I'm thinking about buying a 2005 or newer X and was wondering if anyone can tell me what the weaknesses of the 2nd generation Xterras may have offroad versus the 1st generation Xterras.

1st generation xterras had steering issues, no factory lockers, shock mount on lower control arms would break off, and a few other issues that I can't remember.

Any help would be appreciated.

I've had both, if you like more HP and gadgets, go with the 2nd gen. But if you plan on really using it as a hard core wheeler, there are other options and I would stick to the 1st gen as a build-up I.e. SAS.

Front and rear differentials in the 2005, they did an upgrade in 2006 which reduced the differential failures, but mine is one of the rear differentials that went out in the 2006 model. I understand that the 2007 had another upgrade, and have not heard of any of them self destructing. From what I have read, if you have the rear lockers your chances increase for having problems. Of course I have the rear lockers.

Thanks Debbie Downer.

It may be a downer, but it's solid info.

I wasn't aware of the upgrades in 06 and 07... that's good to know.

I second this remark.

Hi ,have we met?


'07 OR w/ about 8300 miles
(front diff)

That totally sucks!

Mine was the rear dif at 11900 miles. Never really took it off road, just some interesting dirt roads. My problem was that I tow a travel trailer. Dry weight 3840 lbs, but it must be enough to take out the rear dif. I haven't crawled under my truck to see if I got the newer Dif. I understand you can tell because there are numbers on the new ones. Hope I do and hope it will handle the work cause I can't afford to pay for a new dif every year.

For those that are worried about this.... look for a Jeep Rubicon Axle. Same width and to say the least it is not a bastard D44. I know of a few Titans with em and they are doing fine.

Has anybody seriously tried this on a next gen X? You think it will replace the Xterra diff with the locker? Is it compatible with the switch that engages the locker? I would think there would be some mods involved to make it work. When the locker is engaged the VDC and ABS are off IIRC. I would think this would be a great mod given the issue people are claiming with the current locker diff.

Have not heard about Xs yet just a mechanic in the area that has done it on 2 Titans.

That would be nice to know cause my only other option is to sell my X, and that is something I really don't want to do.