[Peacnzion]

I have an 08 Frontier KC AT SE 4x4. I use it mostly for a daily driving, hauling kayaks, and heading out for hiking and snow shoeing.

Here is my goal. Well I am getting the feeling that I maybe pushing my luck with my truck in stock form. I am looking to have my truck set for mild to moderate off roading but still keep it as much as possible to stock highway mpg of 23. I dont intend on going to no mans land at this point so im think locals that wont require a winch.

So this is what I am thinken is in this order.

Rear diff vent mod
Calmini 2.5 block suspension lift kit
Armoring up with skid plates underneath (undecided on brand)
rocksliders (undecided on the brand) Would like something that looks sexy

Sound like a reasonable approach? At max i currently run into some muddy water that would reach the bottom doors in stock configuration. with Goodyear Wrangler rt/s p265/70r16

In the future getting some mud tires and wheels to be swapped on only when needed.

What u guys think? This is my first truck...im used to modding imports.

 

[mike]

To keep your MPG up and since want to do only mild wheeling your thoughts should be keeping the weight down.

Get aluminium skid plates. This wheel give you the protect you want without the weight.
https://www.4x4parts.com/catalog/complete-set-of-skid-plates-p-5370.html

For slider I would try FST Motorsports. They will protect the rocker panel just not a good choice if you are on rocks.
Nissan Nismo Pre-Runner FST Motorsports

 

[Peacnzion]

Would you say the Nismo skid plates would be sufficient? i heard both good and bad bout them. Id be doing most all of my off road driven in the wonderful state of Maine if anyone else who is familiar with what id be covering for terrain.\

Im thinken like two track, fire trails, brooks streams, field crossing.

 

[mike]

The NISMO radiator and gas tank skids are ok. I dragged the gas tank skid on a few rocks before I replaced it.
The nismo oil pan and transfer case skids are a joke. The t-case is only supported on one end. Also there is nothing covering the transmission pan or the front diff.

 

[HunterFL772]

where abouts in maine? i spend a lot of time in ogunquit. big tires murder mpgs. If you feel the need for a little bit of lift i would go with the bilstien 5100's. You can get a max of 2in of lift with those, they are cheap and effective

 

[Peacnzion]

I am from the Bangor area, 3 hours from where you hang out. 2in lift with shocks, that pretty sweet...any suggestions with the rear?

 

[frontyfan]

2 things:

to stay close to stock and not spend a whole lot of money, front spacers and a 2" AAL. and forget about gas mileage...if you want a lift and armor, your mileage will drop...it's a truck. I'm lucky when I crest 14mpgs HIGHWAY, no bullsh!t.

 

[HunterFL772]

You wouldn't really need anything for the rear, it would just level out the truck. You could go with blocks, shackels, or deaver add-a-leaf(AAL) for the rear. The little bit of lift in the front would allow you to clear more agressive tires.

Check out prgproducts.com. I would say you may get hooked if you stay around here too much longer... It's a disease with modding trucks.

To what frontyfan said, lifts do not decrease gas mileage, the tires do. Spacers are nice but the shocks are better, they don't decrease space between your coilbucket and upper control arm. For mild offroading it is my opinion shocks are better than spacers. Spacers aren't worth it when there are better options... Just my 2cents

 

[HunterFL772]

4x4parts.com is another good website to look at too. This forum will provide you with all you need to know

 

[rocket]

the fact that you get 23mpgs in a 4x4 is mind boggling to me. if you want some protection i would be sure to guard the oil pan and transfer case since those skids are crap. good luck on your build.

 

[roastbeef]

get the expensive prg kit.

 

[Hazekillax]

I have the calmini 2.5" shackle suspension kit....I like it alot. It doesn't really affect my mpg...it might cut a mile off but overall it's a good kit for the price. If you are going with the calmini kit you will also need to purchase the cam bolts and have a front end alignment done to ur truck as soon as it is installed. My kit, cam bolts, shipping, installation, and front end alignment came to $517. Good luck