Get More Truck with Simple Upgrades

A few simple mods to your rig can make all the difference for added versatility and function.

by

Words by Devin Speers

Instagram: devin.speers

If you were to drive by a Nissan dealership and saw a new 2020 Frontier on the lot, you would be essentially looking at the same vehicle you would’ve seen on that lot in 2005. It’s a truck that’s almost remained unchanged for over a decade. The only exception is the introduction of a new powertrain in 2020, (a 3.8-liter direct-injected V6 with 310 hp — a 41-hp improvement over the outgoing 4.0-liter V6, but the same 281 lb-ft of torque, mated to a new nine-speed automatic transmission), which is a prelude to a complete redesign for 2021.

Some say it’s boring. Others say Nissan's financial situation is what's behind the Frontier’s stale design. I'm of the opinion that when you get a truck that runs and delivers the way you want it to, leave it alone. I have found my Frontier to be severely underrated and left behind as it’s considered outdated by critics.

I’ve spent two years and nearly 90,000 km (55,923 mi) running my 2018 Frontier Pro-4X crew cab, I lovingly named Luci. She takes me to work, takes my family on road trips and vacations, and we've been to quite a few places where a stock pickup has absolutely no business being. We've been stuck, but we always easily managed to make it home, reliably.

In July 2018, I was in the market for a new vehicle. What drew me to the Frontier in the first place was its cost. With the Pro-4X you get a ton of truck for the money. It has mechanical features like Bilstein 4600 shocks with a heavier rate front coil spring; the electronically locking M226 diff, which is a variant of the Dana 44; Hankook A/T's in 265/75/16; skid plates from the radiator to the fuel tank and a roof rack with a 57 kg (125 lb) dynamic load rating. The 4.0L V-6 engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and generates 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque while providing a max tow capacity of 2799 kg (6170 lb) and a payload capacity of 440 (970 lb). Enough to easily tow an off-road trailer or small RV, and a load of gear. That's a pretty good start for a weekend warrior/daily driver build. On top of that, the Frontier enjoys quite a few parts from its big brother, the Titan. They are both built on Nissan's F-Alpha platform. This also means that a mid-travel suspension is only a "Titan-swap" away.

So here I was with my new Frontier and many ideas. The necessities I wanted - the strong bones every build needs - included suspension, armor, and bumpers. I soon realized these are all available from smaller, niche companies. Two years later however, Luci remains almost stock. Or close to it. I swapped the factory Hankook’s for Falken AT3W’s in the OE size, added a Softopper, a roof net from Raingler, and a set of LED pods on Rago Fabrication ditch light mounts. Why? Up until now, I really haven’t needed to upgrade. This truck has done everything I’ve asked of it stock. But I feel like I’ve put a solid plan together for efficient upgrades without wasting money and losing drivability. The end result will be a reasonably capable overland truck that still makes a great daily driver - and sometimes simplicity is best.

The suspension I am planning is an Old Man Emu HD setup. There are other options and coilovers available for more wheel travel, but adjustable coilovers and uniball control arms do not play well with salty Ontario winters. The Frontier is my daily drive and backroad runner, not a rock crawler or pre-runner. If the OME kit can hold up to the Aussie outback, it can handle what I’ll put it through.

Another area that needs improvement is the front bumper to gain better approach angles (which is a Frontier weak spot) and better protection. My plan here is to add an ARB bar, which is proven, easily available, and one of the cheaper options on the market. It also gives me room for a winch and more lighting. The winch would be nice to have, but lighting is a ‘need to have’.

The stock lighting on the Frontier is not the best. So, I chose the Lightforce Striker 170 Halogens since they have more coverage and power than other lights in the same price range. Halogens also emit infrared rays, which melt ice and snow from the lenses.

After two years and thousands of kilometres in the dirt, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Frontier doesn’t need much more than better ground clearance, load capacity, a bumper, and some lighting. It’s very capable in stock form for an overlander or an outdoorsman’s truck. Sure, there are lots more I want to add and will add. But none of it is essential to get outside and away from the world.

Okay. Maybe it needs a larger fuel tank to get further away. Long Range America has that covered with a steel 145 litre replacement tank.

Check out 4WDrive Magazine videos;

1 Million Mile Frontier - https://youtu.be/Ohnqssj6I1s

2020 Frontier - https://youtu.be/iwZsNN-Cvj8

In More Detail: Some of My Chosen Frontier Upgrades

Softopper

I chose the Softopper over a conventional shell or tonneau cover for two reasons - versatility and cost. It does 90 percent of the job of a hard shell at a much lower price tag. Plus, the sides fold up so you can run it just as a roof, or fold it forward completely out of the way if you need the full function of a truck bed. It’s also very light weight, approximately 14 kg (30 lb) compared to a 90 – 136 kg (200 - 300 lb) fibreglass topper. I am also planning to build a removable rack around the exterior for extra capabilities.

Techspan Ditch Lights on Rago Fab Brackets

These LED cubes are sourced through Ideal Supply - both Canadian companies. They deliver a mix of spot and flood to the sides, providing 180 degrees of light that wrap from mirror to mirror. They are mounted on Rago Fabrication stainless steel ditch brackets, which also allow the opportunity to use them as antenna mounts with the addition of an add-on bracket from Rago.

Raingler Cargo Net

Cargo nets are so simple yet so useful. When I realized Raingler was making them to fit in the extra room in the cab I had to have one. It makes for a great place to shove clothing, towels or anything bulky but light. The rear corners are also cut so no headroom is lost for the passengers in the back.