High-clearance U-bolt Plates for 1st Gen Xterras

[Drake]

This is just a feeler thread for now to see how much interest is out there for high-clearance u-bolt plates for the leaf-packs on 1st gens. For those that remember the UB Skidderz, this is the same concept and similar design. They are in the design/prototype phase currently with Extreme Roc Rigs.

Myself and another 1st gen owner will likely be the guinea pigs for the first pre-production sets to try them out and find any kinks or tweaks that need to be made to the initial design. This will happen in the next month to 6 weeks but possibly sooner.

For those not familiar with UB Skidderz, these plates replace the factory spring-pack mount with a solid plate that acts as a skid plate to protect the u-bolts. It also relocates the bottom shock mount up above the plate so that it is protected as well as increasing ground clearance.

Post up if you're interested and I will keep this updated as things develop.

 

[Xterabl]

I'm definitely interested. I have been looking for this ever since I "got back into my X" and realized darlington wasn't making the skidderz anymore. I have a 2000 Xterra XE with a few lift elements in the rear (two different aal's; SLR shackle). Please let me know how I might be able to help. My main concern is that with the elevated lower shock mount, there might be problems with shock travel if the upper mounts aren't relocated (which I'm NOT willing to try to do unless there is somethign bolt-on). But I have VERY OLD and rusted Rancho adjustables in the reare that I'm looking to replace...so this might be the right opportunity for both me and Extreme Roc Rigs (do they have a website?).

 

[Drake]

http://www.extremerocrigs.com/

He has been fabricating custom offroad parts for many years but now that he has his shop established, he is looking to expand his business into the SUV/truck market for the weekend warriors as well. He has wheeled with me on several occasions and really wants to see what he can do for the 1st gen xterras since the aftermarket support is next to nil.

Thanks for the heads up on the upper shock mount. I will be meeting with him this Thursday night to go over some more things and make sure we cover all the bases (as much as possible) before he makes a couple of sets for me and my buddy to put through its paces and I'll be sure that we address any concerns anyone may have.

 

[Drake]

Just to add... my Xterra and the other Xterra that will be testing these should cover most if not all types of rear suspension builds. My X only runs the AC lift shackles with long travel shocks and my buddy's X has the AAL and revolver shackles. Together, we should be able to expose the full spectrum of possibilities and problems that may come up with the initial design.

 

[KUMA]

Hey Drake I am interested

 

[Drake]

Cool. I'm hoping to hear from him late next week on the progress. I've been trying to contain myself from bugging the crap out of him daily. :drool:

 

[theindian]

I'm definitely interested. I have been looking for this ever since I "got back into my X" and realized darlington wasn't making the skidderz anymore. I have a 2000 Xterra XE with a few lift elements in the rear (two different aal's; SLR shackle). Please let me know how I might be able to help. My main concern is that with the elevated lower shock mount, there might be problems with shock travel if the upper mounts aren't relocated (which I'm NOT willing to try to do unless there is somethign bolt-on). But I have VERY OLD and rusted Rancho adjustables in the reare that I'm looking to replace...so this might be the right opportunity for both me and Extreme Roc Rigs (do they have a website?).

the top mount shouldnt have any effect because the rear end should have some kind of bump stop or set amount of upward travel. stopping any further upward movement. the higher mounting point on the shock plate should give you that much more extension from your shock. plus higher ground clearance.

 

[Xterabl]

ahh, theindian, I see you are correct. The higher lower shock mount will decrease the steady-state length of the shock--which might effect the ride "stiffness" slightly but probably not by much--but it does nothing to change the overall wheel travel. Thank you for correcting me!

 

[theindian]

Xerabl, your more than welcome, that was a very good concern and question. When developing and engineering a new product or part every posiblity and concern has to be answered.

 

[Drake]

Xerabl, your more than welcome, that was a very good concern and question. When developing and engineering a new product or part every posiblity and concern has to be answered.

That is why we plan to put them through a few good trips of abuse before he "releases" them to everyone. I think having two test vehicles with different rear-suspension setups should be able to expose any flaws that will need to be corrected.

 

[Frankspinz]

Looking foreward to seeing this develop !