Copyright 2009 Don Alexander
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| Backcountry 4x4 Academy Classes |
| Student's Rig |
| Four Wheel Drive |
NISSAN XTERRA OFF ROAD TEST
Two years ago we tested a stock Nissan Xterra Off Road,
raving about it’s exceptional on highway performance, towing
capacity and off road capabilities. Since then, the Xterra has
topped 50,000 miles, has been used extensively off road,
including a media event in 2007 in stock trim. It was modified
for the SEMA Show in late 2007, and used for a round of
extreme all terrain tire testing, then another media event.
The Xterra has performed flawlessly, with only two problems,
both related to four wheeling. After extensive tire testing on
some difficult rock crawling trails, a spider gear in the rear
differential broke on a trail. While it made considerable noise,
it got us home easily. Nissan repaired the problem, and then
some, under warranty - no questions or hassles. We also
cracked the plastic lower water tank on the radiator after
hitting a rock quite hard. The only apparent damage was a
crack, so we think the steering guard flexed when hit by the
rock and managed to crack the radiator. We were near the
end of the trail, and got home for initiate repairs. Otherwise,
reliability has been flawless.
Modifications
The extensive modifications to the Xterra transformed the
very capable Off Road model into an outstanding
backcountry adventure rig. The engine and driveline remain
completely stock, with the factory electronic 4x4 high and low
range selector, rear diff lock and hill descent assist. Only the
suspension was modified, with other products added on for
protection, recovery and utility. For off road adventures, both
front and rear antiroll bars are disconnected, then
reconnected for the highway drive back home. This is easily
done on the X, taking about the same time that airing down
or back up takes.
Two years ago we tested a stock Nissan Xterra Off Road,
raving about it’s exceptional on highway performance, towing
capacity and off road capabilities. Since then, the Xterra has
topped 50,000 miles, has been used extensively off road,
including a media event in 2007 in stock trim. It was modified
for the SEMA Show in late 2007, and used for a round of
extreme all terrain tire testing, then another media event.
The Xterra has performed flawlessly, with only two problems,
both related to four wheeling. After extensive tire testing on
some difficult rock crawling trails, a spider gear in the rear
differential broke on a trail. While it made considerable noise,
it got us home easily. Nissan repaired the problem, and then
some, under warranty - no questions or hassles. We also
cracked the plastic lower water tank on the radiator after
hitting a rock quite hard. The only apparent damage was a
crack, so we think the steering guard flexed when hit by the
rock and managed to crack the radiator. We were near the
end of the trail, and got home for initiate repairs. Otherwise,
reliability has been flawless.
Modifications
The extensive modifications to the Xterra transformed the
very capable Off Road model into an outstanding
backcountry adventure rig. The engine and driveline remain
completely stock, with the factory electronic 4x4 high and low
range selector, rear diff lock and hill descent assist. Only the
suspension was modified, with other products added on for
protection, recovery and utility. For off road adventures, both
front and rear antiroll bars are disconnected, then
reconnected for the highway drive back home. This is easily
done on the X, taking about the same time that airing down
or back up takes.
| The stock Nissan Xterra Off Road is a very capable performer in the backcountry, It comes equipped with skid plates, locking rear diff, hill descent assist and a good 4WD system. |
| With an extensive list of modification, the Xterra can tackle all but the most extreme trails. |
| Nissan Xterra Off Road Backcountry 4x4 Test Report |
| Visit These Sites! OffRoad4x4Action RockCrawl4x4Action 4x4TireReview.com Backcountry4x4 4x4GearReview LandRover4x4Action SoCal 4x4 Trails Jeep4x4Action Backcountry Adventurer |
