Claire's Mini Beast!

[Jay666d]

At long last we can make a start on this thread!

So to kick it off, some pictures to show Claire's X-Trail in its 'Pre Modified' state.

 

[macabethiel]

Tidy looking motor.

Okay standard bodywork at present what size engine is it - diesel I assume?

 

[Banshee]

Looking forward to seeing some tasty mods Jay!!! :sly

 

[Jay666d]

Okay standard bodywork at present what size engine is it - diesel I assume?

You're absolutely right, it is diesel.

It's a manual gearbox, 2 litre DCI, inline 4.

The engine is an M9R, but to be honest, I'm not sure if it produces the 148hp or 173hp? :nenau (The only source I have found claims that the 148hp model was destined for the EU while the JDM got the 173hp!) :doh

 

[Jay666d]

Did a little more digging online... This one is the 'Tekna' model.

Autos are listed as 147hp, but manual gearboxes are listed as 170hp.

 

[macabethiel]

Did a little more digging online... This one is the 'Tekna' model.

Autos are listed as 147hp, but manual gearboxes are listed as 170hp.

That's unusual they usually have higher BHP in autos!

 

[Jay666d]

Glad to finally made a start on this yesterday... Really should do these things with more daylight hours! :lol

Here's some goodies lined up.

Pedders 1.75" (44.5mm) lift kit
BFG KO2 All Terrains. (285/75/R16)
Wheels are 16" x 8" ET00 (Standard X-Trails Alloys are ET40)

Claire doing all the hard graft! :naughty

Ready to start replacing the front coilovers.

This is me cutting off the drop link as the nut had seized and the hex shape to hold the bolt from spinning had stripped out! (Same on the other side... Nothing is ever simple!)

Speaking of nothing being simple... The same happened at the top of one of the coilovers. :doh

Anyway, got there in the end... Onto the back. (Don't wanna jinx it by saying it should be easier!) :lol:lol

 

[AdrianC]

Watching this one with keen interest for my own in time. Cool look already pre mods :thumb2
With these Mods, are you having to worry too much about axle/ steering geometry?

 

[Jay666d]

We will get a 4 wheel alignment done when the wheels go on. (Something I've still not got round to doing on my Patrol and it's been lifted with big wheels on for three years now!)

I'm not too worried about it, but I will let you know soon whether any of the inner arch needs to be cut away for full lock. :thumbs

 

[AdrianC]

We will get a 4 wheel alignment done when the wheels go on. (Something I've still not got round to doing on my Patrol and it's been lifted with big wheels on for three years now!)

I'm not too worried about it, but I will let you know soon whether any of the inner arch needs to be cut away for full lock. :thumbs

Thanks Jay - I noticed you went with 16" Steels are there no 17" steels, or does this cause issues with arch clearances etc etc?

 

[Jay666d]

As long as the overall size of the tyre doesn't exceed a certain diameter, (These ones are a smidge under 30" which I believe is the biggest you will get on an X-Trail) then all should be fine.

If you go with a 17" rim, the tyre profile would have to be smaller. (I personally think the chunkier profile and smaller rim, lends itself to the 4x4 look)

 

[jims-terrano]

I just can’t wait to see this take shape :thumbs

 

[Banshee]

I just can’t wait to see this take shape :thumbs

I concur!!!!!!!!

 

[FerdiNL]

Looking forward to it as well!!!

 

[AdrianC]

As long as the overall size of the tyre doesn't exceed a certain diameter, (These ones are a smidge under 30" which I believe is the biggest you will get on an X-Trail) then all should be fine.

If you go with a 17" rim, the tyre profile would have to be smaller. (I personally think the chunkier profile and smaller rim, lends itself to the 4x4 look)

Good point, well delivered Sir :thumb2

 

[Jay666d]

With Claire dropped off at work, thought I'd just have a quick mornings graft to change the rear shocks & Springs.

WRONG!!! :doh

It's taking me the best part of two hours to wrestle the 1st spring out!

At this point, I'm not even sure how I'm gonna get the Pedders spring in there!?

Not to mention, the bolts holding the shocks at the top are a nightmare to get at! (The part I thought was gonna be the easiest!) There's only a tiny bit of room, not even enough for the ratchet to click!

 

[Jay666d]

Came up with a one Man solution to my problem!

I got 'Jack' to help. :lol

With that pushing the lower arm away from the chassis, it gave me a little more room to get that spring in!

Now just to do it all again on the other side!

 

[Jay666d]

Compressing these springs is definitely an Apprentices job! :doh

WIth the car back on the ground, I can now measure the results.

Pedders Claim its a 1.75" (44.5mm) lift, but unfortunately these aren't the results I'm seeing! :doh

The front has raised by 30mm and the back, 35mm!

Bloody Pedders!

 

[Jay666d]

I should admit right now, that I have yet to put the Pedders shocks on the back!

Those top bolts were Twats and I just pure ran out of daylight... And patience! (Plus Claire needs the car for work tomorrow!)

Not that I think that will make any difference to the height. :doh

 

[terranosaurusdoug]

I should admit right now, that I have yet to put the Pedders shocks on the back!

Those top bolts were Twats and I just pure ran out of daylight... And patience! (Plus Claire needs the car for work tomorrow!)

Not that I think that will make any difference to the height. :doh

Back shocks look easy enough tho mate :thumb2