Our project Super Equator is moving right along, and we're still very pleased with the truck's grit and off-roadability. As we work our way down our list of modifications, we reached the point when we needed to install front body armor and a winch for recovery.
After our trick suspension system was installed, we have found ourselves doing what many hard-core four-wheelers do after enhancing their rig's off-road performance: Pushing the rig harder in extreme terrain.
Since the Equator is an '09, not many build components are available. We had to get creative in our modification and fabrication strategies. Luckily, the Equator has the same chassis as the '05-and-newer Nissan Frontier and Xterra. Our project's suspension is a compilation of Frontier parts from three manufacturers, and we figure all other modifications will be the same mix of parts or will be custom built. After checking around for Nissan body armor, we decided on a Shrockworks front bumper and skidplate for the Equator. The company has been building high-quality Nissan components for a number of years, and we are impressed with its products.
The quest for a better approach...
The quest for a better approach angle and a rugged front bumper--which is actually going to hold up when we accidentally smash it into an errant rock--was our goal. The Shrockworks winch-bumper bull bar was the way to go. It dramatically increased the approach angle to a respectable 22 inches. The 3/16-inch-plate steel skid soundly protects the front-end components and radiator.
The Equator's front bumper...
The Equator's front bumper didn't stand a chance while we were out testing. One small problem with this truck is that the front end is all one piece; we are sure it would cost well over $1,000 to repair. This is the reason almost every one of our staff and personal rigs have steel bumpers--or no bumpers at all!
Installation of the Shrockworks...
Installation of the Shrockworks bumper and Warn winch required carefully trimming the factory fascia off the truck. This isn't too tricky a task because the radiator and assorted hoses and lines are far enough back that they won't be cut by an air saw with a small blade...
...The front end of the Nissan...
...The front end of the Nissan Frontier is slightly different in styling design, but this Shrockworks bumper will bolt right on.
The bumper and skidplate come...
The bumper and skidplate come with all the necessary mounting hardware. The brackets that hold the bumper to the truck's frame horns are 1/4 inch thick and use Grade 8 fasteners. The installation of the bumper, skidplate, and winch is not difficult but is labor-intensive. The bumper weighs 138 pounds, and the winch is 85 pounds, which make it almost impossible for one person to bolt on. We recommend that you have a buddy or two help with the installation.
We chose a Warn XD9000i for...
We chose a Warn XD9000i for the truck. The winch fit easily and perfectly into the bull bar. However, since the winch is fitted into the bumper lying on its backside, the clutch lever must be clocked so it's reachable from the lower access hole in the bottom of the bumper. This also puts the winch's cable remote plug-in deep in the bumper, and it's a little difficult to reach. Using a wireless winch remote with the bumper and winch combo is ideal. Inside the bumper there is a mounting plate for a divorced control box that's easily accessible through a hole in the front of the bumper.