Well, the X needed some TLC. The ball joints on both LCAs had gone and the mounting bolts had corroded on (yay corrosive dirt and salt covered roads). I took the opportunity to get aftermarket LCAs installed with zerk points on the ball joints. We also found the right rear parking brake shoes were coated in grease thanks to a failed axle seal - that resulted in having to break the bearing (not a serviceable or rebuildable part) to get the half-shaft out and replace the seal. So new bearing, seal, and brake shoes.
Oh, and one of the shocks had blown, so a new one is on the way. Thanks to Greg at PRG Products who got me exactly what I needed for a great price.
Not exactly what I was expecting to do, but there is one actual improvement on the horizon. The current rear bumper is being given a transfer to my brother's 2008 XTerra (just purchased) and a new rear bumper will be installed on mine. This one will feature a longer swing arm that can carry both a spare tire and two fuel cans. I will sacrifice the mounting for the high-lift jack, but it will be relocated either to the roof or possibly mounted to the impending front bumper during off road driving.
Speaking of front bumpers, my brother's friend is a fantastic welder who has offered to teach me how to weld and will help up design and build two front bumpers for about $400 per, way less than the $1,250 to order one from Shrockworks and I get to make it exactly the way I want. I'm really looking forward to this.