I decided to root my CDMA nexus because im tired of waiting for Verizon's updates. I've rooted my previous EVO 4G, and my Hero before that, so I do have some experience rooting. When I went to the how to root section I saw a bunch of links for different steps, but no "step by step" instructions. (First, unlock bootloader doing this, second, install CWM etc.)
I did find that however over on Wug's site which seems to be the easiest way to root (no mention of Wug's either in the HowTo section). According to his site these are the steps to successfully take my cdma nexus from stock, to running any rom I wish.
I. Before You Begin
1. This will erase all data on your device so please make sure to back everything up before beginning.
2. This program only works for Windows.
II. Setup Drivers
1. Download the program from the developer’s page and save it to your computer.
Wugfresh Galaxy Nexus Toolkit (download link under Downloads in the first post on that page)
2. Right click the program and select Run as Administrator and wait for it to open.3. On your device, under Settings > Developer Options turn ON USB debugging.4. In the program select which device you are using, LTE/Verizon Nexus, or GSM/HSPA+ Nexus.5. Click on Drivers under Initial Setup and follow the prompts to install the drivers for your device.6. When it tells you to plug in your device, plug in your device via USB cable.
*If it doesn’t install the drivers or freezes, hit Control + Alt + Delete on your computer keyboard, then Task Manager and then click on the Gnex program and close it. After that reopen it and then install the drivers manually, by going to the folder that was created by the Gnex program (C: > Wugs_GnexRootToolkit and clicking on data and then Verizon Galaxy Nexus Drivers at the bottom of the folder.**If it still doesn’t install the drivers, go to our How To Setup ADB procedure and using that and/or PDANet there. Once you see a serial number after clicking on List Devices under Quick Tools in the program, you can continue.
III. Unlock the Bootloader and Root the Device
1. Once drivers are installed, check to make sure your device can be seen by the program by clicking on List Devices under Quick Tools. So long as it shows a serial number you are ready to go to the next step.
2. Now, click Unlock under Unlock + Root and wait for your device to prompt you. When it does, select Yes using the volume buttons and wait for it to reboot.
3. Once, it has unlocked the bootloader, click on Root under Unlock + Root and wait for it to finish.
4. Done, you now have an unlocked bootloader, root access, and a custom recovery image, you can now go on to flashing custom ROMs if you want.
to install a ROM
II. Flash a Custom Recovery Image
1. Open the Android market on your device and search for ROM Manager. Install it once you find the free version.
2. Open ROM Manager and select Flash Custom Recovery, choose your device and wait for it to finish.
III. Load a Custom ROM
1. Head over to our ROMs section, choose your device.
2. Select a ROM for your device and save it to your computer (do NOT extract it, leave it as a .zip file).
3. Plug your phone in and mount the internal storage so we can transfer files to it.
4. Copy the ROM .zip file over to the root of the internal storage (NOT in any folders, just on the internal storage or sdcard itself).
5. Turn the phone off, then turn the phone back on by holding down Volume Down and Volume Up buttons and tap Power button until the device vibrates, then let go of the power button but keep holding the volume buttons until the recovery mode comes up.
6. Once in recovery mode, scroll to Backup, then select Backup and wait for the phone to backup its current ROM.
7. Once it is done, select Wipe Data
8. Then select Install zip from SD Card
9. Select Choose zip from sd card.
10. Select the ROM’s zip file you loaded onto the internal storage or sd card earlier and wait for it to flash.
11. Once done, select reboot system now.
12. (Optional) Repeat to load a different ROM.
I just wanted to make sure this is everything I need, there is no mention of clockwork recovery in there (which is the screen that you choose to run .zip files correct? getting there by pressing and holding the up+down volume keys and power)
Also through my reading ive read that Liquid is probably the rom im going to go for since it seems to be the quickest and most stable, can I simply assume that these popular roms (aokp, liquid, BAMF etc) have the 4.04 radios built into them? or do i have to flash the 4.04 radios as well?
Thanks for all your help it is much appreciated.
When you dnld & install RM (rom manager), then flash custom recovery, you'll have CWM (clockworkmod).
) it takes a while for the radio flash to complete. 
