Just picked up a pathfinder for a new project drove it home for 7 hundred bucks it won't go over sixty won't rev over 3000 rpm or it will cut out sputtered was told it was a vacuum leak its reading 144xxx miles on the dash not sure if the 4wd is working right? Tried to shift it it will only move two gears and could figure out how to get it back in 2hi drove about a block and now the top of the tire is cambered in the boot is leaking grease also...Idk just could use some advice any and all is much appreciated thanks

well ive figured out the 4wd ive changed plugs and wires etc. still wont go over 60 mph or 3000 rpm. ive got a haynes manual. plenty of tools and general knowledge. but ive mentioned this issue to a few of my friends and gotten a couple of suggestions saying its the TPS. is that a PITA to change? just need some advice people im in love with this truck and its my first pathy!

It's not hard to change but needs to be adjusted properly. Nissan did have some problems with them, but it wasn't what I would consider a "common" problem. I would suggest you get a genuine Nissan service manual; sometimes you can find them on Ebay or Craig's list for a reasonable price. I would recommend testing the TPS rather than just replace it. You will find that "guessing" at what's wrong with these vehicles and replacing without testing can get expensive. I would check the ECM for codes before doing anything. You can find the procedure at:

www.troublecodes.net/Nissan

The ECM is under the passenger seat. If it runs fine to 2500-3000 PRM and starts surging and won't rev higher, it's often a sign of ECM fail-safe mode. Find out, if you haven't already, if the timing belt has been replaced with the last 60,000 miles or five years. If not, replace it and the tensioner pulley as this is an interferance engine (most will also recommend replacing the front engine seals, water pump and thermostat at the same time). If you have the throttle body injection, which I'm pretty sure you do, use a timing light to check the fuel injector spray patterns while running; the strobe light affect will let you see it better. You could have a fuel injector that is not working, or working properly. Always keep the basics in mind (check fuel pressure, vacuum leaks, exhaust restriction, etc.) and it is best to stick with genuine Nissan or NGK ignition system parts.

These Pathfinders use torsion bar suspension. Adjusting the right high affects the camber. So, a "good" wheel alignment, which includes checking for worn steering and suspension parts and adjusting the ride height, is recommended. Make sure the joints of the steering center link are checked as these commonly exhibit excessive play as the mileage gets close to 100,000 miles. Occassionally you will run across a torsion bar that gets stripped at its splined ends.

As for the leaking boot, you could remove the axle shaft and replace the boot, but most will get a reman. axle shaft.