2007 Nissan Xterra - No More Excuses

This is the point where you want to call up a couple of good friends to help you with your install. Although this install can be done solo, nobody wants to drop 200 pounds on his foot. We knew that once we got the bumper in place we would need to spend time routing the wires for both the winch and the lights. So, using our trusty floor jack we moved the bumper into place and bolted down the bottom bolts of the bumper to the frame brackets. At first we thought we were geniuses doing it this way, but later we learned the bumper would need to be unbolted for final installation.

Before setting everything in place, one needs to remove the bumper support bracket shown here and either cut out a section to clear the top of the winch or bend it back out of place - it's up to the installer. Once this is done, the bumper can be bolted to the previously installed frame brackets. As you can see, the winch just clears, and we do mean just. Although the bumper is cumbersome, having it install as one large piece keeps the job very simple.

The wireless-remote kit that comes as an option with the Patriot 9500UT winch contains a receiver that must be mounted either to the front bumper or under the hood. We mounted ours to the firewall out of harm's way. We finished running all of the wires and gave everything a test before final install.

The bumper lines up perfectly and, combined with the winch and HID lights, really makes the Xterra look like an off-road machine. Now that our project is ready for tough trail action, stay tuned for some upcoming "was-that-dent-always-there?" adventure wheeling where we put our new products to the test!