SHROCKWORKS
NISSAN XTERRA SKIDPLATES Skidplate Damage Report ROCK ARMOR
EXTREME
HOW
DID THE SKIDPLATES PERFORM IN DEATH VALLEY'S
OUTBACK?
ROCK
ARMOR
Damage Report
The verdict is in finally! After a five-day safari on some exciting and challenging primitive backroads, I have a report about Jim Shrake's skidplate package for the Nissan Xterra. Suffice it to say, that portions of the safari really did put the ShrockWorks skidplates to the test. I am glad I had them!
At this time, the ShrockWorks skidplates still look pretty much the same as they did originally, except, as you might expect, for some scratch marks in the paint and two dents. Hanaupah Canyon this year was one big rock-strewn wash, and every few feet, it was obvious to me that Jim's skidplates were worth their weight in gold for any serious backroading trek. The transmission skid now has a 9" long minor dent in it that did not compromise the plate's integrity at all. The front axle skid now has a noticeable crease darn near in the center of the leading edge. Since Jim curves many of the edges of his skidplates for added strength, the rock that did this nasty deed was kept from damaging my wonderful little truck in any way. Sure, it made a heck of a noise, even though I was only driving about 2 miles per hour, but other than the crease in Jim's plate, nothing more happened.
The ShrockWorks skidplate package for Nissan's new generation Xterras is worth your investment if you want peace of mind while four-wheeling the hinterlands, where there is no help available for stranded motorists. Nissan Xterra's factory skidplates will not adequately protect your Xterra in the rough stuff! They are cheap and easily destroyed by large rocks and boulders, as are the factory skidplates by most car manufacturers, including Jeep. Had the extensive damage that I did to the factory-stock fuel tank skidplate on a prior safari been any worse, I could have ended up with a punctured fuel tank, and had to walk to rescue, which would have been many hours away. The risk to your life is not worth the savings to your pocketbook. In the backcountry, you learn to rely on your own smarts, and keeping your rig operable is the number-one priority, as it is your lifeline out of there! Automobile manufacturers are not responsible for your welfare, so you must figure out for yourself what is in need of attention.
It doesn't matter whether you are driving an Xterra, Jeep Rubicon, Toyota FJ, Hummer H3, Land Rover LR3, or the latest and greatest rig to come off the assembly line. Nor does it matter whether you have a lift kit on it. If you travel class 3-5 roads, you will encounter large rocks, steps, and boulders that could potentially end your ride. Get the skidplates now, while you are safe at home reading this! You may have gone years without any damage, but the next time out could be the time. It doesn't matter how careful or prudent you are either. I am the epitome of sensible driving, and I have had my share of rock damage over the years. I was creeping along when this damage occurred, and also last year when I destroyed the factory fuel tank skidplate on the Xterra. THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE USUALLY OCCURS AT SLOW SPEEDS.
Here
is testament to Jim Shrake's know-how in building
skidplates:
The damage looks minor in this photo, but if you were in my rig when I drove over the large rock, you would have thought that the front of the Xterra was really getting ruined! This skidplate protects the front aluminum differential housing and the oil pan, so, as you can imagine, it is darn reassuring to know that this protective rock armor is up there at the leading edge of my travels. From the factory, the Xterra has absolutely NO front differential protection whatsoever, and the stock skid for the rest of the front end is minimal compared to the ShrockWorks steel. That front skid may not look as pretty any more, but it's still strong and providing all the protection I need for many more safaris to come.
Okay, enough of this lecturing. I surely don't want to insult your intelligence or experience by going on and on, but for the new folks out there who may think that automakers have all the answers, think again!
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