The Nissan Path

There seems to be a pretty big market for Xterra's and Frontiers. The ladder frame and drivetrain are the same as our, minus the IRS.

Will Xterra/Frontier skid plates fit the R51? How about Pre-Runner front bumpers?

The nose/bumpers on the 08-and-later Pathfinders are different than the Frontiers/Xterras, so I wouldn't expect the front bumper to fit. In 08, to accommodate the V8 option, Nissan extended the nose out 3", which gives it a different rake that the pre-08 Pathys and Frontiers/Xterras.

Nuts! I suppose this has a negative effect on approach angles, too? That's a pretty big engineering move just to accommodate an engine option that they made so few of.

Very good info, smj, thanks!

Basically, just the front bumper, grille, headlights and fenders. I don't think the approach angle changed much.

Oh so it's just the facia and bumper supports? The plastic stuff, plus fenders? I was thinking the radiator support structure had moved.

Your best bet would be to contact someone like ARB who makes bumpers for both. The model year breaks are pretty similar on their bumpers so I suspect they are cosmetic changes.

My suspicion is that most things that fit the X/Fronty will fit the Pathy with minor tweaking. Just an educated guess though. I don't have facts to back that up.

I'll see what I can do about being a Guinea Pig.

Skid Plate may have just become moot, though. I found that I've got enough material from my Subaru's skid plate to cover both my engine and transmission.

1/4" thick 7075 aluminum. A 24" x 12" unsupported span took the Outbacks weight without deflecting. A 4"x8" sample piece barely took a set after being set on blocks and driven over by a 12,000lb forklift. 6061-T6 doesn't come close to that strength, if you can find a deal on this alloy, buy as much as you can!

Got the first plate cut and fit. 56,000psi yield on the material, I should be able to put a rock on my jack and use this plate to lift the nose.



I'll make a turtle shell for the diff, next.