires and road = smoother lokka operation = more need for 4WD. If say I just made some slight adoptions to my driving style: little more finnesse on thr gas pedal, and let off the gas during tighter turns so the lokka ratchets. No issues for me.

[@adammontgomery1405]

Thanks I more than likely get lokka for the front of mine also

[@XterraRob]

adam montgomery great mod if you go off road at all! Great traction. Let me know if you have questions on installation.

[@endotron]

Awesome video, lots of great tips! I'm looking at a backup camera and was wondering which one you got, do you have an amazon link? Thx

[@XterraRob]

I dont recall which one it was, though I know it was a cheap no name brand around 20 bucks. It was a flush mount camera that came with wiring but no screen. I bought the screen separately for less than 20 bucks on Amazon. I got them as gifts ...but let me see if I can dig the specifics up...ill be back!

[@XterraRob]

Tiker was the brand of the camera. Works pretty awesome. I like it. You can just do a search for tiker backup camera on Amazon. I got the flush mount one with white LEDs. If you have a stock rear bumper, if probably try a license plate mount light instead. My plate is off center for my tire carrier and hitch...so I didn't want my camera view to be skewed.

[@endotron]

Awesome! Thanks for the info and tip. You don't happen to have an install video of the LCD screen do ya?

[@endotron]

How did you run the cable from the cam to inside the cab. Drill a small hole above the spare tire? I'm doing the install this weekend. Cheers!

[@XterraRob]

There is a rubber grommet under the rear of the cab. Open up the hatch and look inside where the plastic side panels are in the cargo area. Both sides have a little cubby hole with a bungee net thing. If you take the panels off and look under where that cubby hole is...there is a hole (on both left and right side) with a rubber grommet. I took a sharp punch and poked a hole through it to run the wiring...so the rubber still sealed water from getting in. You can then run it up and behind the head liner panel...or below the carpet. I recommend putting the monitor on the dash somewhere. I had mine up top with the thought that I coukd see my rear view mirror and cam at the same time...but heat would cause any adhesive to drop it. I had to relocate it. Did all that make sense?

[@fernandocabral275]

Hey rob did you use extended shocks with your 3inch suspension lift

[@XterraRob]

I did bilstein 4600 shocks (also known as bilstein HDs) the blue and yellow ones. Picked them up from 4x4parts.com. I got the 3"lift shocks for the rear axle. I dont remember if the fronts were extended or not...but if they had them listed, I did choose the lifted option.

[@bayardocordoba6249]

Hey Rob, do you have any vids for the 2" body lift? am trying to get into that on my 04 Xterra.

[@XterraRob]

"Tips and Tricks for thr Body Lift on the First Gen Xterras" or something to that effect. Also have a 2nd video called "Body Lift Extras: Relocate Radiator or hoses, Front Diff Breather" I have a playlist for xterra mods and fixes on my channel page where you can browse through the different videos

[@bayardocordoba6249]

Xterra Rob nice man.. very nice video, very instructive.

[@XterraRob]

Cool glad I could help. Let me know if you have other questions.

[@discgolfmark6444]

Hay like it.... I'm thinking of getting a 2004 i found. want to put a tent top on it. Want to know if you ever had one on there and as to how you fill about the rollover filling of this ride. would have a small 4x5ft utility camping trailer on back too.

[@XterraRob]

Never had a roof top tent, they are usually pricey. Ive seen some available on the internet though. No complaints about the rollover feeling of the vehicle. I dont tow, though.

[@discgolfmark6444]

@@XterraRob Right on . Well i guess i will probably be finding out. How do you like it for comfort on long rides? Im planning on taking it on a summer long trip down highway 1 on the west coast and may keep going after that who knows.

[@kingj198]

you might have said it but where did you get the back bumper

[@XterraRob]

Made it myself.

[@NSRS1]

Do you have a Bulb # For the LED interior lights?

[@XterraRob]

Just went to auto zone and matched them up.

[@gogaeradze9652]

nice one!! I got the same colour same year but Manual )) Love ma boy ))) do you by any chance have some blueprints of the spare wheel mount on the back? really want to relocate it too. cheers!

[@XterraRob]

Goga Eradze thanks for the comment! No specific blue prints, but I could make a video with more detail. Its pretty basic but functions well given the cost of materials to make it...probably under $200 if you already have a welder and angle grinder.

[@gogaeradze9652]

Rob C thanks mate! as i see u got a different type of a bumper, i have a stock one, so i gotta deal with it first....

[@jamescloer1571]

How does the mud terrain tires do at Uwharrie?

[@XterraRob]

Great...although I haven't been out there when it was wet with all the clay and mud it can get. I rock some general grabber all terrain tires now that work really well too.

[@jamescloer1571]

@@XterraRob Awesome thanks. I have a 01 xterra.

[@XterraRob]

Nice...you take it out to Uwharrie much?

[@jamescloer1571]

@@XterraRob No. I just bought it a week ago. Plan on taking it when they open this year.

[@XterraRob]

Awesome man it should be fun! Have you been before? I have a series of videos called Uwharrie Trail Tours that shows how to navigate the different trails. May want to check them out.

[@gideonsimmons8015]

I bought Nissan terra floor mats and N issian seat covers

[@XterraRob]

Nice! Do they fit and look good?! I want some seat covers for mine...but not sure what kind yet!

[@gideonsimmons8015]

They fit real nice my 2003steer has a small hook on to it nicely and have a XTERRA stamped on it and the seat covers are black sythetic leather with NISSIAN stamped on them I got the on eBay around 70 bucks

[@ebbiketrip2497]

Where is your backup camera mounted?

[@XterraRob]

Inside my trailer hitch. I don't tow. I put a hitch cover/plug inserted into my hitch, drilled a hole through the face, and used a flush mount camera so its protected inside the hitch.

[@ebbiketrip2497]

Xterra Rob thanks man. I tow and carry a bike rack so I am looking for an option up high. I owned an X new in 99 and just picked up an 02 a couple months ago as a project. “ReXy” is getting a freshly rebuilt Vg33e this week :). Started watching your vids before I even found the rig. Thanks for all you do brother!

[@XterraRob]

@@ebbiketrip2497 thanks for the commemts man!

[@osakaboyz99]

A 2004? Has 15x7 wheels weird my 2002 has 16x7

[@XterraRob]

Osaka Boyz nice observation. I had the 16x7 wheels originally but got caught up in the spray on bedliner craze and blacked them out. It didn't hold up and faded and looked bad, so grabbed the 15x7s on Craigslist.

[@E5mma_combat]

Why did u relocate power steering hose and how did u do it ?

[@XterraRob]

With the body lift...the cab and body move upwards off the frame. Power steering reservoir is mounted on a bracket on the passenger side fender. The hoses go down to a hard line mounted to the frame. You need to either replace the hose with one that is 2 inches longer or make the bracket sit 2 inches lower. I cut the bracket and welded it back so the reservoir was sitting 2 inches lower. That way it doesn't over stretch the hose.

[@E5mma_combat]

Oooh ok thank you appreciate your help

[@XterraRob]

Yeah No problem. Happy to help!

[@sstac8644]

What would you recommend for my front steering? I have the exact same lift but only have the 4x4 parts steering brace on the pass side and a steering stabilizer. My alignment has been terrible and each time I take it in for an alignment it seems they can’t get it right.

[@XterraRob]

+SS Tac that is a loaded question. One that I actually have a lot of experience with because it took me years to get everything sorted out and reliably aligned. Ultimate answer is that most alignment techs are stupid and you need a heavy duty center link, calmini steering system or something similar (king Kong, custom fabricated, etc). I will work on a video today with some tips on alignments and steering systems. Great topic with a lot of confusion around them. Everyone knows that lift kits are sexy, but steerirng systems and alignments don't get the same love.

[@XterraRob]

+SS Tac what are your alignment numbers? Did the shop print out the results for you?

[@sstac8644]

They did not. I’m gonna take it elsewhere soon.

[@XterraRob]

SS Tac alright...I'm editing a video on this and hope to have it completed in a day or two. I can answer basically every question you have on thia...but its a topic ill thoroughly cover in the video or 2 ill post. Lots of things to consider and think about.

[@XterraRob]

+SS Tac just posted the first video with alignment specs, overview, and how to get your alignment close to what you want. Next video will be on weak points in the steering system and how to reinforce them.

[@bakhosrachwan5820]

how is the xterra different from the pathfinder? is it shorter or same length?

[@discgolfmark6444]

look up the specs bud. lol

[@michealponce3112]

Did you put your body lift on or did you have someone else put it on. If you did it yourself can you share a few tips on how to put it on

[@XterraRob]

+Micheal Ponce I put it on myself. Any specific questions or concerns? I can do a video series with a lot of different tips and techniques. It's a long topic to cover

[@michealponce3112]

Xterra Rob yea a video would be really nice

[@XterraRob]

+Micheal Ponce any specific questions I can answer for you? Or just start from the beginning and explain it all?

[@michealponce3112]

Xterra Rob explain it all i guess. I really just don’t know anything about it. That’s why I came to you

[@michealponce3112]

So I installed 3in control arms from 4x4 parts on my 03 xterra and I didn’t notice any difference in height. I already had my torsion bars cranked before I put the new control arms on. After I installed the arms I cranked the t-bars up all the way and it only lifted it a little. What could I have done wrong? Maybe my torsion bars are not as strong anymore causing them to sag and not get proper lift?

[@XterraRob]

+Micheal Ponce did you measure the gap at your UCA and the bump stop? If the torsion bars are weak and sag...that causes the whole arm to sag...which in turn gives you more room to adjust the torsion bars. You basically lift until you get within 1/2 inch of the bump stop...and you're done. I should be posting a video tomorrow about the UCAs and lift...and it should help clear a couple things up on the bump stop gap measurements.

[@XterraRob]

+Micheal Ponce the other option is if the adjuster "finger" in the sub frame (the lever that the adjuster bolt goes through) is bottomed out on the back of the sub frame. Then you may have room at the control arm to get more lift...but torsion bar is out of room. You can do a "re-index" which basically takes the torsion bar out of the spline anchor, rotates it one spline tooth over, and reinstall. This just gives you more room for the adjustment finger to rotate before it bottoms out inside the subframe.

[@XterraRob]

+Micheal Ponce kind of hard to explain in the comments...but if you can wait until the weekend, I can post a video to better explain the process.

[@michealponce3112]

Xterra Rob No I didn’t measure them, I should have. I also notice that my lower control arms do not go down as much at an angle like many other Xterras with IFS do. I have my torsion bars cranked as far as they can go.

[@michealponce3112]

Yea I understand it a little bit and yes it’s bottomed out on the frame. And okay that sounds good thanks for the help. Will be looking forward to the vid.

[@findingabe]

How bad were the mile markers?

[@XterraRob]

Mile markers should be fine. I actually missed a c-clip installing mine which lead to their failures. Should be fine for all but some very tough rock crawling where you have to bump and run uaing that gas pedal.

[@findingabe]

Thanks Brotha, I do more weekend overlanding and an on-call mallcrawler when parking is bad. LoL 😂 no rock crawling yet*. My stock hubs busted so I was looking for a good replacement

[@XterraRob]

@@findingabe Mile markers should be good enough, just make sure you put the C--clip back on the axle shaft. I have a later video showing how to install Warn manually locking hubs. Process is the same.

[@1menwolfpack550]

Where did you get your back bumper

[@XterraRob]

Fabricated it myself. Local fabricators or DIY bumpers are the most cost effective way to go.

[@1menwolfpack550]

Xterra Rob cool i might copy is that ok with you?

[@XterraRob]

Sure thing man. Let me know if you have questions on how I did things or what materials I used etc.

[@kyleszarzynski4474]

I have an 04 Xterra, Silver Surfer is his name. Don’t call it a truck though... But that’s your opinion not mine.

[@XterraRob]

+Kyle Szarzynski haha the age old debate of what exactly a "truck" is! I call it a truck since it is a body on frame vehicle with same suspension front (independent with control arms) and rear (solid axle on leaf springs) as most pick ups. There are all sorts of trucks...pickup trucks...uhaul trucks...18 wheeler trucks...monster trucks...etc. Not all trucks have an open bed.

[@rayburt4569]

Lol it IS a truck! Body on frame...... it's not a "pickup truck" but you get your ass it's a truck lol