Starting my 2010 Frontier 4X Build - looking for some expert advice

[Jagger1031]

Greetings from the Alabama Gulf Coast! I've been a member for a bit now and finally getting around to introducing myself and building up my Frontier. I have just ordered my first piece of equipment (Utilitrac factory toolbox) and will post the install pros/cons/pics once I get it in place.

My next step I would like to take will be the "lift" for a little better ground clearance. I would really appreciate any feedback on experience with the Ready Lift? leveling kit or any other recommended lifts out there (that do not require a new loan or my first born to install/maintain!) A few of my concerns with a lift a difficulty with alignment, voiding my warranty, etc. I have read a wide variety of reviews from ultimate praise to the "don't buy them at all" but most are related to the Jeep drivers of the world. This truck is my every day drive so I do not have lofty plans of turning this into an expedition only toy. I just want a great vehicle that i can take the family on some extended weekend back country trips around the lower 48 for starters. I am planning on either the BFG AT's or Firestone AT's 265/70 or 75/16 on for shoes. I need the good road AND offroad experience since I have to drive a minimum of 8 hours to hit any mountian/rocky offroad areas! I look forward to the experts out there to steer me right. Thanks in advance!

 

[drbandkgb]

Ok you will not void a warranty adding a aftermarket part.. You will need the cam bolts.. Nissan in their wisdom added cam bolts that can not be clocked..
Tires.. BFG all the way.. The KO's are about the best all around tire out there.. They look pretty good and handle all types of weather. Goodyear Duratracs are very nice.. Look super aggressive but handle like a nice street tire. Tires are the best Bang for your buck in taking the truck to the next step. If you cant grip the trail or road your on.. Well your not going anywhere.. This is the one item I will not go cheap on..
Im currently running the Duratracs on my Xterra.. I have the KO's on the wifes Blazer.. If your looking at a more aggressive tire the BFG KM2 is the best bad I have found for the dollar..


Duratrac: Better

KO: Good

KM2: Best

 

[Jagger1031]

thanks for the info (re cam bolts!). I have been leaning towards the BFG but have yet to look into the Goodyear or the KM2 - I will definitely check them out. They will follow the lift....

 

[drbandkgb]

PRG is the way to go in Nissan lifts.. 2005-2011 Where are you in AL? Im middle TN.. We have some good guys up here that can help you if you need some.. We do some cool trips too

 

[Jagger1031]

Mobile Bay area. I will def keep in touch on the help offer (need all i can get!). Please keep me in the loop for the trips - That sounds great! I came up last year to the National Park/Cherokee/Whittier NC, etc for a week and had a great time. Planning on making TN a yearly tour to include the NC, GA, and KY areas as well.

 

[RonapRhys]

There's also All Day Fab (Arizona) that got me a lift for my 07 X for $120 or so. Same basic thing as the PRG, but for less $$s. Cam bolts are likely needed - but some of us get buy without them (I did). However, I'd recommend replacing them ASAP if you're going to do it. And put antiseize all over them. They corrode and seize in place very well and they're a mother to get out.

I'm having very good luck with my BFG AT KOs. Tread's wearing nicely, good off-road (though not a mud tire, which may be something you need for your area), etc.

 

[drbandkgb]

Yep KO's have been known for 70k easy.. Rotate every 5k The Goodyears have only been out a few years so miles are sorta unknown right now..
BFG is one of the best tires in the world.. After I wear the GY's out ill go back to KM2s

We plan trips to places called Woolys Off Road.. Its a so so place to play.. And then the King of all trips isn Coal Creek / Windrock Mnt. In East TN.. 72,000 ac of play ground
250 miles of trails.. and your in the Smokey Mnts so its a pretty place

 

[Jagger1031]

Thanks to both. @DrB -- keep me posted on any trips / rallys etc that may be at the Coal Creek area mentioned. Sounds like an awesome place to test out the truck...

 

[drbandkgb]

Oh it is

 

[Jagger1031]

Well - Picked up my new toolbox from Nissan yesterday, but thanks to Tropical Storm Lee, it is residing inside until the weather lets up. Soon as the sun is out, the install will begin...

 

[Jagger1031]

Toolbox Installed

Finally - a small break in the weather..... The toolbox is installed.

Pros on the OEM toolbox;

• great profile and build quality (out of the box)
• deep well for storage
• slides with ease on the Utilitrack system

Cons;

• You have to lean on the box to lock it against the cab (felt like I had to "tackle" it to get it in place and lock). Hence, it will not be sliding too much unless really needed.
• Mounting bolts strip very easy (not even using a torque)

Overall - It looks great and I look forward t seeing how it holds up! Great part is, I can still add a camper as this box doesn't ride on the bed rails.

 

[Jagger1031]

Slide rail mounted on Utilitrack

Mount and bump stops on cab track

 

[LuxoDave]

Thanks for posting this up. I am considering getting this tool box as well.

 

[Jagger1031]

Thanks for posting this up. I am considering getting this tool box as well.

No problem - I hunted all over to "see" how the utilitrack box mounted and could not find in several different websites. I took a gamble and picked it up and posted the pics as soon as I mouned it for others in the same boat. Overall, pretty simple install. I really like it so far; very dry, and holds a ton of stuff!

 

[Jagger1031]

how deep is that tool box?

It looks like it would take up about half the bed.

Its 18" deep / 18" wide - Good sized box; does take up some room, but thats what I was looking for.