Lift Questions

[kirk]

Okay, so I was thinking about the PML, but I was thinking maybe I'll just do it right. So now I'm looking at these:

http://www.4x4parts.com/i-18981138-xterra-front-suspension-lift.html

3" front lift, what would you do in the rear to "match"? And with these, I can align back to factory specs?

 

[ThompsonXterra]

http://www.4x4parts.com/i-18981157-xterra-suspension-lift.html

I went with this package. Comes with either 1.5" shackles or an AAL, just specify when you place your order.

Technically this is a leveling kit since the new UCAs allow for a 3" lift upfront and shackles or an AAL gives 1.5" of lift for the rear.

I went with an AAL first, but in the long run I ended up getting both for a 3" lift all around. I also now have their sway-away torsion bars which were a great addition with the steel bumper I now have on the front, but they are not necessary.

You'll also want longer shocks for at least the rear, but doing both is obviously better. Bilsteins are my personal preference for cost and function.

And yes, you can align to factory specs with 4x4parts UCAs

 

[kirk]

Nice! I completely over looked that kit, it looks like exactly what I need. Your thread has pics of your truck with it on I guess? I have to replace the bolts in my UCAs anyway, so started thinking about just going in whole hog. How hard was installation? Im pretty mechanically inclined and I have air tools. Worried the torsion bars would be a PITA to replace, but a steel bumper is in the far future for me too so maybe I need to do it. You prefer their bars over anyone elses, say Calimini?

 

[ThompsonXterra]

Nice! I completely over looked that kit, it looks like exactly what I need. Your thread has pics of your truck with it on I guess? I have to replace the bolts in my UCAs anyway, so started thinking about just going in whole hog. How hard was installation? Im pretty mechanically inclined and I have air tools. Worried the torsion bars would be a PITA to replace, but a steel bumper is in the far future for me too so maybe I need to do it. You prefer their bars over anyone elses, say Calimini?

Yes, thread pic is with everything I listed above. I also have my build thread linked below, there you'll find a bigger pics and some when I first put on the lift with just the AAL no shackles.

Install was pretty straight forward. If you're mechanically inclined with some air tools and elbow grease you'll be all good. 4x4parts also gives fairly good install instructions with the kit. Torsion bars are a PITA and the upper ball joints can be as well; pickle fork and a BFH took care of them. Those were the only big challenges for me; other minor ones were just breaking loose some rusted bolts. Everyone's X is different though, I've heard some people have no issue with the ball joints and others have to cut them out lol.

As for Calmini...never had personal experience with them but the bad things I've heard about their slow customer service has steered me away. 4x4parts has always gotten things shipped out quickly, and I've never had an issue with their products. ALSO Calmini's torsion bars are not as stiff as 4x4part's; I think 4x4part's are 30% stiffer while Calmini's are 15-20% or something like that, I forget the exact numbers.

 

[kirk]

Thanks man. Thats all a big help. I'll go read your thread.

 

[ThompsonXterra]

Thanks man. Thats all a big help. I'll go read your thread.

No problem! Good luck man

 

[Prime]

So the full 3" lift requires the upper control arms, shackles and AAL OR completely new leaf springs to make up the lift on the back. Also, new torsion bars are not required but very strongly recommended.

 

[kirk]

I already have to get brand new leafs for the rears, planned on doing those now, and trying to piece this together. Should I plan on an AAL as well?

 

[Jack Stilts]

http://www.4x4parts.com/i-18915782-...eaf-add-a-leaf-pack-5100-bilstein-shocks.html

All-inclusive, and I think cheaper than piecing everything together. I think. Anyway, that's what I have.

 

[kirk]

http://www.4x4parts.com/i-18915782-...eaf-add-a-leaf-pack-5100-bilstein-shocks.html

All-inclusive, and I think cheaper than piecing everything together. I think. Anyway, that's what I have.

What size tires do you run with that lift?

 

[ThompsonXterra]

http://www.4x4parts.com/i-18915782-...eaf-add-a-leaf-pack-5100-bilstein-shocks.html

All-inclusive, and I think cheaper than piecing everything together. I think. Anyway, that's what I have.

That's a damn good kit if you have the funds. If I could go back I'd get that.

What size tires do you run with that lift?

And its a SL so still 32s. You'll have to do a BL or cutting to fit 33s+

 

[kirk]

Thats what I figured. I have 265/75's now. I cant tell, that kit have full leaf springs, or just the AAL?

 

[kirk]

Okay, its an AAL. I still need to replace my leaf packs anyway. Ill do that first. Thanks for the input!