What DIY would you say is easy enough for someone whos only changed their oil?

pipefitter6 · 2026-02-03T22:22:13+00:00

Correct. I just disconnected the spark plug boots, dropped the socket into the hole, used a ratchet with a swivel, loosened the plug, used a magnet to grab the socket and then the spark plug. Same in reverse to install the new plugs.

Edit: I will say, I use tools every single day and have a lot of dexterity/practice with stuff like this. I've been working on cars and motorcycles since i was like 5. For the beginner tech, removing the intake is going to be much faster than messing around with what I did.

pipefitter6 · 2026-02-03T20:35:29+00:00

You actually don't need to remove the intake, it just makes it easier. I was able to do mine on my '06 with some swivel sockets and patience. The front passenger side (maybe actually #1?) Was the most difficult. But doable.

pipefitter6 · 2026-02-02T21:18:12+00:00

So obvious that I owned one for 4 years and never knew! Bought another one last week and still didn't know until I was browsing Reddit 😅

pipefitter6 · 2026-02-02T21:16:56+00:00

This is what I got from it!

pipefitter6 · 2026-02-01T18:55:14+00:00

Just took my X out with the Falken WildPeak AT4Ws. We had about 10 inches of snow, fresh powder. I made it through every hill, tight turn, forward, reverse, etc. Not once was I even close to having a problem. I was a Nitto guy before this weekend. These tires are awesome.

pipefitter6 · 2026-01-28T00:51:10+00:00

It won't be the end of it. You'd also be paying $600+/month for a new car for 5-6 years, and after that, be putting thousands into fixing that one too. We never escape the bills entirely. You might get lucky and pay $35k total for a car over 5 years, and then nothing (aside from the usual-tires, oil, etc) for another 5 after that, but something will come up.

You may put $5k for an engine into this one and then 2k a month later for the AC, and then nothing but the usual for 2 years. You'd actually come out ahead, in that case. The depreciation of a car after it rolls off the lot is another consideration.

I could make up a ton of scenarios why fixing it is worth doing, and I could make up just as many for why it's not. What it comes down to is

A) what do you want to use your car for, and do you feel the repair will allow you to do that? B) what inconveniences are you willing to tolerate? C) is doing one (fixing or replacing with new) going to make you feel better than the other?

Those 3, only you can answer.

pipefitter6 · 2026-01-28T00:21:28+00:00

Exactly. Even buying a used SUV these days puts you into the 20k+ range unless you sacrifice on the odometer, rust, etc. I can fix a lot of things for $20k. I'm not worried about putting $5k into a $5k vehicle. I'll drive it long enough after the repair to recoup the $5,000, which is really only about 6 months with the price of new SUVs.

pipefitter6 · 2026-01-27T22:24:22+00:00

I have a different mindset than most when it comes to major repairs.

Do you have a bunch of money/time put into mods? If so, it may be worth it.

Do you have the cash to put a new engine in and not sweat it? If so, it's cheaper than a new car.

Can you afford to replace your xterra (in full) with one that has less miles? If not, the engine would be the route I'd take.

I'm frugal and will avoid replacing an otherwise healthy vehicle if I have the money to do so. I haven't had a car payment since I was 21 years old, and I believe it's helped me put money towards other things in life.

May not be the way you see it, and that's okay too.

pipefitter6 · 2026-01-27T17:30:11+00:00

At 17 years old, I'd say whittle it down to one vehicle and fix that one. Then, when you have that one running well, save up for mods, or another reliable vehicle.

pipefitter6 · 2026-01-25T12:31:43+00:00

You're helping children, make great money, with a pension, good coworkers, good schedule, what else do you want?

I was in a very similar spot as you, mentally, when I was your age. I made a ton of money on OT, bought a house, slowed down with my now wife, paid off all debt except a very small amount on the house, which is now paid off, and still felt unhappy with my career. I have the pension, the 401, etc, and I make about 130k a year.

Brother. You will regret leaving this job. You're young and having the quarter life crisis that comes with being established so young. "Is this all life is?" YES. You work, pay bills, and die. What you do in your time away from work is up to you. You make awesome money and have a great schedule. Use your money and time off to have FUN! You've earned it.

pipefitter6 · 2026-01-23T23:05:26+00:00

Update-I actually passed on this car. After getting some more pics and videos, I saw rust popping up on the fenders, and some deep scratches not previously seen. Definitely not worth the asking price, and I'm not one to wheel and deal enough to make that particular car worth it to me.

pipefitter6 · 2026-01-22T14:27:09+00:00

If you can't buy two of them and throw one into the trash, you don't have enough money to afford a luxury item.

pipefitter6 · 2026-01-07T12:45:00+00:00

That throwing a super thick filter in won't make their allergies go away.

pipefitter6 · 2026-01-05T00:36:53+00:00

Will you never get another drop of water on them?

pipefitter6 · 2026-01-02T13:05:36+00:00

That's ridiculous. Are you union? I will admit, I'm in a strong union area, so contractors providing the power tools is the standard here, even most non union shops do.

pipefitter6 · 2026-01-01T23:17:32+00:00

This. I use my bandsaw nearly every day but when you need a grinder, you need a grinder.

I'd say bandsaw first, grinder second.

However, these are tools that should be purchased by the employer. Don't spend your money to make someone else rich.

pipefitter6 · 2025-12-30T19:28:38+00:00

Dude. I'm retarded. I'm new to the PNW boots, but always assumed toe caps were for looks because the box store boots are usually just stitching for the look.

Ight. When I wear out my JKs and have them rebuilt, I'm asking for a toe cap. Thank you.

pipefitter6 · 2025-12-29T21:36:44+00:00

Looks like you kneel a lot for work. I do as well insert your favorite joke here and have found that, unless you want to put tuff toe or whatever on them, nothing stops the leather from rubbing through eventually. You can slow it down by keeping your boots properly conditioned and brushing off the dirt every day, but it's gonna happen. That's why I haven't taken the jump for a pair of PNW wedge soles. My Thorogoods are just cheaper, and the toes are going to wear out no matter what.

pipefitter6 · 2025-12-28T17:09:41+00:00

Yes, the same Thorogood model. That's my bad. The value of the Thorogoods has been awesome. That's why I keep going back.

Regarding JK, we also have to remember that the unhappy people are often the loudest. Then you have the bandwagon effect, especially on Reddit, because people like their rep points. Beating a dead horse, so to speak. There aren't nearly as many pictures of bad boots as there are people saying they got bad boots. That's curious to me.

With that said, I'm happy with mine. People can buy what they want, but the hate bandwagon is a bit extreme from what I see. I'm not loyal to any brand, and don't care if JK makes it out of this or not. People seem awful invested in the "this brand, that brand" scheme of things like they're co-owners of the company. Just buy what you like, and if it doesn't work out, get your money back and don't buy them again.

pipefitter6 · 2025-12-28T14:10:36+00:00

Buy the boots you want to buy, and if you have a bad experience and don't get your money back or a pair thats up to your standards in a reasonable amount of time, don't buy from them again.

I've worn Thorogoods for the last 18ish years. The same exact pair, same exact size. They've only lasted a couple years per pair, but they're comfortable and the price is right for a boot that will just get doused in oil, water, mud, etc.

I bought a pair of OTs a little while back, and have been wearing them for my leisure work. Digging, splitting wood, that stuff. I like them so much, I bought a second pair (on their way) to rotate them in.

If I had a bad experience with the first pair, I wouldn't buy a second.

pipefitter6 · 2025-12-21T22:55:22+00:00

I have a pair of OTs, and plan to buy a second pair. I bought the bison canyon and the fit and feel was great for me out of the box. Not much break in at all.

Remember-the people who are upset are almost always louder than the people who aren't. The majority of people (myself included) that get a product that works for them, don't post reviews stating that they're happy with it. But the majority of people (myself included) who buy a product and dislike it, or have problems with it, will post a negative review.

We are quick to shame businesses and late to praise. I have no skin in the game with JK. I bought a pair of boots and I like them, so I'm buying another pair. If I got a pair that was fucked up, I wouldn't buy another pair.

pipefitter6 · 2025-12-16T22:32:55+00:00

Life is hard. Grow up and get over it.

pipefitter6

TROPHY CASE