Clearance on the Navara STX

Submitted: Thursday, Mar 11, 2010 at 17:45
ThreadID: 76784 Views:2978 Replies:1 FollowUps:12
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I have a 2007 Navara STX. It looks a bit low on the road for any semi serious off road work. Obviously I will take it out and see where it can go, but has anyone got one and what is it like off road?

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Reply By: apwaddo - Thursday, Mar 11, 2010 at 20:35

Thursday, Mar 11, 2010 at 20:35
It is well known that the ST-X is seriously close to the ground for any 'semi-serious' off road work. In addition it is hopelessly under protected underneath.
Having said that i had ARB uprgade mine to give about 50 mm front and 60 mm rear increase in clearance and it transformed the vehicle. Not only for clearance but for ride and handling. Should have done though as it cost about $2000.
Other than that it will pull up any hill in low ratio with 4 on board and crawl along in 2nd high with no throttle. Some say the power peak at about 1800 rpm is too high but they are comparing to the ancient 4 plus litre fuel guzzlers that perform like a wet sock!
In other words - when modified a superb all round 4 x 4, with car like ride and comfort - not the best off road - but thats only part of what you bought it for!
AnswerID: 408460

Follow Up By: Injected - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 09:13

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 09:13
Dont forget full set of bash plates to protect sump and radiator.
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Follow Up By: Injected - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 09:14

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 09:14
AND upgrade your tyres that will make a difference
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Follow Up By: Member - Gary J (NSW) - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 12:26

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 12:26
I did the same as apwaddo. ARB suspension was not cheap but transforms the vehicle. Before we went to the Cape last year I also fitted Bridgestone AT 694 LT's and a TJM front bash plate.
Now all we need to figure out is how to stop the dust from pouring into the canopy/tub.
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Follow Up By: Injected - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 13:04

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 13:04
Gary J
Went to the Cape last year with my D40. I pop rivited two strips of aluminium flat up the inside where the tailgate sits and sealed with foam tape from Clarke rubber, then used a piece of foam to seal across the bottom of tail gate and hinges. Then had canopy window at from open slightly and didnt have any dramas with the August dust.
Cheers Angus
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Follow Up By: Wizard1 - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 14:21

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 14:21
Around 2007 I looked at the Navara 2.5 CRD ST-X to replace my 90 series Prado TD.

After it was all said and done I finally convinced the dealer that I wasn't going to sign up there and then, I noted what the vehicle lacked over my old truck.

Least of which was the poor ground clearance, who makes a 4WD that low to start with? One of our 4WD Club members had lots of trouble.

Next:

No where convenient for a second battery
Only one fuel tank, which had 80 litres, where the old truck had 150 standard.
This silly chrome roll bar which I didn't want but had to have.
No decent underbody protection

Look, I think it was a nice vehicle and it drove well, I loved the 6 speed box, but it lacked too much as a standrad vehicle.

It just was too hard and expensive to set up as a decent tourer...so I kept the old Prado and still have it.
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Follow Up By: Injected - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 14:36

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 14:36
Yeah but the Navaras are 2/3rds the price, you only get what u pay for.
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Follow Up By: Member - Gary J (NSW) - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 15:19

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 15:19
Utes and wagons suit different people's needs.
For what it cost to set up as a 'reasonable' off road vehicle, it does the job we need it to do.
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Follow Up By: Injected - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 15:23

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 15:23
Gary J
I totally agree with you. Every vehicle ( well almost ) requires additional dollars spent on it to make it into a top tourer. Dual cab ute suits me better.
Cheers
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Follow Up By: Horsin' Around - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 20:01

Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 20:01
Thanks All,

This confirms what I thought, and it is still cheaper to arrange than get the hilux alternative.

The pricing apwaddo quoted is close to what ARB quoted for Old Man Emu shockers, bearings, shackles and U bolts, but ARB mentioned that 50mm is all they can raise it legally. Has anyone else heard this?

I fancy the Australian product of the Old man emu shockers, has anyone on opinion of them,?

Horse
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Follow Up By: Patrol22 - Saturday, Mar 13, 2010 at 13:03

Saturday, Mar 13, 2010 at 13:03
You might also like to check out the discussions on the Navara and the Navara International forums - some quite lengthy and valuable discussion on setting up the D40.
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Follow Up By: Injected - Saturday, Mar 13, 2010 at 16:05

Saturday, Mar 13, 2010 at 16:05
Horse
I currently have the medium set of OME springs and shockies in D40. Totally transformed the vehicle and can handle the camper trailer on the back better. Took it to the Cape last august and perform well, bottomed out a few times but that was due speed and the washouts on the PDR.
Cheers
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Follow Up By: Horsin' Around - Sunday, Mar 14, 2010 at 16:54

Sunday, Mar 14, 2010 at 16:54
Thanks all,

Horse
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