3 Types of Lift to Consider - An Intro to Lifting a Nissan Xterra (First Gen)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 10 лют 2018
- So you want to lift your first gen Nissan Xterra? Great! Now you just need to figure out what kind of lift to do! This is just a brief chat explaining three generic types of lift.
- Авто та транспорт
Thanks! This is my first xterra (1st gen) and I was looking for lift info. Very informative.
I have lots of other videos on lifts...take a look around!
Me and my 02 are huge fans! Thanks for posting these vids!
Thanks for watching!
I'm on my 2nd xterra now, I had a 1st gen I did with a pml, 32's on toyota 4runner wheels, roof mounted basket and spare tire, Gobi ladder, xoskel light bar, and I had just bought the body lift from 4x4parts.com..... then the head gasket, rad, rad housing all went at the same time. Plus my body mounts were to rusty to do the lift. I missed it so much that I bought a 1.5 gen supercharged 5spd that I'm restoring back to spanking new. I just love the xterra's such a cool quirky truck. I love the videos, everything's so clear and concise (except why your in front of the grate wall of China lol) keep it up!! I love to see I'm not the only one in love with the x's!!
Awesome! You'll have to let me know how the super charged version compares! The great wall was a pic I took when I visited and just wanted to have a random background for no other reason than I can :) thanks for the comment!
Hey keep this up. Just bought a 2006 Xterra. Thank you so much
Hey man thanks for watching. 2005 and up Xterras are whats called the 2nd generation xterras. Most of my videos are for the first gen 2000-2004...just FYI so you don't get incorrect info. I still know a bit about the 2nd gen from some other friends, so if you ha e questions, ask away.
Great video, very informative, thank you. Going with the PML (body lift) with my 2000 X, I have awesome stock sized tires, so no need to replace then for a quite a while as they only get used on weekends. Thanks again.
Cool...one note: PML= torsion bar adjustments + rear shackles = small suspension lift! Glad the video helped!
Thanks for the info , I was having a hard time deciding between suspension lift and body lift for my 2015 pro4-x . After watching your video I’ve decided body lift for several reasons, so thanks a lot
Thanks for this video, I have a 2004 that I'm doing a suspension lift on. Partly because I want bigger tires and more articulation, but also because I'm putting on some heavy armor and want to beef up the springs to handle the extra weight.
Nice! I just posted a video today about tire sizes! Check it out.
Very informative. Thank you.
Great video sir.
+ballejosRB11 thanks for watching!
Great video. I'll be doing a 2" body lift on my '02 X in a couple weeks. Thanks on letting us know about the radiator hose.
Thanks for the comment. There are several other things to look out for. My next video will cover them in more detail. If you do the lift before I get the videos posted, feel free to ask questions if you run into things.
Actually, I need to replace my shocks/struts at the same time I do the lift. Mines a 4x4 but I have no plans to rock crawl, just take it down the beach where 4x4 is required. Do you have any recommendations on shocks? Looks like most people recommend either Bilstien HD's or 5100. Not sure if I really need those if I have no plans to rock crawl. Looking forward to your upcoming videos!
I went with Bilstein HDs and love them (4x4parts.com). A lot of people go Rancho too. For the rears...go with the ones for a 3 inch suspension lift...they work even without the lift in the rears with no downside at all. Not just for rock crawling...they just drive great in my opinion.
Awesome, thanks again for the great info.
Check the latest video on body lift tips and tricks.
Great to see you making videos. Used a ton of your how to's on XN back in 2014 when I got my first gen. By any chance are you planning on going to WENT this year or still local to NC?
+KSI LA_DODGERS Thanks for the comment! Glad I have been able to help with your X! Probably won't make WENT, but am still local to NC...what about you?
Gotcha, I'm in upstate SC. If you're on facebook you should definitely hit up NORSE or NOAS. Both great groups that do a ton of fun wheeling trips in the area.
I have a question, but it's for the 2nd Gen Xterra. I currently have a 2011 AT Pro;4X. I'm looking to do a combo of a Titan Swap and a drop bracket lift for the front diff. Are there any Frontier or Titan drop brackets out there, in which I don't have to cut a crossmember to make room for the front drive shaft? I'm looking to go big or go home! Consequently, I'd like to do it right the 1st time, as in regearing the differentials for the right tire size, aftermarket longer travel coilovers in the front, longer struts in the back, with leaf packs + shackles that raise the rear, etc. You mentioned one of the 2 things that concern me. Is there a modification I can make to the steering, so it doesn't wear out as fast with the Titan Swap? Also, as I said earlier, do any drop brackets fit without cutting cross members.
Love this! I have an O2. What are the cross bars you have on the roof rack? They look like they sit below the top rails. Love to know more about that and where you got your front lokka. Thanks a ton for posting this!
Stock cross bars...they are oval shaped and came on the car. Lokka.com I think...shipped from Australia.
Great video, and I do have a question. If your familiar with the different lives from Nisstec which would you recommend for a Nissan Xterra second GEN 2014. I’m moving to 18x33’s and looking to put on a 3 inch suspension lift Nisstec has three different types of Lifts which one would you recommend I don’t do very much Off-roading but when I do it’s medium to aggressive.
Lots of options to think about depending on your price point. If it is your daily driver I would try to stick with around a 2 inch lift and a coil over in the front if you can afford it. I'd try and get a shackle lift for the rear. I don't really like leaf spring.lifts unless you tow a lot or are heavily loading down the rear with gear. Let me look at their website amd see Which one I would get...but I dont have any personal experience on 2nd gens.
Just picked up and 04 SE this week.Sunroof model too.It needs pretty much everything suspension wise.I have adjustable shackles ordered and am just going to the pml for now.Do you have any experience with the RS5000X shocks?I am considering them since they are a cheap +2.5" shock that I think would work well with the pml and give more down travel than stock length.For $43 each from RA it is hard not to buy even just to try them.
No direct experience with the Rancho shocks....but,generally the commentary are theyre better than stock but not as good as Bilstein. But that could just be internet groupthink commentary.
Rob, thanks for all the information in your videos it makes working on my 02 xterra alot easier . After watching your video on piecing together a body lift, I decided to do that. I have a f150 3 inch body lift in my garage that I'm going to use. Since I have to machine the pucks down, what's the tallest do you think I can go without extending the steering or Trans linkage. My thoughts are even a 1/4 inch taller would be a plus.
I honestly don't know. The only data points I have are I didn't have to do that on my 2 inch lift, but the 3 inch kit from 4x4parts.com includes those extensions. It would probably have to be something you evaluate during install and make a judgement call. Id probably just do 2 inch lift since since it is tried and true. Unless you don't mind the headache of trying it out and having the extensions be your contingency plan.
@@XterraRob Great Thanks Rob. Keep up the good work.
@@markm474 thanks man!
Hey Xterra Rob. Very informative video. What do you think about this kit for my 2018 Nissan Frontier Pro4x. Really want to get 33 in tires on it
What kit are you looking at? Generally, 4x4parts.com and Calmini are reputable kits. The newer trucks do have more options though, so I don't know them all. Generally, a plain spacer lift in the front is cheapest but not as good. A full coilover is best if you can afford it. Body lifts are cool, but I probably wouldnt do one on such a new truck...and especially since you are more likely to load down a truck bed much heavier than an SUV cargo area.
@@XterraRob Sorry meant to attach this. Its from Nisstecc - nissteclifts.com/3-Nisstec-MK84-Extended-goneMOAB-Edition-05-Frontier_p_578.html?fbclid=IwAR0ZksRVrxz_gbrvB6-KwVjfU5jgHrr4C10IxB_CrpwP6Tb_WgBf5lGwKEA
Lifted my Xterra 2000 with the 4x4 parts A-Arm and now the truck has intense “wobbling” left to right as soon as the truck moves forward.
I noticed the front diff bushings were bad so I went and changed them.
Still has the movement...
Steering system is all good, could it be the CV Axle?
Thanks for everything Rob 🤙🏼
Did you get an alignment? I have a video on lifted alignments you can check out. How did you adjust your UCA cam bolts?
Buying a 2002 xterra supercharged v6
250k miles anything I should look for
The orange xterra used as a sample for height measurement, can you list what it had done for the lift, tires and wheels. This is real close to what I am wanting.
Time stamp 1:12 ? 265 / 75 R 16 cooper discoverer ATP tires on stock 16x7 rims. Think it's just a PML lift. Adjusted torsion bars in front and shackle lift in hear.
I’ve got to replace the leaf spring in the rear because one snapped in half. I sometime carry about 500lb of supplies once or twice a week in the rear, so I need to replace one so I may as well do both at this point.
That is good info. One thing to know is that most lift kits with add a leaf packs are extra leaf springs to add in addition to your stock leaf pack...so make sure you have a source for a stock replacement leaf pack sinve yours is snapped ...or make sure the lift kit comes with a complete pack replacement.
Nisstec 2" MK84 Extended Travel Lift Kit (05+ Xterra)
Is probably what I would do. They have an old man emu option that I think is a complete leaf pack replacement. Id do bilstein 5100s front and rear and pick your front spring rate based on your front end weight. This is general advice though since I don't habe a 2nd gen.
I’ll check those out and contact Nisstec as well for there input, thanks
After watching this video I’ve decided to keep my 02 Xterra stock.
Not a bad choice...especially if you don't do off roading or trail riding. If you dont need the height, no need to change it.
Xterra Rob I plan on going on some camping adventures this spring summer and fall on the east coast. Nothing crazy. I think stock for now is the way to go.
@@rustynail9077 you can do a lot of that with a stock Xterra! You will have lots of fun with it
Great vid! This is just what I needed. I bought my X as a daily, and I am new to wheeling. I actually had my heart set on going cheep and installing spacers and shackles, but I had not thought about the geometry of the suspension changing and wearing tires and hardware more quickly. For now I'll stick with over size tires, until I get a few trails under my belt. In the future could you make a vid for those of us that want to keep our xterra very streetable and family friendly for daily driving, but still want an edge on the trails. Also where did you get that bumper!?! I have been looking for something that looks stockish and has recovery points.
Good idea for a video! Ill do that one soon. What year is your X? The best edge on a trail is to reinforce weak points so you dont break down! It isn't as glamorous or sexy as lift kits, but one break down is enough to ruin a weekend. Both bumpers were custom one off fabrications. I made the rear. A small fabricator in Iowa made the front. Local fabricators are the best way to get a deal.
@@XterraRob did you make this video? I have a 2015 xterra pro 4x and I was going to get 33 inch tires but I think the melt mod would not have really sorted the issue with these tires. Those tires need a lift ideally - on stock the best are the stock 32 inch still. I feel annoyed I didn't get the 33s but what sort of lift would I need for duning and still having a decent road drive and reliability. Also how much will 33s affect the Speedo ?
I don't have a 2nd gen myself...but id shoot for a 285 75 16/17 or whatever your rim diameter is. What tires you looking at? I think melt mod should work to fit them...and if you go with a skinnier 33, you should be good as far as rubbing on inboard parts (control arms, frame rails) ... But may need minor steering stop adjustments. My Speedo is off by maybe 2mph. Its close enough that I dont bother mentally compensating in my head while driving, I just take it at face value.
Xterra Rob thanks Rob your advice has good crossover so I value it . I bought the 32s today but i feel I wimped out from the 33s. everyone in the forums is saying the melt mod is enough for the 33s though. I may wheel these stock 32s for 6 months and see how I get on during my trips.
Curious one, I’m considering a lift and never knew there are so many different lifts. What’s the Simplest lift for an Xterra, and if I lift it do I need to change shocks ? My understanding is that the stock Bilstein 4600s do not have a lot of travel and so I may need 5100s. Mod wise I would probably stop at larger tires and a lift. Regards from Dubai
Xterra Rob I am looking at BFGOODRICH K02
Now I'm LIFTED.... Nice view of the GWOC
+yazclark thanks!
Great Info, I have 2000 Frontier 4x4 with 3'' Body Lift and doing a 1'' - 1.5'' Suspension Lift this weekend via Torsion Bars and Shackles. I'm on ClubXterra and ClubFrontier. Pretty much what i'm seeing so far is that anything up to a 1.5'' lift on the suspension does not cause any alignment issues. So Factory spec alignment is just fine. What are your thoughts on that? Thanks
Never had any issues with just a slight torsion bar lift. Youd still want a fresh alignment, but your steering angles won't be overly stressed and normal alignment specs are fine.
@@XterraRob Thanks For The Reply Man.
I try to stay engaged with those that give me views!
Hey rob, I know you're a 1st gen guy but I have a few questions. I have a 2008 x off road model. I started it out with 33s. Then a leveling kit, 3 inches in the front and I believe 2 inch shackles in the rear. Then put new bilstein 5100 in the rear and waited to put the 5100 fronts on until I got ucas. So I bought cam bolts, and new lower control arms because we couldn't get the two back bolts out se we cut em out and replaced both lowers. I got spc ucas and had everything installed including the shocks which were set to 0. I took it right away to get alignment done because obviously it was super out of wack and basically my thing it it still has a crazy positive camber. Idk what to do. I was thinking about jacking the shock all the way to max and taking the spacer out to drop the front end down a couple inches to maybe make my camber more negative. I havent messed with uca caster or anything left it alone. I would like to possibly get a body lift too would this be ideal? Please help
Sounds like maybe the shop isnt familiar with lifted alignments. My guess is they aligned it to get green on the screen without knowing that you wanted zero camber (or not knowing how get it since the computer tells them what to do to hit factory target). Or maybe they didn't touch the cam bolts at all since the computer said that your vehicle doesnt have them. What is your actual specs for where you are at (toe left, toe right, camber left, camber right, caster left, caster right)? What is your position of your cam bolts? Did you move your LCA inward as much as possibble? On both front and rear mounts?
I have an older video about lifted alignments. Called something along the lines of "Tire shops can't align lifted trucks" it should give you good info about a DIY alignment.
@@XterraRob dude so got to looking at my spc control arms paper and the place put my ball joints in backwards. I turned them the right way and straightened my wheels right up.
@@crites123456789 glad it was a simple fix!
a bit hard to find lift kits for nissans here in the US. The only foreign vehicle with good after market support are toyotas. Something to consider when buying a vehicle for off roading or overlanding
Just makes the build even more fun and unique! But yes, I agree with you! Thanks for the comment.
Do you think bigger tires would be enough to take an Xterra light duty off roading? Or would the tires rub the wheel wells when going over bumps and ruts?
The most I do off road in my Sequoia is maybe 1.5' deep mud holes and occasionally I go over some ruts 1.5' deep, at most. Looking to buy a first gen Xterra for the same kind of roads my Sequoia can handle.
Thanks for the video.
You can probably do that kind of stuff stock to be honest...but you can fit 32s under a stock size xterra. Get a good all terrain or mud tire and you can do a lot. Also, I have a newer video of tire sizes, trimming needed, etc. Check it out.
@@XterraRob I just found and watched that video, which was really helpful. Feel much better about stock setup with big tires now. You get a lot of questions on your channel but you still respond to them all. Respect!
Happy to help! Anything I get a notification for I respond to!
Just got my first X, a 2002 SE. I got a different wheel setup already, some 265/75r15 tires that rub a bit because of the negative offset of the wheels. They have a little poke, enough to catch the bumper when I turn. I’m wondering, how much can I raise the front by adjusting the torsion bars without screwing things up and worry about alignment issues? Your vids are great, btw, definitely glad to have some knowledgeable info out there for this stuff.
The official answer is any time you raise the torsion bars, the alignment will change, so you should get a fresh one. In practice, small adjustments could be OK...but there's no good way to know without putting it on an alignment rack and checking your numbers...or driving for a bit and looking for wear on the outer edges. Depends how much you want to gamble with new tires.
Gotcha, thanks for the reply. I think I may just go with a body lift since a suspension lift won’t really fix my problem, right? Adjusting the torsion bars might alleviate rubbing while just driving in a parking lot, but it would still come into contact under compression, right?
Correct...suspension lift will make you less likely to rub (instead of every turn rubbing, only when you do a turn at speed that compresses suspension). If you dont offroad much, a torsion bar turn is easier and cheaper...even with the cost of a fresh alignment, and will probably be "good enough".
Gotcha. Ok, last question...do I need new control arms (upper or lower) if I’m just doing a PML?
Nope. Rear shackles and adjust the stock torsion bars. If you just need clearence on the front...you can just adjust the torsion bars with stock suspension and call it good.
I have a 2004 xterra and I was wondering what is the cheapest way to get 3 to 4 inches of lift
There is no cheap way to do one single mod and get 3 or 4 inches of lift. I would check out my video titled "noobs guide to modifying an xterra" basically...if cost is limiting factor, do 2 inch body lift, PML (lift shackle in rear, adjusts stock front suspension)...and next time you are sue for tires, get 265/75R16 ... Or 32s. That combination of 3 is maybe 250 plus tire cost.
What lift and tires/wheels on the X at 1:12 into the video?
That is 265 / 75 R 16 Cooper Discoverer ATP from discount tire direct on stock 16x7 rims. Rear lift is 4x4parts.com adjustable shckle at highest setting. Front lift is UCA from 4x4parts.com with torsion bars adjusted to match the rear lift. No body lift.
Im looking at gettong a 2000 xterra on Friday and id like to put more aggressive tires on it since it snows fairly heavy in NY state. Whats the largest set of tires i can get for stock vehicle?
32 inches...265/75R16 or 32x11.50R15. You may have to trim some minor plastic inside the wheel well (not cosmetic)...but that is very easy with some pliars or razor blade or dremel.
@@XterraRob thank you sir!👍
Where can I find some adjustable spring shackles for the rear leaf springs? I tried Google, Amazon and I think ebay, autozone and advanced online and can't find them.
4x4parts.com
Thanks bud!
Hi - Great video - I am myopic in my issue - I want a cheap way to keep my xterra from sinking with a small loaded trailer[ think zero turn - a few gallons of gas + two weed eaters and various other lawn care pieces] ---- . I am putting on some high-grade KYB gas shocks but I want to try a shackle lift too. Can you step in here and guide me to a product you have confidence in?
4x4parts.com has a regular lift shackle that would work well. 70 bucks. You can adjust the stock suspension up an inch or so to match. Your trailer seems light enough that an add a leaf pack is probably not needed.
Note that with a lift shackle, the back will still sink, its just starting from a higher point. If you want less sag overall, youd want an add a leaf to your rear leaf springs. In that case calmini.com makes a sibgle leaf that you add to your existing leaf springs that do 1.5 inches of lift. I've never used it before though. Adding leaf springs will stiffen up the ride though.
How much lift can I get from my stock upper control arms?
About 1 inch in the front. Maybe 1.5 but that's close to being out of alignment range
I did a poor mans lift on my 2001 xterra and went cheap on the back by installing super springs so to lift up the back a couple of inches and the ability to carry more weight.
NorCal Explorer cool...which springs did you use, and did you notice any degradation in ride quality? How was your front to back rake after?
NorCal Explorer I did a single leaf spring add a leaf in an old Toyota Tacoma that gave about 2 inches of lift. It made the ride quite jarring, but definitely held up better when towing the boat! Curious how your super springs worked out.
I had to do the poor mans lift since the super springs in the back lifted the rear end up 2"+ which was originally not my plan, but since it did I bought some heavy duty torsion bars from Rugged Rocks and had them installed. The up lift of the front still left a slight rake, but I carry a lot of heavy items in the back so it balances out. The ride is a little stiffer, but when loaded it smooths out. Handling is much better since everything is tightened up and cornering is better. Completed the lift with slightly larger tires; 245/65 16 " to 245/75 16" . This is largest tire that will fit in it comfortably with out doing more modification.
Like I said originally I went cheap with the super springs which work out fine for carrying loads in the back or when I tow my cargo trailer. I would like to go to a Alcan Custom Xterra Rear Leaf Packs, but the price stops me from doing so.
+NorCal Explorer nothing wrong with finding a cheaper solution and trying something else! Good find...I haven't heard of super springs before.
So I did a body lift with 2inch spacers got bigger Tires as well but now my vehicle making knocking noises. I also bought new arms for front and still making knocking noises here and there not sure what to do.
When does the knocking noise happen? Turning? Driving straight? On bumps? Sitting still with engine running? Does knocking increase with speed of engine? Check for the fan rubbing or knocking into fan shroud on radiator. Check the ahueld inside passenger wheel well. Bigger tires can rub on that. Check for mud flap clearance inside wheel well when turning tires.
It knocks when I go on bumps and turn but not often just here and there. On the arms the retaining washers keep getting worn out quick.
What arms/retaining washers are you referring to? Upper control arms? Lower control arms? Check the inside of your mud flaps for contact with tires...what size and tread tire did you get? When you get the knocking noise, is it one quick knock, or repetitive knocking? If its repetitive and knocks faster with engine/ground speed...you know its a rotating component making the noise. If its a quick single knock, it is more likely hitting something as the suspension cycles and rebounds to normal state.
I loved the video. I just bought a 2001 xtrra yest, it is completely stock. I am new tot the 4x4 offroad world as I have been a vw guy. Still have the vw's but adding to my collection. We will not be getting to extreme on the offroad side of things. I want to turn up torsion bars a little w/ heavy duty shocks, and bigger tires up front.(30's I think, dont want to go crazy yet). I want to add the adjustable shackles to the rear with same size tires as front. Would i need to add the body lift to get more clearance. This is not a daily driver but it needs to still ride good on the streets. Thanks Tom
You can fit 32s stock (265/75R16). Check out 4x4parts.com for shocks and shackles. Get the 3" lift shocks for the rear. I like the bilsteim HDs (blue and yellow). The adjustable shackles are going to too tall when at the highest setting unless you do the control arms in the front. You can drop it down a hole or 2 on the adjustable shackles which is nice...but you'll have some metal hanging down...not a problem, just FYI. Thanks for watching
Thank you again for the info, it was very helpful. I actually haven't even seen my new x in person yet. I bought it Friday in GA where I work, but I live in NM. long story. I am flying out to Atlanta for 2 months tomorrow, that is when I get to see it for the first time in person. I am going to start with the shackle rear, and adjust the torsion front first. then 32 inch tires. Then the 2" body lift. That video helped with that too. I have big plans all on a budget, I will post before during and after shots as we go. These mods should all be done by Christmas this year. Keep a look out.
Awesome! You going to post the updates to youtube? Look forward to seeing it!
Rob, I have a chance to buy a 2003 xterra for $600. less than 150000 miles . original owner and never been off road. any advice ?
For 600 bucks...id buy it and check to see if timing belt was ever replaced. If not...id still buy it and have it done anyway since 600 is so cheap.
@@XterraRob Thank you so much for replying to me. Thanks for what you do.
Happy to help! Its still an old truck so there is always risk of repairs needed...but for 600 bucks I think it is worth it if you like it.
What are revolver shackles?
Hinged shackles on the rear leaf springs. Gives you lots of flex without a ton of lift. Makes for a super flexy rear axle.
I have a 2001 Nissan frontier and im cant decide if i should adjust the torsion bars to get a couple inches higher
You can always adjust them back down if you dont like them. The biggest thing is to not over lift them or your steering system wont hold an alignment very well. I have a more in depth video on steering systems and alignments that explain this in more detail.
you look like the lead singer of limp bizkit
Lol I actually said that when I saw my video footage for this one...Fred Durst!
what are you doing at the great wall of china that's so random
Just a cool pic for a background is all.
@@XterraRob its all good lol just giving hard time thanks for responding ^-^ I have 00 X that i'm starting to build keep up the good work!
Awesome! It will be a fun project!
@@XterraRobyeaa part of it is a rehab removing the rust welding new body panels on and the other part is a modernization to the front to give it more of a new retro type look so definitely will have my hands full this summer
yawn
I hear you. Thinking about Mondays always leave me sleepy too.