This is a truly ridiculous countdown concept…and I’m ashamed I didn’t think of it myself.

When I read the headline, the first truck I thought of was the Chevy Stepside from Red Dawn.  Now that I’ve reviewed the list, I would have to say the J-Truck from Tremors is the clear winner.

[jalopnik.com]

At long last, there is cause for off road celebration from Ford.  The Raptor is actually going to production, and by all accounts, it kicks ass.

While this will undoubtedly be a capable trail rig, the intent of the Raptor seems to be much more Baja inspired.  With an F150 foundation, the intent of the Raptor was clearly not to be small and nimble, and it seems Ford went the opposite direction – opting for a wide-track, long-travel, desert stomping platform.

Details include a 7″ wider stance than the F150, 11″ of front travel (13″ rear) courtesy of Fox, and a highly modified suspension system.

Check out the official announcement and  some fun video.

[pickuptrucks.com]

After several weeks (months?) of parts acquisition, and trying to fit in wrench time between travel and family time, the Frontier has received some overdue tlc.  Still not an ideal trail rig, but one step closer in my quest for the ultimate “one vehicle solution”.

Even though the stock NISMO parts were very good, off road capability should now be significantly improved, as well as my confidence level in getting off-road without unintentional damage.

As an added bonus, the shiny white luxury wheeler is now slightly taller, looks better, and suffered no change in road manners.

Here’s the laundry list of improvements from my recent buying spree and sessions of late night wrench therapy.

Custom Adjustable Coilover Shocks and Upper Control Arms from PRG.  Improves down-travel, adds 1″ of lift (for total of 3″ over stock), and improves handling.  Replaces 2″ spacer lift.

 
2″ Block and Custom Bilstein 5125 Shocks in Rear, also from PRG. Replaces stock Bilstein shock and 1.5″ block.

Hi Lift mounted to Bed Divider (just for fun and easy access).

Custom Rock Sliders from Black Widow Off Road.  I can finally stop worrying about rocker damage…mostly.

All the parts installed as designed and I got great service from PRG, BWOR, and even Big O of Broomfield (alignment).

So my list of “pressing” projects is now mostly finished and I can move on to tires…speakers… seat covers..

Now THIS is a family truckster!  Nice Bronco on TSL’s and a portable house to drag behind it.  Awesome.

Member submission:  Thanks Wack.

This is the Shop Truck/Owner’s Ride/Test Rig for Black Widow Off Road in SLC.  I had these guys fab me a set of beefy rock sliders last week.

More on the sliders later, but obvious from this pic why I would let these guys work on my Frontier.

Not sure how this thing does off-road, but with around 8″ total lift and 35″ tires, it makes even a modified frontier look very short.  Lift is a combo of a FabTech kit, Revtek Spacers, and various other bits.

Apparently, the ‘new’ Suzuki Equator pickup has won the coveted 4×4 Of The Year award from 4 Wheel and Off Road.  Pretty cool for Nissan fans/observers, as this is barely modified version of the Frontier.

The Nissan version also consistently wins the mid-size category in the annual review by sister publication Four Wheeler, but I don’t recall seeing it compete in the 4Wheel version.

Interesting that Suzuki is getting so much press in their first, and seemingly experimental, year with this truck.

[suzukiauto.com]

Could this lead to a Smart Buggy vs. Rhino smackdown?

Where do I put my cooler?

[member submission - Grin]

Ouch.