Adopt-a-noob

Outlandish_James

Outlandish_James

Test Drive
Location
Spokane, Washington
Hello I am as new as it gets and I have a simple question. Can somebody explain to me spring under axle and spring over axle? I understand my leaf springs are currently fixed under my axle, is it cope to put them on top of my axle to get some rear clearance??? Hazing welcome haha thank you
 
Prime

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
Outlandish_James said:
Hello I am as new as it gets and I have a simple question. Can somebody explain to me spring under axle and spring over axle? I understand my leaf springs are currently fixed under my axle, is it cope to put them on top of my axle to get some rear clearance??? Hazing welcome haha thank you
Click to expand...
Welcome to XN!

So basically, SUA (Spring Under Axle) is the configuration of the X. The leaf spring is mounted under the axle tube. SOA (spring over axle) is more common in pickup trucks and taller vehicles.

Now, if you swap an X from SUA to SOA you gain 5.5 to 6" of lift in the rear. With no other modifications. That's problematic. Because the 1st gen X can only be lifted 3" in the front because of the design of the IFS. So the ONLY time that an SOA swap is warranted on a 1st gen is if you SAS the front. Essentially remove the independent front axle and swap it for a solid axle. That can net 4-6" of lift depending on how you put it together.

Any other questions, feel free to ask. It's why we're here.
 
Bushnut

Bushnut

First Fill-Up (of many)
Location
Fredericton NB, Canada
31s should fit fine with no modifications. However if things are looking tight, it might be on account that your springs are almost 20 years old and are sagged out. There are some options, 1: replace everything with new=very $$$ 2: add a leaf upgrade, and or PML. Or both. 3: have the springs re-arched at your local spring shop.
 
Blackbird SR 71

Blackbird SR 71

Bought an X
Location
Seattle WA
The Frontier trucks are Spring Over Axle, the Xterras are Spring Under axle - and not readily exchangeable.
I say 'readily'- because yeah, you can make lots of cutting and welding to get them to fit. It's not worth the hassle IMHO.

You also wrote, " Wanting to clear 31" tires" ? So...wait a sec...what's on your Xterra now ?
 
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