RuggedStud's '98 Frontier Build

[RuggedStud]

Hey guys, I'd like to introduce my trusty 1998 Nissan Frontier 4wd. It's my DD and weekend camp machine. It has 2.4L I4 DOHC 16V FI Engine, 5-speed manual, with factory limited slip and skidplates. Given it's purpose, the upgrades are for the budget minded. Enjoy!

First day I brought her home. Cracked bumper in picture.
Frontier.jpg

Hauling kayaks for a weekend at the Lake w/homemade 2x4 rack
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Picking peaches with my lady
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Installed brush gaurd ($200), KC Hilights ($24 at a garage sale), and trimmed crack plastic.
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Again.
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Taillight guards installed (Already cracked from load a snowblower last winter) lol
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NEW WINCH! Badland 12k lb'er, Originally $499, On Sale at $329 then used a $20% off for $260 out the door.
Frontier6.jpg

4in Steal I beam support and winch plate
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Almost installed!
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MORE TO COME!

[mortonm]

I love the simple yet utilitarian combo of your truck! Can you shed some more light on how you mounted the winch? I would like a winch on my Xterra but wouldnt want a large bumper. Much appreciated!

[drbandkgb]

Looks great.. Just do not get in a crash or light bump with the brush guard... Will cost you more in the long run...

Nice post

[RuggedStud]

Thanks Mortonm! On Xterras and Frontiers there are two frame rail horns that are directly behind the plastic bumper in the middle. You can cut out the plastic and bolt a winch plate & winch directly to those frame horns. For structural integrity I welded a 4" I-Beam on the end of the horns and used four 5in grade 8 bolts through the pre-existing frame holes and beam. It's definitely tucked in there and tight, but it keeps the winch safe and makes for a sleek look

[RuggedStud]

Thanks drbandkgb, you're definitely right. I was contemplating leaving it stock or going with a brush guard.... but in the end I decided I won't be hopping boulders and I spend most of my time wading through high grass and brush. Plus it makes for nice driving light mount and possible winch backlash protector lol. Also, I see in your profile you did the 1.5 PML on your Xterra. If that's the torsion bar crank, how does it ride compare to stock? I'm thinking about doing something similar.

[mortonm]

Thanks Mortonm! On Xterras and Frontiers there are two frame rail horns that are directly behind the plastic bumper in the middle. You can cut out the plastic and bolt a winch plate & winch directly to those frame horns. For structural integrity I welded a 4" I-Beam on the end of the horns and used four 5in grade 8 bolts through the pre-existing frame holes and beam. It's definitely tucked in there and tight, but it keeps the winch safe and makes for a sleek look

Thank you for the info! That is where the stock recover point is bolted too right?

The winch is mounted above the plate that connects the two frame rails or does it "hang" below from that plate?

Thanks!

[RuggedStud]

You're welcome! That is correct, I believe it's bolted on the lower rear of the frame horn. The plate is bolted directly on top of the frame horns and the winch is bolted on top of the plate. I'll try to get some close up pictures to give you an idea of what I did with it. It's cheap and easy. I refuse to pay the outrageous ARB and Shrock winch bumper cost when I'll only use the winch a few times a year :P

[mortonm]

You're welcome! That is correct, I believe it's bolted on the lower rear of the frame horn. The plate is bolted directly on top of the frame horns and the winch is bolted on top of the plate. I'll try to get some close up pictures to give you an idea of what I did with it. It's cheap and easy. I refuse to pay the outrageous ARB and Shrock winch bumper cost when I'll only use the winch a few times a year :P

That would be awesome, whenever you get the chance. I agree. Nearly $1000 for a front bumper is a lot. More and more these days I prefer a simpler look. I would only get an 8000 lb winch which should be a little smaller than your 12000 and help out with fitment.

[drbandkgb]

Thanks drbandkgb, you're definitely right. I was contemplating leaving it stock or going with a brush guard.... but in the end I decided I won't be hopping boulders and I spend most of my time wading through high grass and brush. Plus it makes for nice driving light mount and possible winch backlash protector lol. Also, I see in your profile you did the 1.5 PML on your Xterra. If that's the torsion bar crank, how does it ride compare to stock? I'm thinking about doing something similar.

The ride is no different... And you would be surprised what just 1.5" does for the look

and trails are not the killers of brush guards


I wont wear you out about them.. I just like people to know what they have...


Check out www.rlcweldfab.com he is in KY.. Make the Xterra bumper I have...




and mine


I paid 650 out the door.. vs the 1000 some of the big guys wanted...

[IrishXJ]

Every single job I see that guy do has been beautiful. Honestly, whenever I get around to getting a rear bumper on my Frontier, I will definitely have him do it.

... But after the ARB I had on the old XJ, I will 100% buy one again. I definitely felt better with it on, especially driving in nowhereistan, Kentucky in the middle of the night.