This is a new feature to Nissan@ORC and we plan to feature a new product here every month. What you won't find here is a copy cat knock-off product or one that is useless or otherwise weak in off-road fashion. We stand behind our reviews and believe the products featured here are what Nissan enthusiasts want. We refuse to feature weak, ugly, useless products designed for soccer moms and posers. So sit back, relax, and take a look at these new product reviews. And don't forget to visit our sponsors, the ones who pay the bills to keep this site up!

Where to get your stuff For a long time in the Nissan Community there haven't been too many manufacturers of quality parts. We had the usual upper control arm lifts and Smittybuilt tube accessories. Trailmaster with its massive 4" lift and Fabtech with their 3" 2wd lift kits. But until recently with the release of the Xterra we are seeing more and more companies specializing Nissan parts. This month I'll go deep on two known companies and talk to them about what's going on and what's coming up.

Extreme Off-road Equipment of NJ and Pa.

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Automotive Customizes of Fl. Automotive Customizers or AC for short has been in this for 6 years now. They sell all the aftermarket parts from lift kits to bumpers. They also custom make some parts like the New Nissan Xterra 3" lift. Recently they've added a message board that attracts quite a few characters. They've supported the market and will be there in the future with the new Xterra/Frontier crowd. AC tailors to most of the Nissan crowd with their IFS lift systems, tubular accessories and numerous engine and drivetrain mods. Look for them at the Nissanet.com trail in KY over Cinco De Mayo! When calling them ask for Mike and tell them you saw it on ORC, who knows maybe they'll give you a discount. :>) This month's feature from both AC and EOE will be for the Xterra. Two much needed products to make the X stand out and tall off-road. A 3" lift kit, which doesn't reduce articulation, and a pair of EOE Rock Sliderz. The 3" AC Xterra Lift consists of Upper Control arms, rear add-a-leafs, and all the necessary hardware to make it work properly and keep the dreaded front-end alignment problems at bay. Pictured is their Xterra running 32x11.50's, the 3" lift and a 3" body lift. As you can see it's quite imposing. AC suggests you get an alignment after install to insure proper alignment. Without the body lift some minor trimming is involved to keep the 32's from rubbing on compression. This isn't their fault, it's Nissan's for not making the wheel wells large enough, but we hear they're working on a product to solve that issue as well. Note: With the body lift there is no trimming needed to fit 32x11.50 size tires running the 3" suspension lift. Also 3" lift springs for the rear are now available and should compliment the lift very well.

Extreme Off-road Equipment, LLC. Or EOE for short has recently opened tailoring to the extremists of the Nissan crowd. Their background is long and intensive ranging from Motocross to Custom Hot rods. They've been making custom parts for vehicles in the past but have now formed a partnership to help pickup where AC lets off. The most recent addition to EOE is Rockhopper. Long known in the Suzuki and Toyota arena for making the strong, quiet and quality gearsets for years. They've teamed with EOE to bring the Nissan vehicles something they've been crying for, CRAWLER GEARS! Whether making armor, custom vehicles, or working Project X, EOE is there for the custom needs of the extremists. There product line is short but growing and each product they develop takes on a grueling 20,000 mile 4 month testing period prior to release, something unheard of in the 4x4 market. They also make parts for Suzuki's as well but tailor to the Nissan crowd exclusively. Look for them at the Nissanet.com trail run in May over Cinco de Mayo. When talking to these guys ask to speak to Todd, there are two that work there and both are very knowledgeable.   Extreme Off-road Equipment has been making Nissan parts for some time and recently went public with them. I understand the demand was very great and they were quickly on backorder status. From the looks of the product I can tell why. Performance can't be beat. And the design is very fresh and appealing. This is the original for the Xterra and helps keep rocks off the rocker panel and keep your doors in good shape (so they open every time). These products were tested in Moab and our own Feature Truck, Chris Oakley's Xterra, runs them (As seen on August 2000 Off-road.com feature). EOE wasn't public at that point and they listed them as custom, and they are. They will make your sliderz to your specs. So if you want them a little shorter cause your gonna be running 35's and will be cutting out the fenders they can do that. Or maybe you want them painted to match the truck, no problem. Without a doubt an excellent investment in any type of wheeling and a much needed accessory if you run the above mentioned 3" AC Xterra lift.

With the Nissan aftermarket changing and getting better every day it's no doubt these two Originals will make products that the rest of us can use and abuse! FYI: These products are designed and made by the two manufactures above. No copy cat reproduction as some companies do. Also these products have been tested and abused before going public. In our talking to both companies is seems that what once there was a rival there is no more and there both working together to make the Nissan market more competitive and bring more products to market better and faster. Both companies have their act together and seem to be on the right track. I had a chance to hear their ideas and future product releases and I have to tell ya, there HUGE! Look for more quality reviews here at ORC's Nissan Section in the future. I was only available to test the Sliderz first hand as no one around has the 3" X lift on their vehicle as of yet. Look for a product feature coming soon on this lift. Tread Lightly, Todd Out...