Posted by: SEXterra
UB Skidderz now available for the Xterra - 09/05/02 08:03 PM
Check it out...
I've been working with Joe Darlington at Darlington Offroad to develop these over the past few months. He's been really responsive and his products are a great addition to the Xterra aftermarket parts community. This our first attempt at these and I am completely satisfied with the end result. It took three sets to get the measurements right, but we finally got it!
These are a great investment for many reasons.
First, how many of you have bent a shock mount or U-bolt spring? I haven't yet, but I've clanged the spring hanger a few times and didn't like the way it felt. Cheap to fix, but a PITA I assume. I'm the kinda guy that likes to fix things once and only once.
Second, how much ground clearance did you lose when you upgraded to National spring packs (about an 1.5 inches). On that same note, did you replace your Bilstein shocks (with longer ones) when you upgraded spring packs... you need to, because the ones you WERE using with the OEM rear spring pack are too short after installing the thicker National packs.
The stock rear spring mounts leave your shock mount terribly exposed and cause you to lose about an inch of ground clearance. U (under) B (belly) Skidderz gets back that clearance you lost with the National packs, provides a smooth surface for you to slide over rocks on, and moves your u-bolt ends and shock mounts up alongside the spring pack about 3 inches... protected from the dangers below. The best benefit I found was the shock mount relocation was just high enough to allow me to continue to use my current set of Bilsteins. If you currently have Bilsteins or Ranchos on the back, I would get these as opposed to a longer set of shocks when I upgraded to National packs.
They are completely overbuilt and weight about 10 lbs each. The bottom plate is 1/4in steel and the sides are 3/16 angleiron.
Upgrades you can look for in the production model:
1) U-bolts will be about 1/2 inch shorter to keep them from hanging below the "flush-line"
2) All hardware and U-bolts will be powdercoated.
3) Mine are about an 1/8 too wide. Future models will be more precise in design now that we have the dimensions down.
4) The shock mount will be a SS bolt with fine threads...
5) Joe will be offering two variants. Those with OEM springs vs. those with National springs. The difference between the two will be the shock mount location. Those with National packs will want the ones I have (called top mount). Those with OEM packs will want the side mount version. In this version the shock mount is mounted on the lower lip of the skidder as opposed to the upper side as shown. This prevents the shock mount from being shortended "too much".
Interested in a set? Anticipated price is about $140, a bit pricey, but worth the security in my book. Joe will be adding these to the "Xtrera" page on his web-site so you can order them. If you want to email sooner please do. Understand, Joe's company is small, like EOE, It may take a few weeks for Joe to get a full set of these run. Please be patient and Joe will take care of you.
www.darlington-offroad.com
joe@darlington-offroad.com
Feel free to post any questions, concerns, bitches, gripes, complaints... etc.
Thanks to superjens for hosting pics!
FU villagephoto.
I've been working with Joe Darlington at Darlington Offroad to develop these over the past few months. He's been really responsive and his products are a great addition to the Xterra aftermarket parts community. This our first attempt at these and I am completely satisfied with the end result. It took three sets to get the measurements right, but we finally got it!
These are a great investment for many reasons.
First, how many of you have bent a shock mount or U-bolt spring? I haven't yet, but I've clanged the spring hanger a few times and didn't like the way it felt. Cheap to fix, but a PITA I assume. I'm the kinda guy that likes to fix things once and only once.
Second, how much ground clearance did you lose when you upgraded to National spring packs (about an 1.5 inches). On that same note, did you replace your Bilstein shocks (with longer ones) when you upgraded spring packs... you need to, because the ones you WERE using with the OEM rear spring pack are too short after installing the thicker National packs.
The stock rear spring mounts leave your shock mount terribly exposed and cause you to lose about an inch of ground clearance. U (under) B (belly) Skidderz gets back that clearance you lost with the National packs, provides a smooth surface for you to slide over rocks on, and moves your u-bolt ends and shock mounts up alongside the spring pack about 3 inches... protected from the dangers below. The best benefit I found was the shock mount relocation was just high enough to allow me to continue to use my current set of Bilsteins. If you currently have Bilsteins or Ranchos on the back, I would get these as opposed to a longer set of shocks when I upgraded to National packs.
They are completely overbuilt and weight about 10 lbs each. The bottom plate is 1/4in steel and the sides are 3/16 angleiron.
Upgrades you can look for in the production model:
1) U-bolts will be about 1/2 inch shorter to keep them from hanging below the "flush-line"
2) All hardware and U-bolts will be powdercoated.
3) Mine are about an 1/8 too wide. Future models will be more precise in design now that we have the dimensions down.
4) The shock mount will be a SS bolt with fine threads...
5) Joe will be offering two variants. Those with OEM springs vs. those with National springs. The difference between the two will be the shock mount location. Those with National packs will want the ones I have (called top mount). Those with OEM packs will want the side mount version. In this version the shock mount is mounted on the lower lip of the skidder as opposed to the upper side as shown. This prevents the shock mount from being shortended "too much".
Interested in a set? Anticipated price is about $140, a bit pricey, but worth the security in my book. Joe will be adding these to the "Xtrera" page on his web-site so you can order them. If you want to email sooner please do. Understand, Joe's company is small, like EOE, It may take a few weeks for Joe to get a full set of these run. Please be patient and Joe will take care of you.
www.darlington-offroad.com
joe@darlington-offroad.com
Feel free to post any questions, concerns, bitches, gripes, complaints... etc.
Thanks to superjens for hosting pics!
FU villagephoto.