My new vehicle: 2005 Nissan Frontier

[articulate]

UncleChris, that's a fine point about protecting the headlights and your pocketbook. With the weight difference, the bulk of it is not in the bars as much as the bumper and the winch. If there is such a thing as weight-to-protection ratio, the grill bars are probably worth their weight in that respect.

On another note, I'm feeling kinda happy about getting out last weekend on a 2-day adventure into Las Cienegas National Conservation Area near Sonoita, Arizona last weekend. I love the improved comfort over my Jeep for a little wilderness exploring. And I'm glad to use this thing for getting out and seeing the world.

I did a minor research trip to see if this place was worth some exploring. We found a way cool ranch/museum called Empire Ranch.

The roads are mild, but several turn into "Jeep trails" and cross some mountains and into the Coronado National Forest - I didn't explore that far, but I could tell it's worth doing. I'm planning a full trip to drive these roads on April 1....stay tuned for that.

On the way back out to Sonoita, though, I had a surprise. The Frontier has a tire pressure monitoring system and it makes a hideously LOUD ring for 30 seconds. That went off and I had to change two things:

• My front passenger tire
• My pants

When something that loud goes off unexpectedly, you jump. I don't care who you are.

It looks like I'll be commiting to new tires earlier than planned.

Raise your glass!
Mark

 

[Scott Brady]

Sweet Mark! Getting the new machine out for some adventure

So what are the tire plans? 265/75?

 

[articulate]

Sweet Mark! Getting the new machine out for some adventure

So what are the tire plans? 265/75?

Well, yeah, that was the plan - and my favorite BFG AT. So Brooke and I are talking last night, and she wanted to know how much bigger a 265/75 tire is than the 265/70 (the current size).

Her response: Only an inch?!

After a conversation about how to calculate tire size, she wants 285/75. What do you think of that for Valentie's dinner conversation?
I've shared a few emails with a guy who has similar suspension changes on the same truck, and he has the 285/75 without trouble...even with driving some trails at Moab.

I'd better listen to my wife.

 

[Scott Brady]

285/75 should be nice on that truck

you will notice a bit of power loss and reduced fuel economy, but all worth it IMO... :ylsmoke:

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

Well you have plenty of power, 265hp. and 284lb-ft I vote for the 285/75-16"
plus your truck will take a completely different look!:archaeolo

 

[articulate]

eurorom, seems you're quite familiar with the late model Frontier! I appreciate your input. I'm mostly concerned about the MPG loss than the power loss; but other items (like gear loaded up for an adventure) contribute to those as well.

If you can look at the consequences and say, "I can live with that," then go for it, right?

The fresh tires are being installed in the morning; tomorrow night I'll install my extended shakles. :chowtime: I'll see how those work for a while.

Plus I'll look like I "belong" on the Camino trip

Too much fun. But turning the wrench and typing on the keyboard gets me all itchy to actually get out and play. Gotta go!

Mark

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

Well let's see, you should be averaging at around 20 miles per gallon in stock form, maybe better depending on altitude.Now if you add the tires wich will add some extra weight but are bigger the power curve should not be that off, plus you have plenty of horse power, so you should at best loose I would estimate 1 mile or 2 .Now I am talking about hwy speeds on cruise control.I have read of some people averaging at or around 23 miles per gallon on a very flat route!Oh and do not forget to post some pictures

 

[BajaTaco]

Hey Mark, today is the day - we are anxiously awaiting an update. Don't forget about us

I can't wait to see this truck on Thursday.

 

[articulate]

Hmmm.....

Maybe not SO unhappy, however I had a snag with the tire joint. Ultimately they wouldn't agree to mount the 285/75 on a 7" wide wheel. They claim BFG has had many problems with blowouts with that tire/wheel configuration.

Plus, when I returned to pick her up, the boys complained that the 265/75 "barely fit, dude. Those 285s would have never gone on." :ylsmoke: I don't know about that.

Oh well. Simple fact is that I'm pleased anyway - nothing says EXPEDITION like 10" wide tires and a snorkel.

I'll get a photograph up here tomorrow.

Thanks for putting up with me

Edit: Now if those uber-cool 255/85 came on the all terrain, this story would have gone much differently...

Mark

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

Congratulations! you will notice some difference in performance and your truck should have at least 10.1 inches of ground clearance, the same as the NISMO, however your tires should be wider?
Any way i think you will be please with their performance!
Now some pictures.........:luxhello:

 

[articulate]

Yee HAWWWW!

Here we are putting the tires to good use as a grin-maker:

Sorry....is that too trashy? Neither vegetation nor road was harmed in the making of this photograph.

Flyingwil offered to help me out, so he sawed my tailpipe so I could install extended shackles on the rear leaf springs. Now the truck sits at a similar rake as when she was on the lot. Give Wil a round of applause.

:beer:

I feel bad for my Jeep, as she'll be ignored for a while. All of my planned trips for the next 8 weeks only involve the truck. Although I find myself waving at other Jeeps when I'm in the truck. They probably think I'm an idiot.

The rock sliders should be here soon, and then I'll get them powder coated. I'm trying to "engineer" a fresh water tank. Otherwise, what's next? :ylsmoke:

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

:clapsmile Well did you notice any changes in power? How about ground clearance? And the last, but not the least are you noticing any lack of power when you are in Low range? That is the word out! I feel it might be the limited slip differentials in front and back since they use the brakes to send the power to the tire with the most traction!!???
What are your thoughts!!!:ylsmoke:

 

[cshontz]

Ultimately they wouldn't agree to mount the 285/75 on a 7" wide wheel. They claim BFG has had many problems with blowouts with that tire/wheel configuration.

I'm glad to see that you ultimately got your tires mounted up, Mark. It can be really frustrating when tire shops play this card. I can understand them not wanting to be liable for doing work that isn't quite by the book. However, to hear them spew bs makes my blood boil - afterall, we wouldn't be there if we haven't done our research, correct?

Sears pulled this on me once. Lesson learned.

 

[articulate]

update

:clapsmile Well did you notice any changes in power? How about ground clearance? And the last, but not the least are you noticing any lack of power when you are in Low range?...What are your thoughts!!!:ylsmoke:

Frankly I didn't notice any loss of power, but I'm not that picky about losing some either. And I'd only used low range 3 times before the new tires, and I definately don't notice any change there.

But I was pleased with the way low range behaved on the Camino del Diablo trip. For my intentions with the truck, I feel that the equipment is well suited. The transfer case ratio is not extraordinary at 2.625:1, but sheesh. I get outside to do some adventure, see interesting things with interesting people, and I come back with a grin on my face and a happy heart. What ever complaint I could have with the transfer case wouldn't be from any adverse effect from the larger tires.

You also ask about clearance: aside from the gigantic chrome bumper, clearance has to be the major weakness in the new Frontier. With the 2" added height and 1" taller tire (well, 1/2" for discussion of clearance...) we're in great shape.

I'm actually impressed with how well the OEM suspension rides on graded roads and washboard sections. However, I'm used to driving a Jeep TJ and even with the praised-for-comfort Old Man Emu suspension, I get exhausted by the end of a 4-hour trail. I might like the ride simply because it's not a Jeep .
I need to install some longer shocks in the rear of the Nissan due to the extended shackles, and right now the only ones available (that I can find) are Bilstein 5100 (link-a-roo). I'm afraid of stiffening the ride, though.

I'm glad to see that you ultimately got your tires mounted up, Mark. It can be really frustrating when tire shops play this card. I can understand them not wanting to be liable for doing work that isn't quite by the book. However, to hear them spew bs makes my blood boil - afterall, we wouldn't be there if we haven't done our research, correct?

Actually, I looked up the recommend wheel width at the BFG website, and they say 7.5" - 9" for both the AT and Mud tire. Based on that I was in the wrong, but simply misinformed. If they really do experience a lot of tire damage from the 7" wheel, I'd prefer to have the odds stacked in my favor anyway with the 265 mm section width. What's obnoxious, though, is the way the boys at the tire shop tell you about such issues. "Dude, no way can we put that tire on that wheel, na-ah." You ever get the impression they are trying to make you feel dumb?

Roll on, baby, roll on!
Mark

 

[LexusAllTerrain]

I am curious to know if your Frontier came with the front and rear Limited Slip ?