New Truck...New build

[limey]

Hi all, I managed to sell the Disco and picked up a 2002 Frontier XE Crew Cab...
Here's the Discohttp://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn242/Limeyh/Italy-USMay07056.jpg

Here's the Frontier
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn242/Limeyh/Nissan2.jpg

And another view
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn242/Limeyh/Nissan.jpg

It's nothing too fancy, but it's everything I need

[limey]

So far I've only ordered rubber floor mats and a set of extended shackles. I'm going to keep the truck stock(ish). The plan is (over time.....a long time)

31x10.5 BFG all terrains
Poor mans lift (possibly the 3" lift with new springs, bars and bilsteins from AC)
An ARE or Leer topper
Engel
Dual Optimas
Schrockworks sliders

and maybe an ARB bumper and Roof Top Tent (especially if you ask my wife)

The idea is to have a truck I can use to take the family camping/climbing/kayaking/Mountain Biking and light 4 wheeling without spending all the money I have to do all of the above.

[limey]

So, any ideas lessons learned in your builds? I'm sorely tempted by 235/85/16 tyres, but with gas where it is I'm worried it would kill my mileage. Thanks to BN Guy and Articulate for the inspiration (and a little encouragement...). I am unsure of the best place to mount an engel. I need the back seat for my girls, but if I put it up against the cab in the bed then it will be a pain to get at, but if I put it by the tail gate it will get in the way of unloading. Any ideas? The dual battery setup is going to be tricky too.

[mcm4090]

congrats on the truck.:ylsmoke:

[The BN Guy]

Sounds like you're getting things planned out nicely. Good choice of rigs, too.:ylsmoke:

[Streakerfreak]

Sweet rig! I love the pre-05 Frontiers. I had an 02 before I bought the Tacoma and I had a lot of fun with that truck. Enjoy!

[adrenaline503]

Sweet!! Thats my truck!! same color even. I have been researching stuff for a while so if you want an opinion ask away. It seems that we have similar plans as well.

[limey]

Thanks guys...anyone here running that size tire? I'm curious how much a slightly taller tire affects mileage. Has anyone fit a second battery under the hood?

[limey]

After doing a little research the optional tires came in 265/70/16 which just about works out to the same size as the 31x10.5. BNGUY, how's the soft topper holding up?

[The BN Guy]

Let's put it this way...you couldn't buy it from me! I absolutely love it. The flexibility, the options...does exactly what I need. Plus I had a hairbrained idea the other night regarding the side flaps and...well, can't let the cat out too early.

Taller tires will READ as a decrease in mileage. Just remember to increase it to compensate for the increase in diameter. I'm running 33's and it comes close to between eight and ten percent difference. Nowadays though I just don't keep up with it. Don't really care anymore.

I am, however, about to buy a new set for street and keep the 33's for overland. Proly going 31's streetable all-terrains.

[adrenaline503]

I have 31"x10.5" BFG ATs and like them just fine. I didn't notice a drop in mileage, dogs off the lights a bit more. I love my Softopper as well, I have only had it for a few weeks but I fold it, take it off, put it back on all the time. I love the flexibility and light weight.

[limey]

Thanks for the replies. BNGUY, I was thinking of doing a similar thing myself: 31" all terrains for DD duty and 235/18/16 MT with steelies for offroad. I really like the idea of a soft topper. It's alot cheaper than a hard shell, and while it's not as secure, it keeps your gear out of sight and the elements. Plus I imagine it is easier to get at things in the bed. Adrenaline, you don't happen to have any pics with the topper on your truck? I'm wondering how it looks!

[IggyB]

As a side note
Stock 15" steel rims are 25.6 lb
Stock 16 cross aluminum rims are 21.3 lb

31-10.50/15 BFG AT - 43 lb
32-11.50/15 BFG AT - 47 lb
235-85/16 BFG AT - 47 lb

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.jsp?make=BFGoodrich&model=All-Terrain+T%2FA+KO&tirePageLocQty=

[adrenaline503]

Here you are...

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/1025/p1010074tl8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/1025/p1010074tl8.eba297275d.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=266&i=p1010074tl8.jpg)

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/1308/p1010075lf1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/1308/p1010075lf1.ed0dc2ee54.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=78&i=p1010075lf1.jpg)

[limey]

Nice! The topper looks good. I must say you have a nice truck! Thanks for the info on tyre weight IggyB. After I went to the 235/85 AT's on the Rover, the ride and the (corrected) mileage went straight down the tube, so I'm a little gun shy on this one. I want the added clearance and traction that larger tyres provide, but this truck will be spending the vast majority of its time on the road hauling to the playspots. Thanks so much for all the pics, encouragement and advice. I love this forum.

[The BN Guy]

Man the toughest part I've been having is which tire, not size. BFG A/T, Dunlops, Hankook, Cooper's, etc.

[adrenaline503]

Man the toughest part I've been having is which tire, not size. BFG A/T, Dunlops, Hankook, Cooper's, etc.


If you an unsolicited opinion, I think that any of the major brands are going to provide an excellent tire. To me it came down to price actually, Discount Tires had mine as take offs, the rubbed on someones jeep. When these wear down, I'll hit Craigslist, that way if I dont like them, I'll just resell them.

[The BN Guy]

Which tires are you running now?