Underbelly skids for the 2000-2004 Xterra are about 95% done now. We need to do one final fitment on a truck that has seen a little less wheeling action, and they will be good to go. Here is a sneak peak of the engine/trans and tcase skids. There are two spots blurred out bec. that area isn't finished.



The rear bumper/tire carrier is about 85% done. No pics yet, but soon. We should be done in a few weeks.

Do any of you want just a rear bumper w/o a tire carrier? The way it is currently designed, I dont think the spare will go back in, so you would need to order the tire carrier and bumper as a package. That could be changed, but it would weaken the bumper somewhat.

Jim skids are looking great so far..

I deffinetly want the full package...

the skids look great; really looking forward to pics of the rear bumper.

quick question, maybe this is a non-issue as I haven't seen one of the aftermarket bumpers with a swing away spare in person, but does the arm that swings away have a provision to hold it inplace when open? Thought of this while camping this week and using the hatch tent that keeps the rear open. I mean, it could be held open using a bungee cord, but I just thought there might be a pin or something to lock it in place.

Also, any provisions (like a pre-drilled hole) to mount a CB radio antenna or route the cable, or to mount jerry cans?

thanks in advance. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

I'm certainly looking forward to the rear bumper with the tire carrier. It would be nice if the carrier was removable, since right now I don't carry my spare while driving around at home.

Skids look great.

Dagger...I thought you stopped carrying the spare to save room? With the carrier, you'd have the same room, as the spare would be following you around, instead of in the truck.



(You need to carry a spare dude, that's crazy running around with only 4 tires)



This is the equivalent view of Skid-Row's plates...The Shrock's coverage looks more complete.

How much is the rear bumper w/tire carrier gonna run??

Skids look great!!

I will need a rear bumper with tire carrier.

Also, if 2" & 3" Body lift options are available will make happy a lot of Xterra owners

Nice skids

My wish list for the rear bumper/carrier...

Wraps the corners, even if just sturdy bars looping around to brace against lay overs, corner impacts, etc....not another "center piece only" type replacement bumper like the others.

Holds cans, hi-lift and CB mounts, at least as options.

Accomodates a 2" BL.

Is mounted so as to leave as much vision to the rear as possible, yet not intefere with departure angles.

Opens and closes easily to accomodate cargo ingres/egress.

Is braced so as to not force the spare tire to smash into the rear glass if hit from behind.

Has shackle/recovery point mounts, welded through, as on front bumper.

Does not hurt departure angles.

Makes women feel strangely attracted to the driver.

Rear bumper stuff….

>>a provision to hold it inplace when open?
Dont know about others, I was considering offering it. I know exactly how I would do it and have all the parts here already. It would add about $20 to the price.

>>Also, any provisions (like a pre-drilled hole) to mount a CB radio antenna?
CB antenna mount is planned.

>>to mount jerry cans?
We decided against offering a Jerry can mount. I’d planned to offer one tucked next to the tire somewhere, but it turns out that the only way to do it is behind the tire. Doing that you end up with the tire hanging way out back and compromise too much on departure angle for my taste. It’s going to be more of a lean, mean & bullet-proof strong approach rather than a carry everthing and the kitchen sink approach.

It will have provisions for carrying a highlift jack.

It will not wrap around the sides. For me offer this, it would have to offer real protection, bolt on, and not cost a fortune. We didn’t feel it was possible to meet all three design goals, so we scrapped it.

It will have a receiver hitch, frame stiffeners and 1” thick steel recovery points for ¾” shackles, one hand easy open/close and 2” body lift adjustable.

>> It would be nice if the carrier was removable
It will come off with one bolt.

>>How much is the rear bumper w/tire carrier gonna run??
Not sure yet, but I’m trying to keep the price lean & mean too.

Jim, as described, looks great to me

Std feature on all of our products!

How much for the skids, and when (ballpark) do the pre-orders begin?
they look great Jim.

Dude, I dont have any of your products yet but your becoming my favorite aftermarket vendor!

I'm bummed about the wrap getting tossed.



I'm glad you chose to go for strength and departure angle though....those others do stick WAY out.

Great new products, nice to have options.

Jim, it all sounds great to me. Nice work. Will it be available in the gold/zinc plated option for those of us who will paint it?

I'm ordering one as soon as it is available.
I carry a repair kit on the road. Some cars (ie BMW) now come with no spare, just a plug kit and a can of air/sealant. I'm less likely to tear a sidewall on the highway. Besides, if I have a tire on the back all the time, you can't see all the stickers.

Jim I agree...

Like TJ mentioned I'm also a bit depressed about the wings but I can live with it...

Oh yeah can we pre-order yet???

Sorry just getting antsy..

Please be sure to include installation instructions with the rear bumper... (for those of us "mechanically impaired" )

JIM!!!!! I can't wait.....

are the skids going to offer gas tank protection???

I think I have Amanda sold on a rear bumper....I need to show her some pics and then I can show you the money.....

cant wait, cant wait. gotta start saving big time i guess.

Jim,

Is the swing arm going to have some sort of grease fitting so it can be squeek free?

You just didn't like Dan waking you up, after drinks and shots to the squeak of his tire carrier.

LOL! nope not at all...

If all the rear bumpers that they make are that loud I will never buy one.