Our project Super Equator is moving right along, and we're still very pleased with the truck's grit and off-roadability. As we work our way down our list of modifications, we reached the point when we needed to install front body armor and a winch for recovery.
After our trick suspension system was installed, we have found ourselves doing what many hard-core four-wheelers do after enhancing their rig's off-road performance: Pushing the rig harder in extreme terrain.
Since the Equator is an '09, not many build components are available. We had to get creative in our modification and fabrication strategies. Luckily, the Equator has the same chassis as the '05-and-newer Nissan Frontier and Xterra. Our project's suspension is a compilation of Frontier parts from three manufacturers, and we figure all other modifications will be the same mix of parts or will be custom built. After checking around for Nissan body armor, we decided on a Shrockworks front bumper and skidplate for the Equator. The company has been building high-quality Nissan components for a number of years, and we are impressed with its products.