Nissan Xterra

I just bought a 2004 Xterra 4X4 and want to make it trail ready but still be able to use it as a daily driver.  I am planning on starting with tires and brakes and then possible replacing the auto locking hubs with manuals.  Any advice on if this is a good place to start and what my next steps should be?  

Being a daily driver you will want to make it reliable for that 1st.  Tune-up, flushing systems, checking for leaks and fixing them etc.  Next decide on what type of offroading you would like to do.  It is never a good idea to go out alone so find a local club to go out with.  I've always thought that 4wheeling is 90% driver and 10% vehicle, take your time to get to know your vehicle and how it and yourself react to offroading.

with a stock vehicle, tires are a good start.  
Dave
96 Nissan HB XE

Sound advice, thanks Dave!  

Here's the thing for your truck to be effective off-road you're going to have to sacrifice some on-road performance.

Here would be what I would put on the truck:

1) Selectable Lockers (ARB's would be my choice).

2) Suspension Lift and bigger shocks for more wheel travel.

3) Bigger Tires, these will help off road.

4) Roll Over Protection  

5) Going to want to protect the front, rear and sides of the truck from damage as well.

You want it to be safe when wheeling.  So I really don't see how you can get around doing the roll over protection first. Then of course you'll want all the traction you can get so lockers (at least one in the rear-- two are better)-- because no matter how good you are as a driver-- open differentials or even limited slip differentials will leave you cold when you really need it. Of course you're going to want to increase wheel travel other wise you're not going to go very far off road no matter the conditions-- extra clearance is very necessary.  So I think after you get the truck in reliable stage these are the things you need to be successful in wheeling.

Of course afterwards-- you might want to increase the engine's output, change the transfer case, and of course add other things like winches and so on.  

My personal opinion is you'll need these things no matter what your skill level if you want to be successful driving off-road.  

I think your 2004 Xterra 4X4 Nissan need servicing.
So do that. Let you know what mechanic would say !

Thank you

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