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08 Xterra 4x4 MT
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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I want to put a 4" suspension lift w/35's. I was wondering what all I would have to change to be able to do this. ie: Can I use stock rims? What control arms do I need to change, do I need to do a melt mod, any changes to the CV axel or main driveshaft?
 

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2006 Xterra SE
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Stock rims.are fine. Check out this link and if you have any more questions feel free to ask. Getting 4" lift out of an IFS does require some deep pockets, or swap of much of the front suspension. 35s are a lot for the stock gearing.
 

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If you read the thread you are aware anything above 3" is Titan Swap or/and drop bracket territory.

This is because the stock setup will begin to bind (CV's & ball joints) before you can get any more drop travel around that range.

Driveshaft angles don't matter in front (diff is rigidly mounted since it uses cv's) & can be corrected with shims in the rear.

To maintain good CV angles in front your options are (from least to most expensive):

1: Reconsider & get a 2.5-3" suspension lift w/ 33" tires.

2: combine a body lift with <3" suspension lift (aftermarket upper control arms & extended length shocks if you want to increase the capability of the vehicle).

3: Drop bracket lift (Drops the differential, DS angle will be fine & CV's are corrected as well), 5-6" depending on the kit (maybe someone makes 4"?).

4. Titan Swap. Massive improvement in capability of the vehicle (front wheel travel), possibly cheaper than bracket lift if you are good at salvage yard sourcing parts & use QX80 axles. $$$ if you buy all aftermarket & change to a N205 diff.

5: Titan swap with bracket lift. Lots o' lift & travel. Pricey.

To the OP, state your goals & budget & people can give better targeted advice & recommendations.

If you aren't doing serious trails & it is more about a look (no judgement), throw on a body lift, spacers, shackles, correct length shocks, & brake hoses & be done with it.

If you are trying to set this up for Hells Revenge and other storied trails, as others have stated, do some research & be prepared to spend $$$$$.
 

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I forgot to address the control arms. Anything over 1.5" of lift will likely need afermarket UCA's. If you get extended travel shocks you will get more downtravel with them.

My vote goes to #1 in the post above if the goal is a more capable vehicle. Clearance and tire size will do less for you than good armor & a locking diff on most trails.
 

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08 Xterra 4x4 MT
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Discussion Starter · #7 ·
I realize now that I was confusing myself on the lift options. Sorry about that. I've done reading and 3" is the size that most people recommend if your not doing a titan swap. Now I'm just wondering which kit people have used. I've heard that Nisstec is a good place to use. I was wondering what other people have used. I'm looking to do the install myself (with a few helping hands of course). Also what off road tires should I get? I would prefer to get some with almost no road noise, any recommendations?
 

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Tires
No road noise and what else? I used Goodyear Adventure as good mpg, but tame off-road, not enough teeth.
Then I switched to BFG K02, no road noise but heavier, worse mpg...great off road in snow

Lift
I did 1 inch with Old Man Emu Dakar Springs, and 2” with PRG adjustable shackles.
and 1+2=2 ?
Yes I got 1/2 inch actual from Springs and 1 1/2 lift from max setting on shackles

you can get lift of 3” or whatever from Alcan rear Springs...built to your specs...for mo money...like $600 per pair
 

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Again, what are your goals & budget for the lift? 3" is a number, however, there are multiple ways to hit it & some give more capability (& usually cost more $) than others.

You can mix & match or buy kits (& usually need to throw in some other things) to make it all work. I have ordered from PRG & Nisstec & they are both great (PRG is a little difficult to contact but awesome about answering questions once you get ahold of them). I have no experience with them, but many on this forum reference Roughrocks, Alldogs Offroad, & 4x4parts.

The rear is simple:
At the high $ end get Alcan, Deaver, or other custom spring with high end shocks (reservoir if you are routinely catching air & pounding really fast through rough terrain, not necessary for most of us).

At the low $ end get a set of adjustable shackles & correct length shocks. This will flatten out your leaves & reduce load carrying capacity & is not recommended (also not certain how high you can go on shackles alone).

In the middle is the best compromise for someone with a budget. Get a dual or multi-leaf AAL and combine it with shackles & correct length Bilstein 5100's. This will increase load carrying capacity & give a better ride, obviously solving bottoming issues. OME springs will do the same thing.

FWIW I have an AAL with a Roadmaster Active Suspension w/5100's & it gave 2" of total lift but massively improved load carrying & towing ability. Still not enough for what I do & debating between Alcans or a DAAL now.

Whatever you do add extended bumpstops (to keep from crushing the shocks) & extended brakelines at that height, & you may want to drop the swaybar (many delete it but since I tow not a good option for me).

For the front you WILL need new UCA's to avoid CBC. Rockauto has Mevotech branded SPC's for $400.

At the low $ end for lift you can do just a 3" spacer. This is not the best way as it will eat up most of your downtravel.

Best bet is to combine a coilover or some sort of lift shock with spacer (some coilovers will let you crank up to 3" alone, this is usually not recommended as the high preload makes for a terrible ride). Ask the shops & they can recommend a good combo for your budget & goals. With aftermarket UCA's you might as well get extended travel coilovers if it is in your budget, you'll get something like a 20-25% increase over stock travel. PRG just came out with a new, less expensive coilover several of us were watching, you can be the test mule!?

Get extended brakelines, bumpstops, & camber bolts to finish it out.

Final note on suspension, the shops mentioned that primarily sell to this market are small, have some knowledgeable staff, are usually willing to mix & match anything (even into a "kit") and can really dial in the setup for your needs and budget if you get in touch & talk to them for a few minutes. They can also throw in valuable setup advice since you are DIY'ing.

For tires get BFG KO2's or Goodyear Duratracs & be done with it (both are great on snow/ice & most terrains). Quiet on the highway (just rotate any AT tires often). I have Duratracs now & they're great. If you stay 265/75/16 you can get C load-range Duratracs to save some weight & mpgs. If you need more cut resistance, go up a size, or get KO2's you are getting E-rated tires.

Many have mentioned Toyo & Cooper AT's as good, you likely won't go wrong with a reputable brand.

Since road noise is a criteria avoid mud terrains whatever you do, they will be LOUD & not so great on ride & handling.
 
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