Misc. stuff, should i get it?

Calmini Steering system
or
SLR steering system (any)

Which is better?


SLR steering stabilizer
or
Blistein steering stabilizer kit

Which is better?


Calmini skids
or
AC (complete set of skids)

Which is better?



Calmini rear sway-bar quick disconnects
or
AC quick disconnects

Which is better?


Rocker skids

What out of all this is most reliable, worth the money, and/or in a sense "better"?

I like the Calmini steering over the SLR because the Calmini actually addresses the root of the problem with the tie-rods leveraging against the centerlink, while SLR just beefs it up. Not to mention the issues many have had w/ SLR's service and delivery, caveat emptor.

SLR or Bilstein stablilizer? Same stuff, different shock, no preference.

Skidplates.com (what AC sells) is the way to go, they have a complete set, while Calmini only offers the gas tank skid and the (useless in my opinion) diff skid. Our rear diff can take a hell of a beating and ask for more, I've certainly beat mine, skid will just reduce clearance.

Disconnects: Don't bother, they're a pain in the ass, tend to break or get damaged, and you'll never miss the rear bar in the first place.

Rocker bars: They're all good. Calmini's are "low profile" and don't stick out much, good for hits from below, but little protection from taller things. I have and recommend the Shrockworks.com sliders, they stick out further, and are by far the best looking of the offerings available to boot. An inexpensive alternative are the 4Crawler sliders, which also stick out further to deal with tall hazards: http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/RockSliderZ.shtml

Brent

Thank you very much Brent for your help!!!! It was greatly appreciated, and it will come in handy when moding my x. But, does anyone else have other opinions, or thoughts about products?

Thanks again, Jason

Extra note: I don't know about the SLR steering system, but with the Calmini you can't use a stabilizer; not one that's already fabbed up for the Xterra anyway. However, the configuration and geometry of the system actually reduces bumpsteer without it by lengthening and reducing the angle on the tie rods. To be honest, I don't think the Xterra fitment stabilizers are all that hot anyway. The fit is really tight and if they slip just a tiny bit out of position your oil filter is toast.

Both steering systems are excellent, but the Calmini is less expensive and more complete. I'm very, very pleased with my Calmini SS. I think my favorite part is actually the quicker steering response.

Thanks for your help too, ChuckH

Extra note: I don't know about the SLR steering system, but with the Calmini you can't use a stabilizer; not one that's already fabbed up for the Xterra anyway.

Chuck, did you mean a steering stabilizer is not recommended for the Calmini Steering System or that one just won't physically fix in there?
I've got the Calmini SS and manage to fit an EOE steering stabilizer on.

Chuck, did you mean a steering stabilizer is not recommended for the Calmini Steering System or that one just won't physically fix in there?
I've got the Calmini SS and manage to fit an EOE steering stabilizer on.
I've got a Bilstein s. stabilizer on my Calmini s. system (purchased from A.C.). It did make some difference in handling. I'm not sure why it's not recommended... It is a tight fit, but it has not moved a bit since I installed a few months back.

Interesting...the stabilizer isn't supposed to fit with the Calmini SS due to the slight change in location of the centerlink. Good to know it does.

One more quick question....

....what would be the best rim back-spacing to get for 33"x12.5" tires on 15" rims?

Thanks, Jason

First off, regarding the CalMini inability to fit a steering stablizer, BS. I had a custom built one (GW Technologies if you know what I mean) that required a minor change in the bracket that attaches to the frame. By remodding the frame mount, it fit like a champ.

And as for the CalMini steering reducing bump steer, once again BS. it might work great in conjunction with a CalMini lift, but it doesn't effectively reduce bumpsteer. Keep in mind that the CalMini lift although it does lift the suspension, it doesn't increase suspension travel if you install the bump stop spacers. You get the same articulation whether with or without it. When you torque the torsion bars and bind the tie rods, you will still encounter bump steer.

What the CalMini steering does (and this is VERY important) is eliminate the steering issues prevalent with lifted Nissan trucks. You will no longer bend tie rods, IAs or other pertinent steering components. With a little ingenuity you can still have your steering stabilizer, a must for Nissan trucks as I have discovered. You just have to be willing to do your own homework and make things work. Don't let anyone fool you, nothing comes easy. If it did, we would all be rich without a care in the world.

I'll just pop in here to give my thumbs up for the SLR steering system. I've been using (and abusing) mine for a year and a half with no issues, yet. I was also able to use my steering stabilizer with this setup. I can't speak on the customer service issues regarding them lately, as my customer service was very good with them. But others have reported very bad experiences. The Calmini steering solution is also very good as well, so you you can't go wrong with that.

Stabilizers....either one will do well.

Skids.....go for the complete Skid Row (AC) packages. much more thorough.

Disconnects.....I just removed my rear sway bar atogether....never missed it.

Rocker skids(sliders)....I've been very pleased with my Calmini sliders.