chiefkeith,

you might also look into getting an aftermarket locker for the rear differential. I'm not sure if one is available for the 05 yet, but if you can find one, and it's not too expensive, it will definitely help off-road.

BTW, I've driven quite a few 2x4 vehicles in ice and snow; and I have to tell you that, if I had to choose a 2x4 to drive on a slick road, I would choose a Honda Accord (read: front-wheel drive car) over the Xterra every time. The Xterra is rear wheel drive and you'll spin out really easily. Whenever there is a big snowstorm here in Ohio (only twice so far this winter ) we add 240 lbs of sandbags in the trunk of my wife's Mustang. With my old fwd Oldmobile I didn't have this problem at all.

Rear wheel drive in snow/ice SUCKS! Period. If you must drive a rwd vehicle in snow/ice, try to coast SLOWLY around corners without touching your gas pedal at all. Step on the gas after you've straightened out again.

Good Luck!