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| Nissan Xterra Off Road Backcountry 4x4 Test Report Page 2 |
Underside Protection
SHROCKWORKS SKID PLATES
While the X comes with sheet metal skid plates, we wanted
more underside protection for the types of rocky terrain we
drive. We selected the full complement of Shrockworks
skid plates for the project. With the exception of the cat-
back exhaust, nearly the entire underside is now protected
from rocks. As it turns out, this is critical, even with a two
and a half inch suspension lift. Ground clearance at the
front is still inadequate with the stock front tire size and the
addition of a heavy front winch bumper, winch and twin
compressor air system, which mounts inside the front
bumper. The extra weight used up some clearance. So the
underside front hits rocks all the time. As a driver, you
must make a conscious effort to avoid rocks under the
vehicle, even in areas where our Land Rover Discovery
with a modest 2’ lift and similar front end gear easily clears
mid trail rocks. Having said this, the skid plates have done
their job, as evidenced by the gouges and dings on them
now. The Shrockworks skid plates have performed
flawlessly, protecting critical underside components on the
X.
Calmini Steering Guard
The steering guard is from Calmini, and like the underside
protection, has proven to be very effective, providing great
protection and adding a very cool appearance to the front
end of the X.
Calmini Suspension Lift
Calmini produces a great 2.5 inch lift kit for the late model
Xterras. This kit uses stock front coils with a spacer and
hardware, plus a camber correction kit. At the rear,
shackles and an additional leaf spring helper boost the
ride height. Installation is relatively easy, but you do need
a coil spring compressor for the front springs. Some of the
lift was negated by the addition of some heavy hardware
like the winch and bumper.
Winch Bumper
Calmini makes a really great looking winch bumper for the ’
05 and later Xterra. And it is substantial, providing a strong
anchor for the Superwinch. It drastically improves the
approach angle as well. It also takes a beating. Just before
our tire test last spring, the X was rear ended, knocking it
into the car in front. The Jeep that hit the X had the air bag
deploy, so it was a significant hit. The rear of the little
sedan was destroyed, but the Calmini bumper
SHROCKWORKS SKID PLATES
While the X comes with sheet metal skid plates, we wanted
more underside protection for the types of rocky terrain we
drive. We selected the full complement of Shrockworks
skid plates for the project. With the exception of the cat-
back exhaust, nearly the entire underside is now protected
from rocks. As it turns out, this is critical, even with a two
and a half inch suspension lift. Ground clearance at the
front is still inadequate with the stock front tire size and the
addition of a heavy front winch bumper, winch and twin
compressor air system, which mounts inside the front
bumper. The extra weight used up some clearance. So the
underside front hits rocks all the time. As a driver, you
must make a conscious effort to avoid rocks under the
vehicle, even in areas where our Land Rover Discovery
with a modest 2’ lift and similar front end gear easily clears
mid trail rocks. Having said this, the skid plates have done
their job, as evidenced by the gouges and dings on them
now. The Shrockworks skid plates have performed
flawlessly, protecting critical underside components on the
X.
Calmini Steering Guard
The steering guard is from Calmini, and like the underside
protection, has proven to be very effective, providing great
protection and adding a very cool appearance to the front
end of the X.
Calmini Suspension Lift
Calmini produces a great 2.5 inch lift kit for the late model
Xterras. This kit uses stock front coils with a spacer and
hardware, plus a camber correction kit. At the rear,
shackles and an additional leaf spring helper boost the
ride height. Installation is relatively easy, but you do need
a coil spring compressor for the front springs. Some of the
lift was negated by the addition of some heavy hardware
like the winch and bumper.
Winch Bumper
Calmini makes a really great looking winch bumper for the ’
05 and later Xterra. And it is substantial, providing a strong
anchor for the Superwinch. It drastically improves the
approach angle as well. It also takes a beating. Just before
our tire test last spring, the X was rear ended, knocking it
into the car in front. The Jeep that hit the X had the air bag
deploy, so it was a significant hit. The rear of the little
sedan was destroyed, but the Calmini bumper
| We’ve tested the Xterra extensively on some great trails including Death Valley. |
| The Shrockworks skid plates have proven very durable and protective. |
Even with a 2.5 inch lift, the Xterra is comfortable
on side slopes up to nearly 40 degrees.
on side slopes up to nearly 40 degrees.
Even with a 2.5 inch lift, the Xterra is comfortable
on side slopes up to nearly 40 degrees.
on side slopes up to nearly 40 degrees.
Copyright 2009 Don Alexander
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