[James M]

Hey guys,

I'm searching for a Titan and want to make sure I have my facts straight. I've done a lot of reading here and on another forum, and...having been a moderator on a handful of boards, I know there's bad info out there.

Here's a little background....

I race sportbikes and it was time to upgrade from my 6.5x10 trailer. I currently drive an 04 Avalanche. So it's got a 5.3 with a 4l60e tranny. Low miles. Nice truck. After picking up my new 7x16 trailer in Omaha and driving back to Minneapolis, it was very apparent that the ol' girl has asthma...wheezing unless I downshifted to where I was getting 6mpg. Not gonna cut it. In the end, I'm truck shopping.

My best friend is a Nissan master tech, so when I mention a Titan, he just said, "Yes! Do it!" When I asked him what they came into the dealership for, he said, "oil changes." Did he ever pay attention to what trim level had what? Not really! So, as much as his stamp of approval gives me, I can't get shopping advice from him.

Here's what I know:
I guess I'm looking for an 08 or newer to avoid axle issues - not sure what other reason I'm looking for an 08 and up. Please fill me!
Towing - I want the big tow package for the towing gears, mirrors, and it'll be pre wired for a brake controller.
Pro4x will automatically have the big tow package?
I'm looking for a crew cab, cause I'll be moving people when I'm not towing.
I need 4wd, cause I'm in MN... Sometimes you need 4wd to get to the grocery store.
Whatever truck I get, replace the axle breather because they corrode shut and blow axle seals.

Anything else I should know or that I've mis-stated here? Are any of the non big tow trucks equipped with the .336 rear end? (forgive me if I got the number wrong!) Or is it really as easy to identify a truck with the better towing gears as just looking for the tow mirrors? I'm trying to stay under $20k and the search hasn't turned up a lot, but Iv'e driven a few and feel like I drank the kool-aid. Leaving Chevy and never looking back!

Thanks in advance!

 

[dreep]

You're on the right track. Pro4X will have the 3.36 gears and an e-locker rear differential. Mine has the tow mirrors, but I don't recall if they all do.

You get some other advantages in 08+ that happened from about 07 on - better front brakes, updated axles, updated intake manifold (worth a few HP), and VVT that also boosts power a bit. Probably other ECM/software updates as well.

Mine is a Flex Fuel, and if I'm reading the situation based on other's posts right, these may get a bit more mpg with crap ethanol-blended fuel. I very consistently run 14.5-15.5 mpg in mixed driving. Nothing to write home about, but there are quite a few guys who report 12-13 mpg (lifts, larger tires/wheels all contribute to that, of course).

Yes, do the axle vent mod. Very easy, and it gets the breather out of harms way if you launch boats, whatever.

Recommend UpRev tuning for performance boosts, too. Works well on a stock truck, but also sets you up for being able to tune other upgrades (CAI, cat-back & aftermarket b-pipes, headers... even cams if you go for non-stock power).

Buying used, see if you can get service records, and if not, consider a pre-purchase inspection by a good independent shop.

 

[James M]

Thanks for the feedback!

I won't be modding it aside from a brake controller, and possibly a dvd player for long trips if it doesn't have one already. I'll add airbags if she feels sloppy while towing.

The Nissan master tech will have a chance to check it over before I pull the trigger....even though I'm a competent gearhead, having restored cars, bikes, etc. When your best friend has worked on them for years, he'll see things long before I do!

 

[Joseph Willis]

Hello.
Your right about the rear axle issue and I found that if you just remove the breather and install a 90 degree fitting with a piece 5/16 hose run to center of axle then up into a hole on the frame.For towing trailers the Pro 4X will have all the necessary wiring including the patch cable for brake controller.I myself have never installed a brake controller and found no problems towing and controlling trailers as long as 20 feet up to 10000 lbs.I installed a Road master active suspension kit in the back and that has kept things pretty stable.

 

[ninnemannk]

To confirm, Pro-4X does not ALWAYS have the BIG tow package. To the PRO-4X it adds the trans temp gauge, and telescope mirrors. You will absolutely love the telescoping mirrors, get one with the Big Tow package.

Dreep is spot on with the reasons for 08+.

Also, along with checking the axle seals for leakage, you should pay attention to the exhaust manifolds. They are know to crack causing a tick/flutter sound. Not a real engine tick, just sounds like one.

Most people who tow as much as you do install firestone air bags in the rear.

Good luck with your search!


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[dreep]

Thanks for the feedback!

I won't be modding it aside from a brake controller, and possibly a dvd player for long trips if it doesn't have one already. I'll add airbags if she feels sloppy while towing.

The Nissan master tech will have a chance to check it over before I pull the trigger....even though I'm a competent gearhead, having restored cars, bikes, etc. When your best friend has worked on them for years, he'll see things long before I do!

Sounds very good. I still suggest checking out the UpRev tune. Among other updates that improve performance, it allows adjustment of the torque tables (often referred to as the transmission line pressure mod), that allows crisper shifts. All in all, very good, easy mod for towing.

Buying UpRev from your tuner of choice gets you the basic software and a cable that hooks from a laptop to your OBD II port. The customization to your truck is done through data logging that you do and email to your tuner. The tuner sends you updated ROM file that you use to flash your ECM. Data log, repeat... and after a few iterations, you have the truck custom tuned and optimized. You get up to five selectable custom maps (typically something like performance 93 octane, economy 87 octane, valet mode which limits max rpm, and a couple others). Process is completely reversible, BTW. If you have questions, give Joe at Cajun Tuning (seymore4 on this forum) a shout (site sponsoring vendor).

Search the forum for towing threads and that talk about airbags... quite a few seem to use them as ninnemannk mentions. Also recently saw a few posts that give good reviews for the Roadmaster Active Suspension (RAS) for improved load handling, also mentioned by Joseph.

Cheers!

 

[dreep]

Hello.
Your right about the rear axle issue and I found that if you just remove the breather and install a 90 degree fitting with a piece 5/16 hose run to center of axle then up into a hole on the frame.

Good mod.

James, search the forum for threads on the axle vent mod. There are a couple vendors who sell complete kits, or you can DIY-it.

The axle is threaded 1/8 BSPT (British Standard Pipe Taper thread), NOT 1/8" NPT (as you will find in your local hardware store) and NOT M10 straight thread metric. You might be able to force a 1/8" NPT fitting in - folks have - but I wouldn't recommend it. There is a very slight difference in thread pitch - the correct 1/8" BSPT has 28 threads per inch, and the common 1/8 NPT is 27).

Fittings of choice include Toyota part #90404-51026 and 1/4" ID tubing (this is the fitting commonly used in the complete kits) or if you want to run 5/16" tubing, you can probably get it to fit the alternative Toyota part # 90404-51319, which is sized for 3/8" tubing. Some folks use Nissan part #38323-C601A , but it is fairly small, sized for 3/16 ID tubing. To keep bugs out of the open end of the new vent line, get a cheap filter - no check valve - such as O'Reilly's Part # 7-07103 (for 1/4" ID tubing). Most folks route the new line up behind the right taillight housing. Way out of harm's way, there.

If you have trouble starting the new fitting in the axle, you can chase the threads in the axle with a 1/8"-28 BSPT tap (Sears has them for about $7 http://www.sears.com/vermont-america...-SPM8597308225). Or, at that point, you could just re-tap 1/8 NPT, use a hardware store fitting of your choice.

Cheers!

 

[dreep]

For towing trailers the Pro 4X will have all the necessary wiring including the patch cable for brake controller. I myself have never installed a brake controller and found no problems towing and controlling trailers as long as 20 feet up to 10000 lbs. I installed a Road master active suspension kit in the back and that has kept things pretty stable.

Thanks. Just watch the load ratings - 9,300 pound max for the Pro4X, 930 pound max tongue weight for my 2014. See attached table from the 2014 Owner's Manual.

 

[halcyon026]

Hey guys,

I race sportbikes and it was time to upgrade from my 6.5x10 trailer.

I race too, last bike was a 2013 ZX6R, typically I've raced R6's. What do you ride?

 

[James M]

Thanks for the help!

So, if the tow mirrors don't indicate a big tow package on the pro 4x, what do I need to look for when I shop to make sure the truck has it?

As for racing, I have an 08 R6 currently. I think I have another year on that before I go a little more budget minded ( maybe an sv or an fz07). Going through $600 in tires every weekend is getting old!

 

[skykiing]

Thanks for the help!

So, if the tow mirrors don't indicate a big tow package on the pro 4x, what do I need to look for when I shop to make sure the truck has it?

As for racing, I have an 08 R6 currently. I think I have another year on that before I go a little more budget minded ( maybe an sv or an fz07). Going through $600 in tires every weekend is getting old!

Just buy this one... Its sick!

I buy it, but I just bought my wife a car.

http://www.titantalk.com/forums/buy-sell/376210-fs-14-lifted-pro4x-crewcab.html#post7263698

 

[ninnemannk]

Thanks for the help!

So, if the tow mirrors don't indicate a big tow package on the pro 4x, what do I need to look for when I shop to make sure the truck has it?

As for racing, I have an 08 R6 currently. I think I have another year on that before I go a little more budget minded ( maybe an sv or an fz07). Going through $600 in tires every weekend is getting old!

Sorry if you misunderstood me. Tow mirrors = big tow package unless someone installed the tow mirrors themselves.

Look for: 3.36 gears, tow mirrors, trans temp gauge, tow mode button, hitch receiver.


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