So here is what I'm thinking...

- 3" suspension lift (AC or Calmini?)
- Bilstein 5100 HD's
- Crager soft 8's 16x8 5" BS (I'd like to put 15's on it but I can't find a high enough BS...Plus tires are cheaper with 15's)
- BFG AT's 32X11.5
- Sliders

How does that sound?

I'd like to avoid any metal trimming, plastic is fine. I searched the forums and the information is good, but not consistent. I've seen many people with the same set up, and completely different information.

Anyways, I'm pretty new to the Xterra scene and I am open for all sorts of different directions.

You can do a Leaf SUA for about $3K if you know someone that can weld. Sliders and Skids a must though!!

ARB lockers front and rear, with a good OBA.

"ARB lockers front and rear, with a good OBA."

I am fully stock right now. Wouldn't you suggest something else as a first mod?

i say go with good 33x12.5 tires, sliders, pml and a 2in bl. i think this combo will be the biggest bang for the buck and could easily be done with that amount of funds.

x2. Might be able to squeeze a bumper into that 3k.

What kind of stuff do you want to do? what is your plan for the truck, and if I had 3k to spend at one time it would be either SAS, or front and rear lockers, and if you dont want to play in big rocks than yes I would do the lockers. I look at it this way, you can have the best tires in the world but with an open diff as soon as one of thoes tires looses traction they are pointless, where as with the locker you still have traction on the other tire to push you through.

All of the other stuff you can aquire as the need presents itself. But first you need to decide what you the truck to do. The single most effective mod that you can do is traction control, if you dont have traction you will not go anyware.

Are you looking for mods that will get you down the trail? or are you looking for the mods that will look the best when you are at the mall?

All that being said I do not have lockers because at this time I cannot justify them.

Granitex...I appreciate the input

I live in Vail area in Colorado, lots of rocks, tight trails and lots of mud in the spring time...Moab is a 3 hour drive. I need something that will perform well all around in varying conditions. So to answer your question, I'm looking for mods to get me down the trail.

I figure if I put lockers on front and back, there goes the 3K right there?

Are you a manual or auto? If your a manual crawler gear should be near the top of your list. Even just one locker should leave you plenty left for some protection. But if you go with both lockers, find some 4.9 gears to through in at the same time. The suspension lift doesn't give your front anymore travel, it allows you to align it at a higher point in the travel.

Rear Locker w/air $1100
Crawler gears $1000
Sliders $400
Engine skid plate $220
T-case Skid $155
Gas Tank Skid $175

Total = $3050 (roughly)

Wow, we all forgot the most important. Steering upgrade. I wouldn't want to break a tie-rod on a trail in Moab

Thanks for the suggestions. For now, I'm going to do the PML and 2" BL w/ 33's. I am also going to put on a front bumper, sliders and skids. Just for clarification, with the PML and 2" bl, I can clear 33's on the stock backspaced rims with no metal trimming?

Next summer I'll most likely upgrade to a 3" suspension lift and add a rear ARB locker.

I could use some help installing the bl, is there someone out in Colorado that may be able to help me?

Maybe , Maybe Not..... Some people do, Some people don't, I personally had to.

If you're not going to upgrade your steering, you better stock up on some tierod adjusters

Ha, steering upgrade...why the hell not

I was looking at Calmini for the steering upgrade. Any thoughts?

Go with HooHaa.

Either or. I have the Calmini and its built rock solid. Rather upgrade everything then just upgrade the CL.

Well Yeah if you already have an IAB all you need upgraded is the Centerlink

I have modified too many trashed Calmini steering sets to recomend them in stock form. The bushing set-up may work for some - but far too many fail. The one I have on my X was completely seized and would only turn by keeping it loose enough for the idler arm bolt to turn in the brace. VERY BAD. The spherical bearing fix works well if done right but why not buy a center link, an idler arm brace, and possibly some tie rod adjusters and being done with it.

definitely upgrade the steering - an Idler Arm Brace would be a great idea... when I put my 33's on, I was fine until I went offroad. Less than 5 minutes on an easy trail and I could no longer turn right.

I checked out the hoohaa and I definitely think I'd rather go that route. If use the hoohaa CL and upgrade my IAB, do I need to do anything else or will the stock parts work for the time being?

I really appreciate the feedback from all you guys...

I wouldn't think so as far as the steering is concerned... I got some stronger tie rod adjusters, but never bent my stock ones. I got 'em from SLR, so I dunno if there are any others out there anymore.

The TRE's from NAPA are beefier, but I never have had a TRE issue.