Nissan Pathfinder mods (post '95 model)

What do you want your truck to do?

Weekend warrior?
Aussie Traveller?

Helps out they are 2 totally different plans!

Rohan K, we have a 1999 ST Pathfinder - takes a little more effort but mods can be done

From what you have been told:

Duel batteries - yes - Pirahna can fit a small second battery under the hood. Better alternative is to run a battery box or Waeco Thumper type set-ip in the rear cabled directly to front end (we have built a shelf over one of the wheel arches to minimise room lost

Suspension Mods - We have fitted ARB heavy duty springs all round and Nitrocharger shocks in the rear (longer travel). Difference in handling is brilliant. Also does not get rear end sag when loaded up. True about the struts, however if you want a lifted 4x4 for looks??? get another vehicle. The ride now is acceptable for us. We never have any issues with bottoming (Nissan towbar fitted) now that we have moved the trailer plug up onto the rear bumper.

Snorkel - cannot get a Safari / Airtec etc - we have plans and dimensions to have one custom made at a truck exhaust shop with a Safari air ram - will involve fitting a new air cleaner - just waiting on the cash to go ahead - if successful we will post all details to those salivating Pathie owners (could be a good little venture for the exhaust shop in question - he seems keen)

Long range / auxillary tanks - LRA make a 115 Litre auxillary ($1,400 fitted in Sydney). We have opted to go for 6 10Ltr jerries on a full length steel roof rack that was custom made by Sunshade Products in Adelaide - serves the purpose well and doesn't involve the huge cost associated with wheel carriers etc.

Storage Systems - can't remember which one, but one of the majors make a system for the Pathfinder - once again prohibitively expensive / do you really need it?? It's a convenience item more than anything - we use crates that are easy to get into.

In addition, we have fitted an ARB Sahara Bar (opted for no winch) Spotties, Unifilter, TX3200 UHF in dash, AM CB in overhead consol (department of the interior if I remember correctly), Thumper fast charger kit, rewired main battery and fused all accessories to box mounted on firewall., Cargo barrier, hardwired Emap, inverter for laptop (run Ozi). In addition we switched to Dueler AT's from new.

Ther vehicle serves its purpose well for us. We have never being left wanting and constantly surprise Landcruiser/Patrol owners with it's capabilities. The vehicle has travelled extensively off road and hasn't even developed a squeak (except for the damn cargo barrier WD40 regularly)

One thing about Pathfinders - they take a little more effort to modify than most 4x4's - but for us - that's part of the fun - it's nice to have a fairly unique vehicle that shows the fruits of labour.

Future mods planned - non - if we require more from this vehicle it is time to change. We are under no illusions that the Pathie is a Patrol or Landcruiser - it is what it is, however it can be improved from the showroom floor

Not directed at you - but I'm sick of those Pathie owners who whinge how we can't do this and we can't do that - you can if you really want to - just most people are lazy and want easy options. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do. Moggs

Hi Roh, I believe good planning in any holiday is half the fun - you know, the sense of achievment. Nothing gets my back up more than some who says it can't be done, did they ever try? I do also believe that good old common sense (sometimes not so common) is a part of that planning. As already asked "what do you want to achieve and where do you want to go" give this realy solid thought and explore all alternatives.
Now I'm about to sell out of my unbelievably great '99 STPathie auto. We used the vehicle to its limits without destroying it. I'm now only decided to go bigger (/02 GU) because common sense tells me not kill it in the Kimberlies. Spending a heap on it when strength was already available in a GU seemed the wrong way to go.
Here's all I ever did to the Pathie and (we did some great trips) was: alloy BBar, DLights (rarely get used as camp is always set up in daylight hrs), Polybags in rear springs to square up the ride when loaded, removed the rear seats and folded down the backs and then cut a sheet of ply to cover extended floor area, used three way Chescold fridge only on gas when camped (it keeps plenty cold enough to see you through the day so don't have to worry about 12v), made up our own draw set from Kmart and built a cabinet to suit. Dual batteries were fitted and acted as backup to starter and UHF radio. Simple but it worked. Our Ozzie tent strapped on top together with my rod holder.
Hope it helps.
Cheers. Cocka