Best way to start lifting X?

[RioDeColumbia]

So this summer I am finally wanting to start lifting my X. I have been looking all over the Internet at the different ways you can do it, but can't decide which way would be the best for me to do.

So originally, I was planning on doing a PRG PML 2" lift, but I am now having second thoughts. I have a feeling that later down the road I am going to want to get more lift, and I have read that you can't really add on spacer/aal kits.

I am trying to figure out what another route would be to go bedsides a spacer/aal kit. I would really like something I could add onto down the road if I want to. I have a 2012 Pro4x, and everything suspension wise is stock. And as far as budget goes, I don't want to spend a lot of money preferably, but I am open to any advice.

 

[drbandkgb]

Your p4x is taller vs the others ;-) so you're ahead of the game.
Nisstec makes a nice 1" spacer that would fit on top of the coil now..
The rear start with a AAL. Add a leaf.
The factory springs tend to wear pretty fast. So it will give you a little more lift and help if you're planning a bumper down the road..
www.nissteclifts.com

 

[RioDeColumbia]

So you are thinking a spacer and aal are a good way to start. I forgot to mention that I will be getting a bumper and sliders around the same time as the lift also if that makes a difference.

 

[Fromfrontier2Xterra]

So you are thinking a spacer and aal are a good way to start. I forgot to mention that I will be getting a bumper and sliders around the same time as the lift also if that makes a difference.

If adding a bumper and sliders, you're adding a decent amount of weight. I know you said you don't want to spend a lot but if adding weight I recommend radflos up front. Your ride will sacrifice otherwise.

If adding a winch to the bumper, that's even more weight. Just food for thought.

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[RioDeColumbia]

I did not think about all the weight. So I am planning on getting the hefty fab works bumper, some sliders, and possibly a winch also. I may hold off on the winch depending on how expensive the lift will be. However, if we're to have all of this stuff on, what suspension set up would you recommend?

 

[Fromfrontier2Xterra]

I did not think about all the weight. So I am planning on getting the hefty fab works bumper, some sliders, and possibly a winch also. I may hold off on the winch depending on how expensive the lift will be. However, if we're to have all of this stuff on, what suspension set up would you recommend?

It's a tough question to answer. What do you want to do with your X?

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[RioDeColumbia]

I do use it off road but nothing to extreme. I explore a lot of random trails and such around where I live, so nothing to extreme. I don't do any rock crawling at all. I was wanting to get about 2-3" of lift if possible after all of this. Also, I will be getting 285/75/16 tires probably at the same time as all of this also if that makes a difference.

 

[Fromfrontier2Xterra]

I do use it off road but nothing to extreme. I explore a lot of random trails and such around where I live, so nothing to extreme. I don't do any rock crawling at all. I was wanting to get about 2-3" of lift if possible after all of this. Also, I will be getting 285/75/16 tires probably at the same time as all of this also if that makes a difference.

I recommend radflo 2.0 650# coilovers. However this is a slippery slope. If going that route I'd recommend extended extended travel radflo's and upgraded uca's.

In the rear you can still do an AAL but I'd recommend a dual leaf. This will hinder any potential sagging with the added weight. Also keep in mind the AAL is only part of the suspension. You may want to look into shocks as well. You have the upgraded bilsteins with the p4x currently. However, depending on the lift your travel may still be hindered by them.

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[RioDeColumbia]

What about these instead of the raflos

nissteclifts.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=58926&category_id=173&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=72

If I did not put the winch on, do you think these would work as an alternative to the radflos? I am just kind of hesitant to spend about $1200 on a radflo suspension setup.

 

[RioDeColumbia]

Here is the link again, I think the above one isn't working for some reason.

http://nissteclifts.com/index.php?p...tegory_id=173&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=72

 

[Fromfrontier2Xterra]

Here is the link again, I think the above one isn't working for some reason. http://nissteclifts.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=58926&category_id=173&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=72

I can't give first hand experience but those will be an upgrade. You will need to borrow/rent/buy a spring compressor going this route. Also, with thus route you have to again remember this is only half the suspension and shocks need to be considered as well.

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[RioDeColumbia]

So basically you are saying the best route to take would be to get this:

http://nissteclifts.com/index.php?p...tegory_id=173&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=72

However, if I wanted to go a cheaper route for a little while until I get more money for the radflo set up, would this PML kit work. This kit probably won't give me much lift, but will it at least compensate for the added weight from the bumper and sliders until I get the radflos? Here is the link to the PML I am talki about:

http://www.prgproducts.com/shop/product/prg-2xe31mk-x/

 

[RioDeColumbia]

With this^^^^^^ PML, I could at least keep the leaf springs, and just ditch the spacers when I buy the radflos, and UCA's. Does this sound like a good plan?

 

[Fromfrontier2Xterra]

With this^^^^^^ PML, I could at least keep the leaf springs, and just ditch the spacers when I buy the radflos, and UCA's. Does this sound like a good plan?

Make sure you get shims as well. As for the "for now" factor....

What's your estimated wait? The only reason I ask is so you're not in the boat I was questioning why you wasted money on a setup you hate and doesn't suit your needs anyway.

If it makes more sense to wait and save for the correct setup for your needs, it's well worth it.

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[TJTJ]

I do use it off road but nothing to extreme. I explore a lot of random trails and such around where I live, so nothing to extreme. I don't do any rock crawling at all. I was wanting to get about 2-3" of lift if possible after all of this. Also, I will be getting 285/75/16 tires probably at the same time as all of this also if that makes a difference.

In case its not clear, 285/75/16 and 305/70/16 tires fit with no lift....so you can get the tires first, or instead of, the lift.


For trail riding such as you describe, you may not need more ground clearance than the stock X has. If you DO need more clearance, then skid plates make more sense as a first step, as you can typically can't practically lift high enough to avoid contact....and if no contact, you don't need a lift to clear it, etc...

No matter what lift you install, your diffs, leaf hangers, etc, are at the same height, because a suspension lift only raises what's above them.

(Only taller tires lift diffs, etc)


On 2005+ X's, you are limited to ~ 2" of lift because the upper control arms bang the coil bucket if you go much over that. (The lift uses up your down travel to have a higher rude height) You can get new UCA that will not hit the bucket/allow more wheel travel, etc...and allow more lift.


You want to raise the rear a ~ matching amount as you raise the front (The x is supposed to be nose down in attitude to improve mpg, ride, handling, etc)....but, AAL make the rig ride stiffer, have less travel than stock, and are more expensive than longer shackles. Longer shackles add wheel travel, don't make the ride stiffer, and are less expensive, so, for a small amount of lift to match the front, are typically the best choice.

Many lifts use a set of AAL PLUS a set of longer shackles to add more height, plus, the AAL help the pack to support added weight from armor, etc.

 

[RioDeColumbia]

I can't give first hand experience but those will be an upgrade. You will need to borrow/rent/buy a spring compressor going this route. Also, with thus route you have to again remember this is only half the suspension and shocks need to be considered as well.

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Ya, I agree. I think I am just going to save up and buy the whole package together. This way I can save more money by buying it as a package instead of buying all the parts individually. So would this be the right kit to get to in your opinion?

http://nissteclifts.com/index.php?p...tegory_id=173&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=72

Then in the mean time, is it possible to run the hefty bumper without any lift at all? Or would I need to get the PRG spacer/aal lift I posted earlier to compensate for the added weight?

 

[Slasa]

I absolutely recommend the Nisstec Ultimate Extended kit from your link. The Colorado crew recommends these to our members who are considering a lift. The performance over the PML is considerable. We find a lot of folks go in baby steps with PML, then a few upgrades, then end up at the Nisstec kit. If you can swing the cost just go that route from the get go.

 

[RioDeColumbia]

I think if I can come up with the money, I will purchase the nisstec radflo kit. However, what would be the best route to go if I had to wait a little while to save up the money for the radflo kit? Like should I just run with stock suspension, get spacers, or get heavier coil springs? I do have a spring compressor also. These are the only coil springs I could find if I went this route:

http://nissteclifts.com/index.php?p...tegory_id=173&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=72

http://nissteclifts.com/index.php?p...tegory_id=173&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=72

I am open to other options to also, any advice will help.

 

[RioDeColumbia]

However, now that I have thought about it, the spacer route would be the best route to go until I get the money for the kit.
So if I were to go this route, what size spacer would be the best, and would I have to get anything for the rear?
I don't think it would be necessary to add anything to the rear because the weight would be all in the front, buy I am just guessing?

 

[TJTJ]

However, now that I have thought about it, the spacer route would be the best route to go until I get the money for the kit.
So if I were to go this route, what size spacer would be the best, and would I have to get anything for the rear?
I don't think it would be necessary to add anything to the rear because the weight would be all in the front, buy I am just guessing?

The weight you're adding is about the same as a passenger...would you add spacers for passengers?


IE: Do some measurements first, so you have your baseline heights. Then, add the weight. Then, re-measure, and see how much difference it made....adjust accordingly.

Guessing at the difference first is far less efficient.

 

[RioDeColumbia]

Alright, thank you for the help. I will just do that then.

 

[RioDeColumbia]

I have one more question for everyone. If you had to choose between getting a hefty fabworrks bumper or the nisstec extended travel ultimate lift kit first, which one would you choose? I am trying to decide which one to get first, and then I will most lowly have to wait about 10 months to get the other. Also, If I wee to buy the radflo kit, I would get the 650# springs to compensate for the bumper when I get it later.

 

[JeffPro4x]

I would order the bumper 1st. It's going to be a 2-4 month wait, so you could save $$ and get your lift bought and installed at roughly the same time as the bumper.