SLR fiberglass kit

[The X Factor]

Is there anyone out there running this kit other than those at SLR?

I have been looking at this kit for a long while now, and hoping to see some better pics of it installed on an X but to this date havnt. Will the fiberglass kit help the departure angle in the rear more than a calmini rear bumper? I have a problem with dragging ass, and im looking to get rid of that. i know I would lose 2" oh length in the rear due to the bumper being flush against the X with the SLR kit. I noticed on the rear the SLR fiberglass bumper where the stock center bumper piece would be that the SLR part is much thinner. Is there anything gained by this kit other than looks? Another thing that is stopping me from simply calling up and ordering it is the fact that if it hits a rock then the fiberglass would be toast.

Any info on this would be much appriciated. Also anyone know if the frontier front fiberglass fenders they make would fit the Xterra?

[ChuckH]

You're dragging ass? Maybe you should put some AAL's in or soemthing. The only things I've ever dragged are my exhaust pipe and my lift shackles when i had them. Fiberglass is mainly for saving weight and like you noted, dragging the fiberglass would be very bad. If you're going to drag, it should be on soemthing strong. If I were you, I'd work on beffing things up on the back and getting some more height. Another consideration is that the corner bumper pieces and stuff on the X are really cheap to replace, which really kind of makes them good. There's no way I would put fiberglass on my Xterra unless I were turning it into a competition vehicle and was expecting to be replacing the pieces all the time.

[Schludwiller]

Originally posted by ChuckH
Another consideration is that the corner bumper pieces and stuff on the X are really cheap to replace, which really kind of makes them good. .

This is a good point. The only damage I've had on the rear after lifting it (with shackles or AAL's) is the corner pieces. I have one dented, but you don't even notice it unless you're under the truck. The exhaust pipe is more likely to get damaged. If you have the Calmini bumper nothing is going to get ripped off, and I'm not sure how the fiberglass would be any better for damage protection.

I haven't seen anything that reduces the Xterra departure angle significantly, just replace the bumper with a steel one and go from there.

[The X Factor]

I have the most height I can get without adding the 3" body lift, and at a point that was a consideration, but faded away.

And yeah it would get a bit pricy having to replace fiberglass parts. I cant see myself being perfect and never backing into anything. I guess another huge hole is preparing to be burned in my pocket. I also spent a lot of time herculining the rear plastic bumper parts in preparation for replaceing the middle section with the calmini bumper. I figured at the time I would go all black and that I have done so I guess I will stick to the origional plan and look into ordering that calmini rear instead of the fiberglass SLR kit.

[ChuckH]

Another option with a steel bumper such as the Calmini would be to have someone fabricate a piece of diamond plating or such that wrapped around the bottom. That way if you scrape you're not removing the nice powder coat finish from the bumper. If done right, this could look very nice and would be very functional. you certainly shouldn't have to worry about the bumper falling off or anything.

[The X Factor]

So many options

I will prib go with the calmini that way I know I wont have to be replacing anything. I could aslo have a highlift mount welded on, and purchase the con-ferr jerry can holder that mounts to the wheel mount. SO DAMN EXPENSIVE THO!!!!

[Maddog]

Or you could just wait it out until EOE or Skid Row get a bumper worked up, might save you a little cash.

Dog

[Matt Peckham]

I've dented both corner pieces on different trails, with SLR shackles and AALs. One was trying to maneuver in an icy mudhole (crunch!) and another was trying to align to get out of yet another waterhole, I backed into a big rock. Neither took so much damage as to buy a new one, they just don't look perfect.

Big friggin deal. It distracts from the big dent in my fender. Which is pretty large, but the wife hasn't even noticed it yet.

[Fletch908]

I ripped the pass. side off on one our first xcursions, slapped it back on and secured it with the original screws and washers. I have not had a problem since. If the day comes to trade in the X for something newer, I will just replace the damaged ones with new. Plastic is good.