New purchase, 93 pathy - general maintenance questions

random letters · Oct 30th, 2006, 10:43 AM

Hey guys (and gals),
I just picked up a 93 Pathy today for towing duties. Has 203K on the clock, but it was pretty good deal. So, I picked it up.

With that many miles, I want to get any engine related maintenance done so I don't have to worry. I'm already planning on changing the timing belt, plugs, wires, fuel filter, oil, oil filter, air filter, and PCV valve. But these are pretty common/basic items. Is there anything else I should address on this truck? Also, how involved is the timing belt change? Should I just take it to the stealership instead?

Also, I'm gonna swap out the tranny fluid with DEX III and put Redline in the front/rear difs, per recommendations on here. What Redline fluid should I use? 75w90?

Couple other items that concern me. There's a small amount of play in the steering. Feels like the ball joints (which wouldn't surprise me). Anything else this could be?

And the struts are shot. What are the recommended upgrades for these?

thanks
mike

tcrote5516 · Oct 30th, 2006, 03:30 PM

E-bay has a great deal on struts/shocks. All four Rancho's for about $100.00, thats a great deal. Just search "Pathfinder shocks" it will come up.

CraigMc · Oct 30th, 2006, 07:40 PM

I hope you don't plan on towing anything to big...or going up any decent size hills

random letters · Oct 31st, 2006, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CraigMc

I hope you don't plan on towing anything to big...or going up any decent size hills

21' Malibu sunsetter. Mfg website says the boat weigh 2800 lbs dry. So, I'm figuring 3000 wet. Add another 500-ish for the trailer and I know I'm bumping up against the limitations of the truck.

Realistically, I'll be wet-slipping in-season. so, the only times I'll need to tow it around are to put the boat in water come spring and pull it out in the fall. Maybe a couple times a season I'll pull the boat for maintenance or something. But beyond that, the Pathy won't see much action.

**88pathoffroad** · Nov 4th, 2006, 08:35 PM

Put the biggest transmission cooler you can find on there. If you don't it'll die relatively soon from overheating, the stock coolers clog up due to poor design. While you're at it, put an inline filter in the cooler line for added protection.

You're not gonna like it for towing that much weight...the brakes will need to be new, stock brakes are barely good enough for the vehicle itself, much less trying to stop an additional 3500 lbs. The engine's power level isn't going to make you very happy, either. Headers and a K&N filter will help immensely if you ever get the chance.

You don't have struts, you have shocks on all four corners. Loose steering is a very common problem, the centerlink is the most likely culprit for it. A new centerlink costs about $150 and tie rods are about $30 each if they're needed. Balljoints are also a common problem area.