Thinking about an Xterra vs a Ranger.

[OilPatch197]

Do you think the Nissan Xterra is a better trail rig than a used Ranger?

 

[kunar]

you're asking on a forum full of ranger owners, i cant really see you getting unbiased opinions...

i dont know a damn thing about xterra's, what appeal does it have to you as a trail rig? engine? trans? axles? tell us more...

 

[OilPatch197]

I'm looking for something for use on some serious off -road challenges including 5 rated rock crawling trails. I'm planning on some fabricated under-body plating, front winch mount and front/rear bumper/trailer hitches, 2" lift (no suspension mod), electric fan.

A coworker said you must be very careful and smooth on the gas to avoid diff problems(he busted the front diff. on his) - It was covered under extended warranty by Nissan(!!)

Why I am concidering the Xterra is the shorter wheelbase, 104.3", looks better, has greater towing cap. Can seat more people for the joyride, and has plenty of cargo room on the top. It is still in production, the design is dated, but it has a real frame underneath, no subframes here.


I'm looking at a '13 Nissan white Xterra, manual trans, 4x4. Planning for 185's General ATII grabbers and 2" lift by LevelLift; I'll make the full component of skid plates from the online pictures myself, easy to mount because of the truck frame.

 

[kid_crash]

Xterras are great! If your a soccer mom.
A 2" lift will get you a "nice" mall crawler. If you look up off road trail rating, the mods your looking at doing are good for 2.5 - 3 rated tops. Your not going to do any "serious" off roading in a rig with a 2" lift and 185's
If your gonna dump enough cash to buy a 2013 rig and slap a wimpy lift, and 185's on it, I'd put the cash into something older and build an off road rig, the same money will build a good reliable rig.
I don't like Nissan's, buy a Ranger or Explorer, and start modding. I've personally not modded my ranger ( married, kids, first home...= no disposable income ?) but I'm very happy with it the way it is. There are lots of people here that can tell the the best way to get started.

 

[6.2]

Wait, am I reading this right? The dude wants full underbody skid plates, wants to run on rock crawling trails, and wants to run 185's?

Wut.


If you want an SUV for the aspect of carrying passengers, get an older Toyota 4runner. Save money on the initial purchase of the vehicle, an get actual tires that will actually be able to go off-road.

 

[Broncojumper87]

I have a 2011 xterra and it is pretty capable of road however the market just isn't there. I bought the xterra mostly for the wife but I drive it daily and don't feel like a soccer mom. In my opinion unless you get the pro-4x it's not worth it. Like anything else you could make it a bad ass trail rig but it Would be cheaper to build an older rig. Now don't get me wrong m xterra will be getting a lift and 33s but I know that my lifted b2 with 31s and lockers is more capable. The xterra was bought for its roomy enterior and it's increased towing capacity for pulling a pop up.

 

[Grunizzle]

Sorry you won't be going up anything rated 4+ without 35s, lockers, suspension mods and ready for breakage and body damage

 

[Broncojumper87]

2nd gen xterras come with 265s (31s) and it's very easy to fit 33s so I don't understand why you would go wjth 185s

 

[Dune Runner]

My ex-wife has one and while it been good to her I wouldn't be off roading it. You would be better off with a Ranger or Toyota 4runner if you need to haul people. An older 4runner would be something you could build.

 

[rawrrediffer86]

I'm not a fan of xterra off roading they just seem more like a mommy mobile to me. If your in to wheeling go with a ranger light weight easy to maneuver around corners just an all around great truck.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

 

[stegomon]

Please educate me. "185s"? Are we talking about p185/60r14 type tire?

 

[4.0B2]

don't let me be "that guy" but... if you want anything 2013 to do any rocks with, Jeep JK Rubicon wins that battle.

The new Xterras are nice for fireroads, fields, maybe even some basic overlanding type stuff. They'll do more than people think... but seriously? Level 5's? 5's at my local parts will not be done without at least 35's and both axles locked. Even then, you have to either be ramming it with 35's or driving it SUPER smart...

 

[Broncojumper87]

don't let me be "that guy" but... if you want anything 2013 to do any rocks with, Jeep JK Rubicon wins that battle.

The new Xterras are nice for fireroads, fields, maybe even some basic overlanding type stuff. They'll do more than people think... but seriously? Level 5's? 5's at my local parts will not be done without at least 35's and both axles locked. Even then, you have to either be ramming it with 35's or driving it SUPER smart...

^^^^^this

 

[dieseldane]

I like the style of the older Xterras, like first and second gen(?) and the fact you could get one with a factory supercharger. Those are smaller and would be more nimble on the trail to start with than the newer ones.

But I'm with everyone else. I think you have some very high expectations for what you are wanting to do with the plans you have.

 

[Downey]

i think he ment 285s

but i have to agree i would love to have a new xterra for mall crawler/ mild wheeler but some thing u want you are going to have to run a solid front axle and at least 35s and lockers.

have you thought about a bronco II?