Solid-Axle Xterra Questions
I was wondering about the gear ratio you put into your Nissan Xterra ("Xterra Solid Axle Swap," Oct. '09). Also, about the shocks-what truck or vehicle are they from, and how much travel do they give you?
Dennis Ruff
Oceanside, CA
Contributor Jay Kopycinski replies: The 2002-'04 Xterras came factory with 4.90:1 rear gears, so 4.88:1s were used to match in front. Earlier 2000-'01 models have 4.636:1 gears and can be roughly matched with 4.56:1 gears in the D44, upgraded to a 2002-and-later third member for a 4.90:1/4.8:18 combo, or go with 5.14:1/5.13:1 Nismo aftermarket gears (like my pickup has).
The front shocks I'm running now are Rancho 5116s, but if I were to do it again, I'd have made the shock towers a little taller and used 5112s. The 5116s have about 10 inches of travel. The rear shocks are Rancho 5112s. On another note, I have a set of Rancho 2.5-inch lift springs for a '73-87 Chevy application in front now with the fourth leaf removed. I think I finally have the ride tuned to where I like it.
More Ways To Light Up Afghanistan
In regards to SPC Powell's letter regarding the 24-volt lights for MRAPs ("Letters," Nov. '09), Ibistek (www.ibistek.com) already makes and sells an HID/IR lighting system for the MRAPs that the Marine Corps is using. Another source possibly is Magnalight (www.magnalight.com). Having just returned from Iraq, where I was driving MRAPs, I am empathetic to SPC Powell's situation. Hopefully, this helps him and all my fellow service members in Afghanistan.
Sgt Ryan Mallon USMC
Temecula, CA
And On A Related Note . . .
In your November '09 issue, SPC Powell wrote in, asking for help with lighting for their vehicles while stationed in Afghanistan. You may wish to direct them to 4 Wheel Parts (www.4wheelparts.com), which has a program called "Operation Light Saber," where you and I can contribute any amount toward providing high-quality off-road lights to military personnel. This was started to provide lights in Iraq but has now been extended to cover our troops in Afghanistan as well. I don't know about the 24-volt DC issue, but I'm sure the motor pool can hook up 12-volt DC quite easily. This program has been well received, and has provided numerous sets of lights to our military personnel, and it has made their jobs safer, too.
Ron Hill
Via the Internet