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As I stated in my video I wanted to get this post out as supplemental resource for anyone that is doing this job. This article will be broken out into a couple sections. First the steps, then the details of the job.

Here are the complete steps for removal:

• Drain transmission fluid.
• Disconnect the battery cable from the negative terminal.
• Remove the shift lever assembly.
• Remove front wheel well protectors.
• Remove the crankshaft position sensor.
• Remove the undercovers using power tool.
• Remove the front crossmember using power tool.
• Remove the starter motor.
• Remove the rear drive shaft. (also remove the front shaft if 4WD)
• Remove the left and right front exhaust tubes.
• Remove the clutch operating cylinder from the transmission.
• Support the transmission using a suitable jack.
• Remove the nuts securing the insulator to the crossmember.
• Remove the crossmember using power tool.
• Tilt the transmission slightly to gain clearance between the body and the transmission, then disconnect the air breather hoses.
• Disconnect the following:
  Back-up lamp switch connector
  Park/neutral position (PNP) switch connector
  If you have a 4WD you need to also remove the following:
  ATP switch connector
  Neutral 4LO switch connector
  Wait detection switch connector
  Transfer control device connector
• Remove the wiring harness from the retainers.
• Remove the transmission to engine bolts using power tool.
• Separate the transmission from the engine and remove it from the vehicle.

Removing and Replacing the Transmission to engine bolts

Below are the locations of all of the transmission to engine bolts that must be removed before removing the transmission. When reinstalling you will want to tighten the bolts down to 55ft-lb (7.7 kg-m / 75Nm)

Removing and replacing the rear cross member

This was a huge pain in the ass. Removing the bolts was easy but this thing was really stuck in there!! See below for the diagram and torque specs for the cross member.

The video!

If you are reading this then you likely watched my Nissan Xterra suspension lift kit video over on YouTube. If you have not, then WHY not? Go check it out at the bottom of this page.

This post is designed as a supplement to that video, giving you all the parts, tools, and torque specs to get the job done right. Lets start with a list of tools:

Tools need for the install

• 4 Jack Stands – https://amzn.to/2RGWlIK
• Dead blow hammer – https://amzn.to/3cb8uiA
• Breaker Bar – https://amzn.to/3hNyYb3
• Hand Drill (if you are drilling stock plates) – https://amzn.to/32LfGyY
• Impact Drill (Helpful but optional) – https://amzn.to/3chHGxg
• 3/8 Ratchet – https://amzn.to/33HXEwv
• 1/2 Ratchet – https://amzn.to/3cfY8xV
• Torque Wrench up to 155 lb-ft – https://amzn.to/2FRSNAR
• 14mm Socket
• 14 mm Deep Socket
• 17mm Socket
• 17mm Box Wrench
• 18mm Socket
• 19mm Socket
• 19mm Box Wrench
• 22mm Socket (or adjustable wrench) – https://amzn.to/3hLIKui
• 5mm Allen Wrench (for the tire rod end bolt so size could vary)
• High Speed Steel Step Drill Bit 1″ (if you’re using stock plates) – https://amzn.to/2FHhJLq
• Spring compressors(if you are building the front suspension yourself)

Note: The above are Amazon affiliate links, I will earn a small commission at no cost to you if you use the links above to purchase products.

Parts List

I ordered my entire kit from All Dogs Offroad: https://www.alldogsoffroad.com/

Front End
Springs
Shocks
Cam Bolts
If are are going to build the front suspension yourself you will need:
Upper strut mounts
All rubber mounts and bushings for the front

Rear End
Leaf packs
Leaf pack bushings
shocks
Mount Plates (You can drill out and reuse your stock plates if you like)

Torque Specs

The Video…

Below is the notice I received the other day in the mail. This post is referring to a video I recently and you can find that video at the end of this post. Here you go!! Its a downloadable PDF.

https://youtu.be/_3ixhMNcghk

This post corresponds with the following video:
https://youtu.be/QBw_2mIMhcc

In that video I mention that I will post the drive belt path diagram here so you can download it or print it out. Here you go!

As of late I walk out into the driveway, look at the X, and just do not see a project truck. I have completed all of the major repairs, created videos on all of the major maintenance items, and made the changes I wanted to make to it. I’m not gearing up to get rid of it or anything but I really am seeing it as a bit of a dried up well.

What this says to me is that its time for another project car…

I have been going back and forth on a few different vehicles but at the end of the day I wanted a car that’s very different from the X. My criteria included:

Sports car
Manual/paddle shift transmission
Rear wheel drive
2 or 2+2 seating

The rest really doesn’t matter to me. Things like color, whether or not its a convertible, engine size, etc.

Now there are plenty of cars that fit all of those criteria. Rides like the Mazda Miata which is a classic and incredibly popular roadster. The Toyota MR-2 which is (relative to the miata) rare and rather unique looking. The Mustang, Corvette, Camaro, Challenger, BMW’s, Audis, etc…

I got to thinking about all of my options and referenced the list of cars I have already owned. I did this to remember why I hated certain cars/brands and reminisce about the cars I loved to decide if I wanted to relive any of that magic. Going back through that list reminded me of how much I hated my German cars so that immediately helped me eliminate any of those (like the Z4, TT, 3 series, and slk). I have always loved the “domestic muscle cars” so when I got to the Mustang on my list I knew the search was already over. It was cherry a cherry red GT convertible, manual, loud and ridiculous. I remembered how fun it was and how powerful it felt to drive a nice big V8.

That being said I immediately started shopping for my next mustang! I found one that fit the bill and now the fun begins! Take a look at the video below as my introduction to it!

By now you probably think that I am running from the law…..

I really do move a lot. I feel like I say this every time but I am hoping to stay here a while. We have relocated to another city in Florida. I’m particularly excited about this move as this place has a really sweet garage. I mean look at it. Slat walls all over the place. TONS of tool storage and plenty of workbench space.

You may have noticed that I have already made a few videos here. Its working out well for the most part other than a particularly noisy water heater.

Anyways that’s all. Just wanted to update you on my latest move and show you newest studio space. Move videos coming soon!!

A while back I mentioned that I need to move back to Florida. If you watch my videos you know that I just cannot stand the cold winters of Michigan. So a few months ago I started looking for a place down south and signed a lease about 3 weeks ago in the Orlando area. I have been creating content and stock piling it so I can release it during my move. I hope to only have a few weeks of gap while I get settled in and will hopefully be back to making videos on a regular basis shortly.  Below are some things that I am hoping to accomplish in future videos:

– Painting the trim on the X

– Painting the rims on the X

– Installing off-road lights on the X

-Install seat heaters in the X?

– Vinyl wrapping parts of the 300

– Cabin filter replacement on the 300

– Radio install on 2005 Mustang

– More radio reviews

– Car Review of the X

I am really looking forward to returning to the tropics. I will be able to make videos throughout the winter and not be stopped any incredibly crappy weather. I’ll be making the move in just a few more weeks and I hope to be seeing you soon from down in sunny Florida!

There is only one week left to sign up for the Summer Radio Giveaway! Be sure to visit the giveaway page to enter. You can find that page here.

Good luck and have a great summer!!