Big-Bird gets longer legs!

[Big-Bird]

So this is how I wanted my Xterra to look (ride height anyway)

Is all starts with a trip to the hoist.

Then once the bolt on stuff is removed you reach the point-of-no-return...the TORCH! (See the cut bracket?)

Once you get the old IFS out of the way, one must spend some quality time getting to know their grinder, mig welder, and drills....ah heavy tools! We did some extra prep here with filler plates and additional welds for strength.

With the new parts in place you have alovely rainbow of colors....red, blue, black, silver and my favorite one, Yellow.

Then when you finally reach the moment of truth and put the wheels back on you get to sit back and marvel at the beauty of it all. There's a song in there somewhere I know it in my heart . But the height difference from a stocker to my Solid Axle Swap (or SAS) is quite dramatic.

My toy can FleX! Can yours?

Total time in the shop was just shy 30 hours. That includes all the frame prep, extra welding, painting and detailing that was done under the SUV.

[Florida240sx]

Very nice. $$$???

[Rev_D21]

The stocker is pail in comarison. Nice work!

[DJButton]

Freakin cool man!

[Desert Rat]

Snuffleofugus would be proud.

Those old grand waggy wheels look awesome on there.

[Big-Bird]

Thanks, DS....the Waggy wheels are getting redone in polished aluminum with black reliefs. I have done 2 already and they sure look nice.

[Desert Rat]

you doing that work on the wheels yourself? I'm interested in how you're doing it. I'm actually looking for a set of those wheels now.

[Big-Bird]

It's easy.SUPPLIES:A) Marhyde has this product called Aircraft Coating Remover, its paint remover in a rattle can. One can will do 2 wheels usually.B) Safety glasses and heavy duty rubber gloves (not latex!!). This stuff is really nasty and will actually melt latex gloves to your skin. C) 1 standard can of a good quality spray paint will do 2 wheels.D) A pack of 'triple zero' steel wool pads. (perfect for metal polishing) E)one can of comet.F) Die grinder with a polishing pad to grind away any minor aluminum oxidation.

PROCEDURE: **NOTE**(Do one wheel at a time as the paint remover is very powerful and will damage the polished aluminum finish.)1) Spray the surface of the entire wheel with Aircraft Coating Remover and wait 5-15 minutes. Watch for bubbling of the coating and don't let it dry up or it will leave spots on the metal.

2) Dust the entire surface with comet and gently scrub the wheel surface with the steel wool. This has 2 purposes. It helps loosen the dirt and crud and it aids in rinsing.

3) Rinse the wheel with water.

4) Spot treat the stubborn spots, usually the colored areas.

5) You may want to treat the back as well.

6) Buff any oxidation from the wheel surface as this will repel paint and clear coat.

7) Wipe the wheel down with a paint and body de-greaser

8) On a dry rim/wheel, using painters tape (green or blue), cover the polished surfaces and trim excess tape with a sharp utility knife.

9) Paint the wheel with your desired color and let it dry between coats. ( I did 3 coats on mine.

10) Remove the tape and wipe the wheel down with de-greaser again.

11) Spray the wheel with a good quality clear coat.

DONE!

[Desert Rat]

Cool. I've already located two sets of those wheels...one that's already charcoal instead of gold, but they will need cleaned up. waiting on a price to see if I want to go ahead with them.

[white90esex]

damn... if I knew people wanted those wheels I wouldnt a recycled the set I had!!

Damn SAS is sweet man. Makin an Xterra worth something.

[Dano]

Very cool, looks awesome Wade!