Nissan trucks have almost as loyal a following as their Toyota brethren. They're well designed, well built, and will run just about forever. And because they've been around for 20 years or so, you can pick them up cheap. So why don't we see more of them on the trail? Two reasons: They're IFS, and nobody makes off-road parts for them. Well, Steve Kraemer of Calmini fame saw some potential in the Hardbody trucks and decided their time had come. So he launched into designing and building all the equipment that would be necessary to turn the Nissan four-by into a real four-wheeling trail rig. After spending a full day running some of Moab's more difficult trails in this truck, we have to give Steve the nod. The truck worked great. Best of all is the fact that it's not a one-off rig. Everything on this truck is a production part. Take a look at the pics to see how it all works.
| SPECIFICATIONS |
| Year/make/model: | '86 Nissan Hardbody |
| Owner/hometown: | Calmini/Bakersfield, |
| | California |
| Engine: | Stock four-cylinder |
| Transmission: | Stock |
| Transfer case: | Stock with Calmini |
| | 3.92 gears |
| Frontend: | Dana 44 with ARB |
| | Air Locker |
| Rearend: | Stock with ARB Air Locker |
| Ring-and-pinion: | 5.13/5.14 |
| Suspension: | Calmini 6-inch lift |
| Tires/wheels: | 35x12.5-inch Toyo Open |
| | Country M/Ts/15x8 Allied |
| | beadlocks |