Why Spacers don't work with Nissan Frontier, Xterra and Pathfinder
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- Опубліковано 4 січ 2023
- Howdy!!
In this video we explain and show how spacers can be the cause of coil bucket contact and how to avoid the issue. Here at ADO we try to keep you informed as much as possible when it comes to lifting your Nissan or Toyota!
If you want to see us make a video about something, feel free to throw the suggestion down in the comments!
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Great video. It keeps me from asking even more annoying questions....and from making costly mistakes!
One of the best informative videos ive seen yet.
As a "Nissan Navara" owner (i'm living in Italy) I really appreciate this useful information.
Awesome information on spacers vs proper coilover lifts and UCA'S. Will be getting a 2023 Frontier Pro4x soon and will be lifting it. Thanks for sharing! 👍
One of the many reasons that I follow this channel, there's making modifications to your vehicle and then there's modifying your vehicle correctly.
I had a 2wd frontier that I installed a RC 2.5in lift kit for a little extra ground clearance. For some practical purposes it was fine. I just swapped it for a pro 4x and will be shopping with you guys very soon. This video was very professional and straight to the point.
Did you have the kit that included shocks ??
Good video. I have not looked at my Gen3 suspension to much, but just received my 1/2” spacers. How much spacer can you add before the shock acts as the bump stop?
Great video. This was very insightful. I just received my Fox shocks lift kit from you for my 2014 Xterra. I have the z1 control arms. I am looking forward to get upgraded suspension and lift it!!
❤🔥video!
Thanks for saving me the problem.
I own a nissan Navara/frontier ..
The education is much appreciated
Its been in forum or fb but you guys explained it very well here in UA-cam lol. Nice
People on the regular still deny having CBC while running a spacer and factory arm. Gotta get the word out every way we can!
Good video. I am going to get a set for my 2022 Frontier. I have been running the RC 2.5 spacer for about 8k miles and get CBC on one specific bump. I have taken it off-road on some pretty sketchy shale mountain trails in Virginia and never actually experienced it while on the trail. So far I’ve been happy with it but eventually want to get a real lift kit for it but for now the spacers are ok. Thanks for the informational video!
If you were to look at your coil buckets, I guarantee paint is missing from them hitting a lot since you take it off road. Just because you don’t hear it, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening
@@daywalker4029 I’m mainly talking about the violent clunk you get. I’m sure it is but at such low speeds it’s not as noticeable.
@@TVCColin yeah i have 2" spacers and its fine unless you really go fast over large holes/ drop offs.
I got the mild 1.5" spacers for my 2023 Frontier. Haven't installed them yet. Do you think I'll have issues with the 1.5"?
Excellent video!!
Thank you very much!
Nissan makes nice vehicles but they don’t get the love they deserve.
We're a little biased :)
Ain't nothing a titan swapped frontier or Xterra can't roll over 😎
I, for one, am happy for a biased co-op as yourselves 🥰
The 05-15 Xterra, 05-15 Pathfinder and the 05-20 Frontier are some of the most kick ass Nissans ever built. I just wish Nissan had admitted fault in the S.M.O.D Transmission Failures and just bit the bullet. They wouldve retained so many buyers because of confidence in the brand. Instead, they left tens of thousands of people with $30,000 Yard Ornaments. Too bad. I love the VQ40DE, the RE5R05A and all 3 vehicles theyre put in. I am currently rebuilding a VQ40 because previous owner neglected maintenance, resulting in SLUDGE and OIL CARBON BUILDUP that ruined the rings, timing components and rod/main bearings. Ive done timing jobs on both (really simple job) and the Xterra has 330,000 miles and uses oil. So when i rebuild the engine that came out of my 06 Pathfinder, it will go to the Xterra. Then ill rebuild the one that came out. And ill have a spare VQ40. I just love and adore these motors. A truly spectacular machine.
excellent info video !!!
Great video. Enjoy the visual presentation and explanation. Would hv been even better if you showed your RC Killa kit and it installed so we could see. Either way, good job 👍
We have a RCKilla kit install video.
‘15 Frontier SV: OME struts (medium springs) @ 1.5” with 2” top spacer, SPC UCA, 65k miles with zero issues.
a large spacer may create lower ball joint bind at full drop, because as you stated a spacer moves the strut assembly lower which allows the LCA to drop more, a lift coil will raise the truck but keeps the drop of the LCA relatively the same as stock, but will reduce down travel, the LCA with load on it will be in the same exact spot at 3" of lift no matter what parts are used to get that 3" of lift, right?
So with the RC Killa lift you won't have any CBC even with the stock UCA?
I think that Bilstein you used in this video is slightly longer than stock because I have a .5 inch spacer which gives a 1 inch lift on my 21 Frontier and there is zero coil bucket contact. Its close at full droop but It rides great. Great video with explanation.
100
Nice video. Makes a lot of sense to not run those big spacers. Even with aftermarket UCA, it’s still not recommended to run spacers because of the LCA ball joint bind?
Correct - depending on height. Past 2.5" is where you can really start to notice it.
Great video. Literally put my Pathfinder 2005 R51 in the garage yesterday to get new struts/shocks installed along with a spacer lift kit - figured it would be a fun update. This video popped up while my Pathfinder was at the garage yesterday and behold now that my R51 is lifted I'm getting a small knock from the front over bumps. I watched countless videos about lifts on the R51 and I swear not one of those videos mentioned the control arm issue. Now trying to find an upper control arm thats gonna work for me.
Yes me too dam it
You guys have any luck finding a control arm?
Titan swap
SPC control arm
Get SPC. When I lifted my Xterra Rock Auto was selling the SPC arms under the memo tech supreme name. It looks like they have them listed as Dorman now. Look for the adjustable ones. The pictures show SPC arms. Best price I've seen on them. They will work, but you might have to trim the lip of the coil bucket slightly to clear the SPC ball joint.
I want to do a 2" lift on my 99 pathfinder SE. What is your recommendation? Which lift kit do you advise me to get.
Thanks. I was just about to buy a 2.5in spacer. Not anymore.
Glad we could help.
What exactly would I need to order to get a 3-inch suspension lift all around with no CBC? One of those Bilstein coilover kits and upper control arms?
Does anyone gave experience with those new Z1 Titan Swap UCAs? They look interesting, in that there are do many adjustments for aligning the front end. However, sometimes more afjustable parts cab be a bad thing, if they're not done properly. Id gate to put them on, only to gave to re-align my vehicle every 6 months.
so if i understood me i already put an rc lift seal if i but Offroad High Clearance Upper Control Arms my problem should be solved?
Does anyone know if adding bump stops to a 2” spacer lift will stop CDC?
Hey. Thanks for the info. I have a 2014 pathfinder platinum. I'm looking for a 2" - 2 1/2" lift kit. Do you have a recommendation from your brand? Part #s and/or link would be great.
We have two options. Dobinsons or OME. There isn't much available for the Pathfinders unfortunately.
wow you just saved me a lot of bs ...will be ordering the goods soon...🤩🤩🤩
I was gonna do a RC lift mostly for looks but i do have to go off-road quite a bit where I live. Luckily i did some research and decided to do it the right way i just decided to spend the money on the ado koni lift and got the ado uca's i havent got it yet just ordered it 2 days ago but i feel confident i made a better decision.
For sure! Good choice :)
@@AlldogsOffroadCoop thanks you guys have been good to work with you always answer all my questions in the chat and I appreciate it!
So you mention 5100's are slightly longer than 4600's. Do they have more travel then? Are 6112's the same?
Just curious what the max tire size is with the RCKilla lift. Definitely getting one now tho
most people run the 285 size tire so 285/75/16 or 285/70/17
Nice video! I’m curious if anyone has ever talked to a Nissan design engineer (probably long since retired given how long this platform has been around) and asked what the rationale was for the UCA design selection was. Given that it is different than virtually all other similar trucks like you mention, I wonder what the perceived benefits of this arrangement was.
From an engineer’s standpoint, the design works as it should. Engineers don’t design parts with modifications like lift kits in mind.
@@daywalker4029 true, but it doesnt answer the question, why did they decide to do it differently than the commonly used solution?
@@mtnbound2764 not my question to answer. would have to ask an engineer. they're still using them now so they must assume it's still fine. they've had 16 years to change it and haven't.
@@daywalker4029So they are still using this same design on the 2023 and 2024 trucks?
@@PreparedOverlander yes. the suspension is unchanged from 2005 essentially
Can we get a video of the RcKilla install and how it works to prevent this? Also with the 5100 shock and rckilla kit would it be comparable to a half inch spacer’s gap to the control arm?
This video here is an rckilla install - ua-cam.com/video/4DKuOAwYWUs/v-deo.html
Yes, the 5100 would be very similar in clearance to the half inch spacer. It's about .2" longer than the 4600.
Do yiu guys ship? I'm in South Africa
how can i safely widen the stance of my frontier without spacers???
good to know thx
I do full blown fab work on Nissans. Way better to cut out all that stuff and weld on two tabs to install coil overs. Out here it only cost $300 for labor and materials to do that. Unlocks all the possibilities available for Nissans with coil overs
I did a 2 inch spacer with a bump stop on the UCA to minimize the noise and impact of CBC and it helps a ton. I also got a longer bump stop for the LCA so I don't damage the shock. I don't off road at all so a spacer makes sense for me and I don't get any CBC with daily driving except for when I go up my in laws gravel driveway with massive pot holes I only get CBC sometimes so it's actually not that bad for what I use my truck for. If I was off roading with it a lot then I would probably get your lift coils but for my needs a spacer works pretty well. I might end up getting the pre assembled bilstein 5100's with the lift coils just because I want to match the rear shocks I installed with your guy's AAL kit haha
So you still here the CDC but just at a lower volume correct?
Could you install a Titan upper control arm that way you get clearance for the strut spacers?
no, the titan arm is longer. also the titan arm has less clearance than a factory frontier/xterra arm. titan's experience CBC at 1.5" of lift.
Awesome video, now I'm not going to buy spacers and UCAs! Do you sell just the coils for the RCkilla? I already have the rear lifted. Thanks!
Does the same issue happen with the Bilstein 5100s (like stock Pro4X) when you adjust the collar up to give 2" of lift?
no. adding a spacer on top of the coilover physically lengthens the entire piece and that is what causes CBC
Great thanks.
I mean if more people made shock/spring combos or coilovers made to lift people wouldn't go to spacers but most options are stock height unless you add a spacer and or lift with spring preload.
You are either dealing with coil bucket contact and getting UCA's or dealing with a rough ride and shock top out...
Great 👍
Do you offer those upper arms for a Titan Swap ?? Thanks.
we will soon!
What are your thoughts on regearing a 2nd Gen Xterra pro-4x with 33x12.5x16 tires/wheels? Leave stock, change to 4.56?
Nee need if your running 33s. If your running 35s you need to regear
if you have a manual transmission then 4.56s work, 4.10s if you're x has an auto
I was going to do a 2.5 leveling kit to my 2016 desert runner, then add a titan swap. The Titan has bigger upper and lower control arms. Will the 2.5 spacer work with what I want to do?
you need more than just upper and lower control arms to titan swap, but no you cannot run a spacer and make it work. it requires a dedicated length coilover
I have a 2017 frontier sv. I'm going to put a RC 6in lift. Will I have this same problem?
Its possible for sure
Do the NISMO spacers work on the latest Pro-4X?
Not sure... We don't condone spacer kits either.
Where can i find this upper arm in the UAE dubai??
you will only find them here. you can use a freight forwarder to order a pair and have the company ship them to you.
I just bought a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek. I would like to do a lift and I can't seem to find anything. What do you recommend for the new 5th gen?
Can’t find shit for my 2015 either
That's because new pathfinders are soccer mom mall crawlers, thank Nissan. Lol
So, to be clear: I am looking to achieve modest lift while preventing coil bucket contact. By getting a coilover lift, say with the Bilstein 5100 adjustable shocks set at 2” of lift, I will avoid CBC? I currently have the RC 2.5” spacers and they knock constantly.
correct. a 2" lift with Bilstein doesn't effect the overall length of the shock like a spacer.
@@AlldogsOffroadCoopsick thank you! I appreciate yall!
Spacer or not, CBC will be a problem with lift. It doesn't matter how the lift is achieved, the control arm will still run closer to the coil bucket once the ride height is lifted.
The only sure way to avoid CBC is to go with aftermarket UCAs.
I am running PRG 1.5" lift spacers on my Xterra (which almost everyone told me would not cause CBC) and had CBC with the stock UCAs. I upgraded to SPC UCAs and no more problems.
Now if I could just keep the darned cam bolts from throwing off the alignment after hitting a pothole, or rough trail, and if I could get an alignment shop locally to do a decent alignment! Lifted problems....
we have a cam bolt lockout kit that works great with the SPC UCA's that will stop your alignment from slipping at the LCA
So is that why people do the titan swap??
Would you recommend the ADO UCAs for my 2013 xterra if I just ordered some Bilstein 6112s strut & spring pre-assembled from shocksurplus? I had shocksurplus pre-assemble them to the max height which is supposedly 1.6" of lift. I used to have the rancho quicklifts but they blew out after only a year. I don't know if I necessarily need new UCAs but my truck is 10 years old now and I'd imagine it wouldn't hurt so I had my eyes on the ADO UCAs. Also, do they have a grease fitting?
they wouldn't be necessary from a coil bucket contact standpoint since you aren't reaching the length to cause it with the 6112s. they will help with alignment though as they have additional caster built into them. we use moog ball joints that do come with a grease zerk.
@@AlldogsOffroadCoop awesome. Thanks for the reply. Probably going to get them anyway.
I guess I got lucky. I have a 2011 AT Pro-4X. I have a 2" spacer in the front, and an add-a-leaf in the back. I have zero coil bucket contact issues over like 5 years. Eventually I'd like to Titan Swap with better UCAs. But, I have to get my eyes fixed first, which will be out of pocket. As much as I want to mod my X, my eyes are more important!
i would assume if you look at your coil buckets, you have marks from CBC
@@AlldogsOffroadCoop I did. Nothing.
I'm running spacers right but have been wanting to get rid of it and upgrade. By my wallet doesn't allow for big upgrade. So what do you guys recommend instead of spacers that doesn't break the wallet
Aftermarket UCAs to start. We have some that would clear the coil bucket as seen in the video.
@@AlldogsOffroadCoop so I can keep my spacers? Will those UCA work for sure suspension change?
So what is the worst thing that can happen with coil bucket contact? Both repeated contact and a strong impact?
The factory arm is stamped sheet metal and is most commonly known to break in half. We've also seen ball joints ripped out of the socket, but this is less common.
Do the xterra and Pathfinder have the same suspension as the Frontier? Wgy doesn't work on this vehicles but it does on the Frontier
They’re all identical. Companies will say they won’t fit because they never tested them on the vehicle.
Would the RC kill a kit for 2015 frontier work on 2015 pathfinder ?
@@mattacedo no, it would not
I was looking at bilstien for my 2014 x as a lift ...no spacers I don't do any thing crazy with it just medium level difficult trails...would it be a good choice for more lift and quality?
it will work for that
I've seen people do the spacers on these and when they do they swap the struts left to right, would that prevent or help with the CBC?
there is no way around CBC with spacers. no magic tricks that can make it go away haha. coilovers are the same regardless of side.
@@AlldogsOffroadCoop thats what i thought too, but almost every install video i watch they all switch the coil overs left to right...also i see lift struts (Ranchos) that have different part numbers from left to right :/ little confused by it
@@jaredhayward2323 the drop bracket lift for the frontier requires the tie rods to be switched. maybe that's what you're seeing.
@@AlldogsOffroadCoop nope, was definitely struts SF creation was where i first saw it...maybe it was just for that particular lift i dunno just thought it was weird since they aren't side specific 🤷♂️
Do you guy do installs
Sure! Just have to call the shop and arrange something :)
Um this didn't happen on my 2009 frontier I lifted 2in.
On a 22' Frontier, can i run the RCKilla with your 1/4" spacers and not get cbc without new UCAs? I will be using the factory shocks. This a 2×4 that wont be seeing any offroading other than the occasional dirt road. Thanks.
With factory shocks you should not experience cbc. If you used 5100's up front with the spacer plate you would. Keep in mind if you change your shocks down the road for 5100's you'd need high clearance uca's too. :)
Thanks for the quick response.
@@AlldogsOffroadCoop Why is there no CBC with the RCKilla lift which is 2" but there is CBC with a 2" spacer lift?
@@papapear4954 the video explains why but when you use a spacer, it physically lengthens the shock assembly. a lift spring does not
So I’ve got a 13 sv 2wd I got suspension from a pro4x stock would I be able to run a rough country leveling kit on it with no cbc
No. The spacer we used in the video was a rough country spacer. You will get it just as much as any other Nissan.
@@AlldogsOffroadCoop so how can I get this shit leveled without it
@@jessefenner8673 a lift coilover will get you the height you need without causing CBC. also if you plan on using the truck as a truck at any time, leveling will just leave you nose high if you put anything in the bed. rake is a functional piece to a suspension
Guy please update your video description. You have zero links either to your Website or Facebook.
thank's for the info 👍👍👍👍
Should’ve provided a direct link to your leveling kit
lol top secret
Well, I can tell folks that your control arms do not prevent CBC with RC 2.5'" struts. I still had to trim to get rid of the contact.
in rare circumstances, the edge of the bucket may have to be trimmed to clear the ball joint cup. it's very rare though.
Do you have the Rough Country UCAs? Apparently they're great UCAs for an inexpensive price. I'm talking about the RC Titan Swap UCAs though. I don't know much about their regular length UCAs, but I imagine they're decent.
Ok so I had my mechanics put in my 2” lift kit spring and shock only
No spacer
I then put new Tyers and alignment they said it will keep the Kant in so will wear the Tyers on outside edge dam
So I would need the upper control arms YES ??
I’m not doing lots of off roading but for clearance in the Australian desert
Looking for gold not major rock climbing
Cheers 🍻
CrouchOz
you need camber bolts for the lower control arms to adjust the alignment to not wear the tires.
@@AlldogsOffroadCoop thank you for your instant reply guys
I am wondering do I need them front and back
Thank you
CrouchOz
Spacers should never ever be run period. Buy new longer springs and shocks or at the very least a shock with an adjustable spring perch like a bilstien 5100. Spacers actually limit flex but on the flip side allows you to run larger tires for the ultimate mall crawler.
I have 1/2 spacers on my Nissan Frontier 2007 and never gave me problems
1/2 may not cause issues but any spacer over 1" will cause CBC. no truck is immune to it after 1"
What about just a quarter or half inch with your UCAs? Surely that should be okay?
Correct, if you run a high clearance aftermarket UCA you should clear
@@AlldogsOffroadCoop I have your 2 and a half inch lift kit already and I just want another 1.2 inch on the front, so I am guessing my next upgrade would be your spacer and UCA. Thanks.
Where are you located?
Lincoln, NE
Does the contact cause any issues or is just mostly annoying??
it can cause the upper ball joint to come out of the control arm.
@@AlldogsOffroadCoop common?
@@1393floyd it can be if it hits hard enough over a period of time.
Good educational video for the Nissan community.
while you guys arent necessarily wrong.. the CBC issue gets overblown. ive been running 2" spacers on my Xterra for years. its fine. cbc is only an issue if you are going too fast.
it's not overblown. there's many cases of the upper control arm separating and causing major failure.
@@AlldogsOffroadCoop well, thats just my opinnion based on my experience, regardless, I love what you guys are doing for the nissan community and I hope to one day upgrade to a lift from you guys.
Have you ever used bump tops to reduce the CDC noise?
@@A.lowkee.savage i have bump stops on the up and lower control arms, it helps reduce the impact, but its not really a fix.
If ADO would create a 3-1/2 suspension lift for the Gen 2 and 3 frontiers, they couldn’t keep em on the shelf.
Max you can do suspension, is 3” on factory geometry. We sell plenty of our fox extended travel kits.
The lift coils create the same problem with CBC and their solution being the high clearance UCA. Why not save some dough and just get the UCAs
This is incorrect. A lift coil does not create cbc.
Many people will argue against this, but whether you have a spacer that is 2” long, or a lift coil that is 2” longer than stock, you still have the same geometry if using stock parts. Nothing but salesmanship would change that. So why mechanically would there not be CBC with a lift coil?
@@Truminashadepressure because a lift coil like what we use with a Bilstein 5100 or the Koni’s does not physically change the length of the shock. You can use our springs on the factory 4600s also and not have CBC. The coilover length is what causes CBC. So when you stack a 1.5” tall spacer on top of a coilover, you are causing CBC since you are physically changing the length of the coilover assembly.
@@AlldogsOffroadCoop I think I understand. Thank you for the explanation.
If you want to advertise your product. Why not put a link in the description. I have been aware of coil bucket contact. But i have yet to see a video with the proper control arm.
A video like this one? ua-cam.com/video/InEqH047cCI/v-deo.html
Thanks. Will check em out
Do you sell tshirts? As a Nissan owner I would like to rock a shirt. Free advertisement in PA wherever I go. I plan on purchasing a New PRO-4X between June & December 2023. My lease is ending in December 2023 for my 2022 PRO-4X. I plan on upgrading the the truck for off grid camping. See you soon.
We got swag!
So basically just switch out your full front suspension which is control arms, strut assembly, ball joints, tie rods, and sway bar links
huh? a simple high clearance UCA takes care of CBC with spacers. no need to replace everything else. nothing needs replaced if you run a traditional spring lift.
Is this only for 4wd
no, the suspension is identical on a 2wd
I think any over a 2" spacer, and you're going to have problems
our 1/2" spacer on top of 5100s can cause CBC so a 2" spacer will cause CBC
@@AlldogsOffroadCoop somehow I got lucky. I have a Pro-4X, but that shouldn't make a difference. My UCAs clear the coil buckets when drooping.
@@AlldogsOffroadCoop well, you were correct. I do have coil bucket contact. It was in a spot I couldn't see. I'm going to Titan Swap in the future anyway, so no big deal. It's nothing that can't be pounded out.
How about a 11/2 Spacer???
still running the risk of CBC.