Body Lift?

[Komis]

Hi Im going to look at a gen2 pro4x in a couple days as my potential next vehicle. Ive never been in a vehicle with a body lift before but I've only heard negatives about them and to me the point of lifting the vehicle is for ground clearance not just looks. The one I am going to look at has a 2inch body lift installed. I can't ask the seller questions as he is currently out of town. So unsure of the make or who installed it. The rear bump appears to have been left in the stock position.

What are the negatives if any of having the body lift. I an planning to do offlroading with it and would like to install a suspension lift. I dont want it to be too tall. On a stock vehicle I would likely do a 3 to 4inch suspension lift.

My question is what are the negatives or positives of a body lift on these vehicles? How easy would it be to source the parts to go back to stock height? Or to lift the bumper to match? Dose anyone with a body lift have the stock parts to sell?

Thanks for any adivce/help

 

[Newb]

Since you eventually want a 3-4 inch lift, I might consider keeping the body lift and then doing a 2” suspension lift. Xterras don’t do well with suspension lifts over 2.5” because it wears out the front suspension components. Body lifts raise the center of gravity a bit and are usually done to fit larger tires — e.g., greater than 33”.

 

[Prime]

I'm a big believer in body lifts on these trucks. It's so damn easy, all the aftermarket bumpers have provisions for a 2" body lift, and when all is said and done you can't even tell.

The sole purpose is to fit larger tires. If you ever want to run 35s without absolutely hacking the body to pieces, you need the body lift.

 

[Komis]

I'm a big believer in body lifts on these trucks. It's so damn easy, all the aftermarket bumpers have provisions for a 2" body lift, and when all is said and done you can't even tell.

The sole purpose is to fit larger tires. If you ever want to run 35s without absolutely hacking the body to pieces, you need the body lift.

Yeah I went to see it and other then the rear bumper you couldn't tell. It actually drove nice too. They had 33s on it right now which is as big as I think I want.

When you say the aftermarket bumpers have provisions for the body lift. Is that a bracket or extra holes to accommodate? Dose it have to be specified when ordering? The rear bumper is missing the plastic so I am likely just going to go aftermarket to correct both issues at once.

 

[Prime]

Depends on the brand. So check it out. Some come with the extra holes by default. Others you have to specify.

 

[Komis]

How about running boards/rock sliders? I noticed the oem ones were removed, is there an issue with them fitting or looking bad after a body lift?

 

[XterraRising]

On the 2” body lifts, I’ve seen that some companies offer an extended radiator hose. On another website, it was suggested to relocate the radiator to put it back in line with the fan. What’s the experience in hot climates without relocating the radiator?

 

[Komis]

On the 2” body lifts, I’ve seen that some companies offer an extended radiator hose. On another website, it was suggested to relocate the radiator to put it back in line with the fan. What’s the experience in hot climates without relocating the radiator?

Interesting I didnt think about that. Would 2 inches make a big difference. If I do end up getting it ill have to pay attention. Im in ca so summers will be hot.

 

[Prime]

Longer rad hose is a requirement. Especially with the stock radiator. I just removed the bottom of my fan shroud for clearance. Never had an issue with the stock radiator overheating. It did explode. But due to plastic fatigue at the lower port.

 

[meisanerd]

How about running boards/rock sliders? I noticed the oem ones were removed, is there an issue with them fitting or looking bad after a body lift?

Stock steps are pretty much useless. If you drop on a rock with them, they bend up and damage the entire side instead of just where the rock would have hit. And thus far the only bit of usefulness the ones that came on my '15 have had was that I didn't have to open the door to get to the roof, they are completely pointless for getting in and out of the vehicle as they are only like 1" lower than the floor, and I think they are attached to the body, so don't even really help all that much on a body lift. Get a proper set of rock sliders and you will be much better off.