Suggestions please

[cdhicks99]

Before I get too far into this project I wanted some of your opinions.

The Goal
Build a very capable rig that is reliable and use a full cabbed SUV body.
The Rig
A highly under powered yet very factory capable '94 Nissan Pathfinder. These things are notorious for a weak auto tranny and of course it's IFS.
The Plan
Engine Since the engine is so expensive to build and the only A/T that bolts up to it is a dud, I opted to drop in a near stock 350 SBC. I am going with a heavy flex plate, low-duration high-lift cam (possibly roller) and headers for the best low-end torque possible. It will also be propane injected.
The tranny The selected TH350 will be stock except for a full manual valve-body.
T-case If I have to go with a 205 it will be temporary so nothing will be done to it, if the Atlas is available I going with a 4-spd with the 1:1, 2.72:1, 3.8:1, & 10.34:1 ratios.
Front Axle I already have a D44 I will use it since this is a low hp engine. 5.13 gears and lockright turning 30 spline chromos and Longfield joints should be plenty for this application. I will be moving it forward appx. 4" for better approach angle.
Rear Axle I am thinking a FF 9" w/ disc brakes, 5.13 and a spool would be just perfect. Like the front I will move the axle back 4-6" for better descent angle, which should put my wheelbase at 110-112".
Suspension I love 4-links so I'm putting them front and rear w/ 14-16" coilovers.
Frame I have an old 720 Nissan frame that is made of 2x4 tube, the front will be chopped of and widened to make room for the V8.
Body Since the wife said it needs to look factory, it will.....kinda. All windows that don't roll up and down are being replaced with MR10 bronze tinted Lexan to lighten her up a little. The rear is being pinched in about 12" to lighten the load and to prevent rear quarter damage. The rear floor boards will have panels to access the under-body tool and battery housings, the rear hatch will also have a hidden panel to gain access to the propane tank cell. The under body storage should lower my cg and keep everything looking tidy.
The Cage To keep everything looking somewhat factory I think an internal basic cage will do the trick.
Wheels/Tires I really like my Pro-Comp Series 97's so I am going to get a set in 15x10 and beadlock those. I think I am going to try the TSL/SX in a 36x12.50.

What do ya think? Please be frank..... as if you wouldn't anyway

[lincontaco]

shoot your self with a potato gun











but i will say as long as you stay around/under 39's you should be ok, i would run something other than the ox joints, ctm's or longfields joints.. and why in the hell do you need a 10.1 low range, that puts you around 137.1 before you factor in the TQ converter.

[sceep]

Originally Posted by lincontaco

and why in the hell do you need a 10.1 low range, that puts you around 137.1 before you factor in the TQ converter.

because 260:1 is friggin BADASS.

[lincontaco]

Originally Posted by sceep

because 260:1 is friggin BADASS.

yes if your in fawking AZ or NM but he lives in fawking TN, you know where there is lots of mud on the rocks, where wheel speed is far more helpful than a tire turning 1.5 revolutions per hour i still say use the potato gun

[cdhicks99]

Why not a 10:1 low, I do plan on making several trips out west, I prbably will never use it here your right but I will still have the 2.7:1 and 3.8:1 for different situations. Anything else you might see as a problem?

[cdhicks99]

Changed R&P ratio to 5.13

[cdhicks99]

Changed wheel joints to Longfield.

[Chass]

One of Skys friends has a pathfinder much like that but with a stock engine. He was on the Rubicon with us last month. Nice rig. I think pathfinders look good and they are quite spacious.

If you don't wheel it hard the interior cage will be fine. I could never have an interior cage. My windows would all be broken and there wouldn't be much sheet metal left . . . I've seen some good looking exo's on Pathfinders. Interior cage will do the job though if its just for saving your life obviously.

D44 should hold up to the 36 SXs but why not consider the 36" Irok? Its lighter and a better all around tire IMO. The Iroks might be easier on your D44 too.

When you buy shafts for your D44 don't buy Yukons. Get superiors or Alloy USAs. I wouldn't consider anyone else.

My 2 cents . . .

Looks like a good build in the works. Post up pics as you go

Chass
ct

[cdhicks99]

Thanks Chass. Do the 4340 Yukons not hold up well?

[Evilwhitey]

Iroks are good but they wear out really quickly. Sx's last a little longer but suck on the street. I don't think the wife will like the way they ride. Have you considered pitbull tires? They last about as long as a tsl or sx but are much nicer on the street and work exceptionally well offroad. If I could afford a set I'd run them. If you can get away with it I'd also think about doing a tastfull exo cage or some type of partial body armor, especially if the mrs. wants it to look nice, ie no body damage. Keep us posted, it sounds like a fun build.

[cdhicks99]

I will toy around with the pencil to see if I can come up with an exo.