Last month, we showed you how we fit 33-inch tires under our Nissan Nismo Frontier by way of a 2-inch leveling kit from Stillen. This time we will highlight some basic bolt-ons that add a degree of functionality while complementing aesthetics at the same time. If you missed last month's introduction to this project, listen up. This is going to be a buildup that anybody can do in his own garage. We are going to do all the work ourselves, except for larger items such as suspension. You see, the rig is supposed to represent the kind of vehicle you might build in hopes of competing at Real Truck Club Challenge. No wild and crazy Top Truckish modifications here, just real-world bolt-on tech to exemplify how simple it is to prepare a rig for fun in the dirt.
Weighing in at 51 pounds, this lightbar offers a good compromise of looks and functionality. Super-easy to bolt on (it took less than an hour), it provides a mounting surface for up to four auxiliary lights. It also offers a small degree of protection to the front bumper in light 'wheeling scenarios.
This unit comes with everything you need to bolt it on. Four large metric bolts secure the lightbar to the frame of the vehicle.
The Manik front bar comes with a skidplate to protect the underside of the vehicle.
Auxiliary lighting is always a fun modification to perform on a 4x4. Not only are they easy to install, but they add awesome visibility for dark nights on the trail while also suggesting a rugged "outdoors" look around town. We chose the Black Magic lights from Hella because they feature stealthy looking Black Optics Technology, which creates a striking all-black look when the lamp is off, and at the flip a switch, you get a super-bright, enhanced-focus driving beam. These lights come with OEM-style wiring harnesses for easy installation. They also have super-bright 55-watt bulbs that are pretty easy to get at when you need to replace them.