Tips and Tricks for the Body Lift on a First Gen Xterra
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- Опубліковано 1 лип 2024
- You ever hear that the body lift is a labor intensive job? Do you want to know more about what kind of work is actually required to pull it off? This is a detailed list of all the things I have ever found to look out for when doing a body lift. My tips and tricks are specific to the two inch body lift, but it will all apply to a 3 inch body lift too. This is based on my experience and what I had to look out for, but there is always the possibility of your truck being slightly different. Lift responsibly, be safe, and good luck!
2" Body Lift Parts (Links good as of 9/4/2018):
Pucks (QTY 10): zoneoffroad.com/zone-offroad-p...
All hardware is from Allensfasteners.com. Product ID is listed below. You will still need to select the match name/description from the drop down menu on the website.
7/16-14 x 6 GR8 HEX CS (QTY 6): Product ID: 0027
7/16-14 GRC NUT (STOVER) (QTY 6): Product ID: 00006
7/16 GR8 SAE FW (QTY 12): Product ID: 20287
12mm-1.25 x 180 10.9 HEX CS (QTY 2): Product ID: 70333
10mm-1.25 x 160 10.9 HEX CS (QTY 2): Product ID: 70329 - Авто та транспорт
Another great video about the body lift on an Xterra:
ua-cam.com/video/uVor_NoFDM0/v-deo.html
Amazing video. Perfect tips, perfect pictures. Can’t wait to tackle this next week
Thanks for watching. I did have a more recent video where I talked in more detail about relocating the radiator. Check it out if you are curious.
Any videos you post are very helpful!
Thank you for the kind comment!
Very helpful. Thanks for your hard work on this!
Glad to help and thanks for watching!
Thanks a lot ( really).......It's on my list and I feel MUCH more confident now.
Great! Glad I could help!
Amazing video/tutorial! Just perfect. Thank you!
Happy to help my dude!!!!
Looks like a two person job in that extra help is always good and and extra set of eyes to double check things is good also. Thank you for the video. (Owner of 2001 Xterra SE 3.3L)
Thanks for watching. Definitely easier, and more fun, with another person to walk through it. Even better if the other person has done the lift too!
Appreciate the video man, 6 years later
Always happy to help!
This is absolutely perfect thank you
Happy to help!
This gives me inspiration. I am seriously thinking about it (2wd,02)
Its a pretty big project but rewarding when its done!
Hey Rob it's Tonka Xterra Jeff. Nice video man. You hit all the main points pretty well. I also did the diy lift kit and IMHO it's the best route for anyone. And the job overall is super easy for anyone debating on doing this.
Cool, thanks for the comment. I agree that its much easier than it sounds. Not too difficult. Good to hear from you...we should get out to URE sometime thus season.
I'm down, I went at least a couple dozen times last year and plan on doing it again this year!
Right on! I haven't done anything but beach driving in the last 2 years. Itd be good to get back to the trail s!
Yeah I'm regretting my beach driving decisions. Starting to get a bit of surface rust on the truck from when I decided to drive in the ocean.
Gonna undercoat it soon and hopefully that'll stop it because it's just surface at this point lol.
This video is great. Gonna be doing my 2” BL and haven’t been able to find anything on the location of all the hoses and stuff that supposed to be loosened or adjusted so it doesn’t break under the tension form raising the body. Thanks and I’ll for sure reference this video for anyone who is interested in BL their xterra.
Awesome...thanks for watching. Glad I could help! Let me know how your lift goes!
Xterra Rob just did my 3” suspension this past weekend, then I’m doing the BL this upcoming weekend. And will do. You part of any of the Xterra Facebook groups?
Not on facebook...but I check in at xterranation.org and clubxterra.org.
Xterra Rob well if you have Facebook I recommend checking it out. A lot of cool guys with even cooler Xterra rigs
First video iv seen that helped
Happy to help!
Discovered that many xterra's came with plastic heater core hose connectors. The 97 and 98 frontier came with aluminum. I found one in a junkyard. Once removing the ac coil the cap-srews that held them on the heater core was exposed. They will match up to the xterra's. Just be sure to grab the plastic gasket holder that goes between the flanges and the heater core.
Now I will go finish watching the video. Lol
Awesome note! Good observation!
Considering an Xterra, do you think a body lift alone would be worthwhile for added snow clearance between tires and body itself?
The Xterra is considerably larger than my little car where the wheelwells often pack with snow. Not concerned about off road capabilities. Thanks, like the videos, informative, well presented and complete.
Thats another great use of a body lift...nice idea. It does bring up the question though...is the stock wheel well clearance enough to prevent snow build up? If so, you may not need to bother...but the body lift certainly would add more room. Not much snow in the south where I am, so can't comment specifically if its worth it for you.
I'm buy up parts now going to try it soon thanks buddy
Nice let me know how it goes!
@@XterraRob sure thing should look good has 3 inch sl now an 33 so 2 more inchs should look good.hope next year or so can put a live axle in it an 37s
@@xtx8133 solid axle swaps and 37s will be gnarly! You should document uour build on youtube!
@@XterraRob mite give it a shot just buying up parts want everything b for I start cuz I daily mine so going be a week end deal
@@xtx8133 you should document your parts lists and cost as you prep for it...why you went with certain setup and suspensions etc. Gearing for 37s...lots of people would be interested.
Great video. I have a five speed, will it affect the length/height of the stick? Will I have to mod it? Also, my body mounts are nasty looking, should I replace them at the same time(the ones that look like lift pucks themselves)
The stick shift lever goes through the sheet metal body...so the body opening will be higher on the shift lever. It is possible the lever may hit the edge of the opening before fully locking into gear, but I dont know for sure. You would have to make the opening in the sheet metal larger if it hits. You could do a measurement or check by messuring the size of the opening and check what it would look like 2 inches higher on the shift lever. Maybe use a cardboard with a hole cut in it as a gauge.
I'm ready! How long for two people? One day? Also, I wanted a suspension lift but everyplace I call says they don't make one for first gen.
4x4parts.com. Calmini is another company. 1 full day for body lift if you have all equipment etc...you can also do some work and prep before (remove bumpers, unclip hoses, etc)
Great video but as a disabled firefighter I take issue with one thing, the use of cinder blocks under jacks. I know, it’s not the weight of the truck on them, just the body, but they don’t have much strength and you were using them on their weakest side. Wooden blocks would be better, jack stands ideal, but at minimum if you use cinder blocks they should be placed vertically like they would be used to build a wall.with a short piece of 2X6 or 2X8 on top to distribute the weight of the jack base throughout the entire cinder block. Yes, people get by using cinder blocks when working under cars but I saw a lot of times I came back and bit someone, from the car sitting on their chest to shortening a couple of fingers by removing the end. Much harder to work on cars missing the end of an index finger.
I'm with you...i used an old rail road tie personally. That section of the video was a collection of photos from around the internet of other people showing how they did it. Thanks for the info.
It looks like a lot of things to take into consideration :(.
I'm thinking on buying an xterra or a Jeep xj. What do you think?
Thanks for the video.
Regards from México
Depends what you want to use it for. Jeeps have a ton of after market support for lift kits and off road goodies. Xterra s are probably a bit more reliable as a daily driver, but need some upgrades to make it really off road worthy. I think its really just preference.
Is this similar to a 2004 frontier? Other than having 6 pucks on each side
Any advice for replacing the dry rot (original) factory mount bushings that are discontinued ..?
No ideas other than junkyard diving but they are probably all dry rotted too.
is this and the rear shackle/torsion bar adjustment lift worth doing if i might get an actual suspension lift in the future?
Body lift is independent of suspension lift...so sure a body lift is fine if you want you run 33s or if you just want to look taller. I would skip the shackles lift until you decide if you want to go full suspension lift with control arms or not. You may end up taking the shackles off later when you decide to get the full suspension lift.
Great video! Thanks!
ur a life saver
Happy to help!
After BL Did you have to change shocks/ where the OEM shocks enough ..thank you
Body lift doesnt impact the suspenaion at all...so OEM shocks are just as good (or bad) as they were for you before thr body lift.
supposedly if you use the extended upper hose there's no need to relocate or move the radiator
The upper hose is more prone to breaking off
the inlet to the radiator. So that is the weak link. The bottom hose will still be bent a little but not enough to break the radiator or kink off the coolant flow.
I am lifting a 2000 frontier it would basically be the same Except bed and cab apart? How long did it take you to lift it?
Basically the same. Just look out for any hoses, wires, brackets, etc that attach to both the body and the frame. The hardware is different I believe, so make sure you get a frontier specific kit. It took me an entire day...8 hours or so leisurely with some frienda, and I did a bit of prep work before hand (remove bumpers, peel carpets back and bust the plastic caps off the bolts, etc) like anything, it takes longer the first time you do it, but it can be done a bit quicker if you are organized, prepared, and focused. I would recommend blocking out a Saturday with Sunday being a contingency day for any final tweaks or repairs.
What if I just wanna lift my bumper so It can look aggressive how can I get that look of a bumper facing up
Not sure exactly what look you're going for...you mean lifting the bumper up to look like more ground clearance in the front? If you have a 2000-2004 xterra you can trim or cut off the bottom edges of the bumper to make more room around the tires or give it a different shape. On my 2004, I took off the silver cover on the bottom of the front bumper. Behind it is a cross bar on the frame. I thought it looked more aggressive with that part of the frame not covered by foo foo plastic junk.
Should 33x10.5x15 fit on PML Lift and 1 inch body lift?? D21 Xterra
2 inch is the standard body lift for 33s. 33x10.50 on stock rims should be very close to fitting though, but you may have to trim some plastic or it may rub in tight turns and when flexing.
Hey where cab I find an off road bumper for my 2001 Nissan xterra we?
Depends how much you want to spend. They are pricey. Shrockworks is the typical popular choice. Calmini has a tube style open bumper. PpEngineering makes a few different ones. ARB makes one too. Bumpers are typically custom made to order, so you will likely be waiting a while after you place the order. An alternative is to save some photos of what you like and find a local fabricator through CL, local off road forums, word on the street, etc and have a custom one-off bumper made. That is how I got my front bumper made.
Hey thanks for all your help. Just a quick question, I have a 2004 xterra and I was wondering what lift I should do. I was thinking about a suspension lift but I can’t find videos on how to do it or what’s recommended. What do you think is best, and easiest for a couple in lift?
I have a video called "3 Types of Lifts to Consider" ... Check it out for some basics. How you use your truck and how mechanically inclined you are (IE can you do it yourself) are huge factors. If you will daily drive your X and aren't huge into off roaring...I like a 2 inch body lift paired with revolver shackles in the rear, and keeping front suspension stock, but adjusting the stock height in the front some to get the stance you want.
Xterra Rob I know how to do the shackles in the back but do you have a video on how I can adjust the front or how can I go about it?
I have a video called "Getting Lift out of UCAs. How To: Re-index Torsion Bars" . that video explains the system and how it works. If you want to simply adjust the stock suspension without getting UCAs...then you ignore the section about removing the torsion bar, you just adjust the bolt on the left and on the right. I think when you watch it, it will make more sense.
Xterra Rob I think I am still going with a 3 in s. lift so that I can then use the torsion bars to level the X out. On the tires though I am having trouble deciding between a 265/75/16 and a 285/75/16. I am scared about the mpg I’ll get with the 32’s. What do you think going from stock to a 32 on an o4?
I did not notice a big difference going stock to 32s. 32s to 33s were a big difference. I like 265/75 R16
Well i commented on another one of your videos a while ago. I was thinking bout picking up another 1st gen xterra. Well I did, 02 se. S/c, auto. lol.
On order is the 2" body lift. And got good deal on dick cepek mud countrys 33/12.5/17. I will probley go with the pml on this one also. Pulled all the intake baffles, rebuilt the s/c nose cone. All new shocks. Should be fun this summer.
Awesome! You should post some videos of your work!
Xterra Rob ive made my own body lift years back on one of my pathfinders. Wasnt to bad. I might give it a go with the video thing lol. Split it into 2 or 3 parts. We got alot of rusty vehicles here in winnipeg, Canada lol most these bolt and whatnot will most likely break. But will soak em in pb blaster anyway.
Will an impact take the rear (#5, left) bolt out without breaking the bolt? The big washer and puck are pretty much rotted. Couldn't turn the bolt any with 3/8 socket & ratchet.
Roll of the dice. It's a big bolt so it should be fine...i used an impact on mine without much trouble. But mine wasn't stuck that bad.
@@XterraRob thanks for the prompt response. Figured it might be so.
Do you have a video on oil pan gasket replacement?
(I haven't searched your vids yet, heh)
Thank you. I appreciate your time.
No video on that...though its on my list of repairs to tackle this winter. Tired of the oil drip!
@@XterraRob right!
Can I just lift the front only? I just want the body level to the rear is all
Not for a body lift. If you just want to level the front up an inch or so you need to adjust your torsion bars (suspension lift). That can be done with no extra parts...just adjusting the stock setup. I have a couple of videos on torsion bars you can check out.
Did you empty the coolant from the radiator?
I did not. I just took the spring clamps off the hoses and kind of broke the bond between inside of hose and the radiator inlet (so they wouldnt get stuck while lifting)...then after lifting, I just slid the hose forward and back to find the best position without kinking the hoses to bad and put the clamps back on. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
I love you
Haha Haha. Thanks
Hello. I am the owner of a 2003 Nissan Xterra, and I am definitely interested in a 2" Body Lift. The DIY Lift is the route I am choosing, and I have someone helping me who knows highly lifts, as he lifted his 87' K5 Blazer by himself! In this video, you put a picture of the DIY 2" Lift with all the parts, and I want to make sure I purchase all the correct parts. My question is, could you leave a link to each part, so I know they're correct? I hope it's not too much to ask, but I just want to be sure I purchase the right parts. Great video, as it has helped tremendously!
I will update the video description with links later tonight. Check back tomorrow!
Thank you very much! That would help out a lot! You said I can fit a 32 inch tire on stock height correct? Would that rub anywhere, or would I not be able to turn the wheel as much?
Likely not rub at all. Depends some on tread pattern. Worst case is minor plastic trim on inside of fender well...not even cosmetic plastic. The fender mud flap trim has a plastic rib behind the tire. That is the most likely area to rub. I had no issues with my 32s and no lift.
PS...I updated links in the description.
Perfect! Thank you very much! I am glad I won't have problems with rubbing when I put 32 in tires on it. All I'm doing to my X is 16 inch rims, 32 inch all terrain tires, the DIY 2" BL, a matte black bull bar, and 6 off-road lights (4 on roof rack and 2 on the bull bar). Nothing serious since I don't have 4x4, sadly... lol.
I have a question rob. Instead of the 3 in. Diameter 2” tall puck. What if I go 3” d and 3” tall puck. Can the m10 and m12 x 1.25 x 180 and 160 mm still fit? Just wants to know before I order.
Nope...add one extra inch of length...or 25 mm
Xterra Rob does the 2000 Nissan Frontier body lift kit fit 2000 Nissan Xterra?
Good question now that you ask it. Looking at kits online...frontier looks like it has 12 body mounts instead of 10. My guess is because of the bed. I would try to find all of your fronty body mounts, and measure approximate diameter (pretty sure 3 in is still correct)...but I would remove a few of the bolts and measure length first...then add 2 or 3 inches. Also check threads on any bolt that directly threads into the body. Bolt sandwiches don't matter as long as you buy matching nuts with your bolt.
Do you know if there are any issues with transmission and transfer case shifters on a manual transmission X?
Transfer case shifter I had to trim some of the rubber boot that goes through the body to allow it to hit 4 low. Just a small section of rubber on the back side. Not sure on manual transmission lever, but I assume same logic may apply. May have to trim the sheet metal opening or rubber boot....or maybe the opening is big enough to be OK with nothing.
@@XterraRob I guess it's one of those, "I'll know when I know" situations. 👍😂
You got it dude! Not a mod for those that can't fix things on the fly :)
@@XterraRob always done my own wrenching. The cordless impact wrenches they have these days are a GODSEND!! (I started wrenching in the early 80s)
@@XterraRob I've got one more question about a body lift.
PLEASE tell me it makes getting to that "one" spark plug easier!!
"If you break that you will have to take apart the dash" (mine are certainly not just epoxied back together, lol) Do not, I repeat do not try to remove those without cutting the hoses, they get really brittle.
Hahaha yes...you can always go with a copper tube epoxied inside a cracked inlet. Thats probably what I would do too.
@@XterraRob yeah I did the same but with plastic hosebarb fittings, worked pretty good. Just went and busted out the main portion of this lift this afternoon, thanks for the video.
Happy to help and thanks for the comment. Hopefully they save some ome from having to take the dash apart. What epoxy did you use and did it hold up alright?
Do the bumpers (stock) have to be removed for lifting?
Actually...good question. I removed my rear bumper, because I was going to drill new holes to relocate it anyway. My truck didnt have a front bumper at the time...a pot hole took it out and it fell off. I would assume youd want to take it off just to prevent it from catching anything, plus lif you want to relocate it upwards, may as well remove it anyway.
Thanks Rob! One last question, where are the proper lift points located? The manual indicates ones that I'm not sure will work for the body lift. Could you please advice. Thanks! I'm performing the lift right now actually
The owners manual will tell you to lift the frame rails because they are assuming you will lift the entire truck off the ground. For thr body lift, look under the rocker panels. There is a seam of sheet metal where two body panels pinch together. You wouldnt change a tire like that because its too much weight on that body...but when doing a body lift, the "truck" is standing on the ground under its own weight. You are only pushing up a couple hundred pounds of sheet metal that is the cab. The name of the game is separating the sheet metal cab portion from the frame rails, suspension, etc. Hope it went well!
Thanks for your answers brother. It went well, I might post a video and a timelapse of how I did it (in Spanish for latino folks), cheers for the Xterra
Nice! Do it!
My 2001 Xterra doesn’t have a center support bearing..
You mean the body mount or what ?
Xterra Rob driveline runs straight from the transfer case to the rear axle..
Yes that's how mine is too. Did you have a specific question about it?
Xterra Rob curious when they started using the center support bearing as men doesn’t have one. But other Xterra trucks do. Maybe it was the 4-Cylinder with and without the transfer case? Also, how long are the universal joints god for ? My truck has 314k original miles on it. And unfortunately, factory fill on both diifs, transfer case and transmission. The rear LSD is a little slippery but that’s to be expected because of its lack of maintenance.
Few questions;
Universal joints aren’t listed as a part number anywhere for this thing that I can find. There is no play, should I put new ones in anyways?
For the rear LSD, how do or where do I get a new clutch kit for it or service kit to tighten it up?
Vibration at 60, got new tires, vibration moved to about 65 until 80.. it’s not the drive line(s), but it does need all new front end parts. It’s a bit loose. Alignment can’t be done because of severely worn bushings. (I bought this truck from my step mom for $150 with everything working on it)
So I’m playing catch up on maintenances.
Off road shop quoted me about $2,400 for the following;
Upper/lower control arms (stronger than OE), rebuilt/reinforced steering gear box (sloppy/lots of play), sway bar bushings, shocks all around, new front wheel bearings but if they are good and just need repacked and snuggled up, no charge and some other misc. stuff I asked for.
Needs cats, fuel economy is a solid 12MPG no matter how I drive and throwing a code for a P0430 I think it was..
this is a 2001 Xterra 3.3L V6 auto. The ‘SE’ variant. Rare color of Mineral Blue
I have a 2nd gen 😑
Too bad the video isn't exactly for yours...but the concepts should be very very similar and most items crary over (other than the exact hardware etc). You going for 2 inch or 3,inch BL?