Nissan Repair: 1991 Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 repair/overhaul, pathfinder 4x4, 4x4 repair

Question
I have a pathfinder 4x4 with 200000 miles, love it and it still runs great.  Maybe a tad tired but still strong.  I am looking at possibly doing a major overhaul.  The chronic exhaust is ready for work again and timing belt is probably close.  What are critical areas to address, realistic costs, is it worth my effort? Should I use a dealers service dept or go independant?  I'm new to the No. Virginia area and looking for recommended strategy

Answer
Well, NIssan service is good unless you can find a speciality shop that focuses on Nissan.  The exhaust is the tricky part as not to screw up the head when doing the bolts.

The timing belt should include getting a new Nissan belt and idler tensioner pulley.  With the number of miles you want to replace all the parts that the belt rides on, with the exception of the crank gear.  I have replaced just the belt before and had to replace the tensioner pulley 10K later and that really is a pain when you were already in it in the first place.

The cost for the belt replacement can be as little as $350 or higher if other parts need replacement.  The exhaust is just a matter of how bad it is and how hard the problem is to get at.  I did assume that you were talking about the exhaust bolts and not that the exhaust was rotted out?