Hey guys! My name is Lara and I picked up a 2002 Xterra 4x4 (no SC) last October with ~163k on the clock. I got it for a smoking deal with the knowledge that it needed quite a bit of work. This is my first foray into 4x4 - I'm coming from the turbocharged subcompact world. It is my winter warrior/daily driver.

So far my hubby and I have replaced/fixed:

Centerlink
Drivers' Side Valve Cover Gasket
Front CV Axles
Idler Arm (with Calmini brace)
Inner & Outer Wheel Bearings
Lower Steering Column Shaft & U-Joint (Warranty)
Pitman Arm
Power Steering Gearbox
Repainted the Passenger Side Fender
Rust Repair on Door Sills
Shocks (Bilstein 4600 Front, 5100 Rear)
Tie Rod Assemblies
Upper & Lower Ball Joints
Upper Intake Plenum Gasket
Windshield Washer Tank

We went OEM replacements this go around for the most part (I know, I know). But I am just trying to make it a reliable daily driver without breaking the bank. It still has a long way to go (I have quite a bit of body rust to take care of), but I'm excited to join some of you guys on some off-road excursions in the upcoming months.

When I bought it:







How it sits now:







I also picked up a GOBI ladder, Surco roof basket and some lights.. I have a pretty bad-ass front bumper to install as well once I get a 2" BL installed. I just have to find a shop who can install the BL (any suggestions in the Western CT, Southern MA, Eastern NY areas?)

Hi Lara,
Sweet looking ride you have there. Welcome to the forum!!

Ahoy, Lara, and welcome aboard!

We have some members from CT, and I'm sure they'd be willing to help out with the BL install.

Thank you for the warm welcome.

We would normally do the BL ourselves, but we were using my parents' garage for all of our automotive work and had all my tools stored there. Sadly, their house burned down at the end of February (everyone was alright, thank God) and nothing was salvageable as the fire started in the basement. They are living with my husband and I for the time being.

I took the Xterra to a few local shops and nobody wanted to touch it.

Oh no! I'm very sorry to hear that.

Still, I bet there are some willing here on the board to help out with the install, as well as supply tools.

I am willing to drive to meet up with anyone willing to help.. and obviously pay!

We are mechanically incline (although normally I lower a car, not raise one ) so I'm here to learn!

Hey there FB amiga! If ya'll wana drive down to Brooklyn we'll help ya. Price is beer, food and smokes. Glad you made it to Nexterra.

Welcome ! See you on the trails.

Post up in the Mod Day section your request for a body lift to get the discussion started. Once it gets into the summer people will be doing mod days and im sure it will get done.

Thank you all! What a wonderful community.

Welcome from PA! Glad to have you with us.

Welcome from Maine!

Welcome from RI...**waves**

My hubby (user: patchy) saw this the other night and told me it looks like the X he wanted me to buy last year (ooooooo!) See you on the trails!

Thanks guys!!



Oh boy! It might have been. The guy had it for sale for quite a while before I stumbled upon it. It still has some major issues.. but we are working on ironing them all out.