Fabtech Desert Guards

[shv2sail]

Anyone out there mount one of these front guards to their X?

http://www.fabtechmotorsports.com/html/guard.html

I posted this question on the Xterra owners board with no respose. Just wondering if this has been successfully done, and if so how.

Many thanks-

Steve

[OffroadX]

I hate those damn things...

[Schludwiller]

Yuck. Not much protection for offroading. A long time ago one of our members got a pre-runner bar and it looked terrible. If I remember right it just sat out front hitting things before the approach, but I could be wrong. He yanked it and got an ARB.

[shv2sail]

So how do you guys really feel about those? But seriously, I do appreciate your opinions!

This truck won't be seeing any serious off-roading anytime soon- worst it will see are fireroads so I'm not too concerned about hitting things while climbing over boulders and such...would be more for looks, and I'm not so sure how it'd look either. Don't have the $$ for an ARB (or similar "real" bumper) so I'm looking for alternatives.

Thanks!

Steve

[OffroadX]

If you're installing one for "looks" then I'll elaborate. I hate them, and I think they look like ass.
I have never understood what purpose they can serve other than to help high-speed pre-runner-type trucks keep from nosing into the ground if they take an odd bounce.

[zafarrancho]

The fabtech pre-runner is a great option if you have it installed with a skid plate. Not only will it protect you, but the arb bumpers will TOTAL your front end should you actually hit something. First rule of thumb, don't crash. Also, the fabtech way doesn't require a new suspension or a lift.

[OffroadX]

Huh? An ARB will PROTECT your front end if you hit something, ask the guy that hit a clothes washer dead-on at speed on the highway with one, or the TJM T15 owner that hit a FULL GROWN COW dead-on while towing a car on a trailer at a good 40+ MPH. Neither suffered ANY damage at all.
The sort of impact that would cause significant damage to the vehicle with an ARB or the like is FAR more severe than one without. The opposite is true with a flimsy "brushguard" or the like.

No ARB-style bumper requires a lift or any other suspension modification either. Put a winch in one and you would consider stiffer shocks or stronger torsion bars, but the bumper alone isn't enough.

Thanks for reviving a topic that's been dormant for just short of a year with incorrect information...

Brent

[zafarrancho]

you're welcome.

[Schludwiller]

Originally Posted by zafarrancho

, but the arb bumpers will TOTAL your front end should you actually hit something.

A statement that far off base pretty much discredits any other opinions you might have about bumpers.

[zafarrancho]

Huh. Thank you. You must be a very smart person.

[OffroadX]

Smart? Maybe... Highly knowledgeable about the Xterra? Definitely...

[zafarrancho]

I am wrong. I quickly mistook the arb for another aftermarket grill bumper that a friend has and caused way more damage then did good for his car. My bad. You are a wonderful moderator; well spoken, kind, very informative. Nicely done.