[Tony2Times]

what’s up , this is my first post on this form. I currently own a 2012 Pro 4X Xterra with 200k miles on it, thing still drives like a champ. I think it’s time for new shocks on this bad boy.. I’m currently waiting on my CustomWheel Offset package to come which is 4 16x8 wheels and 4 toyo all terrain 285/75r16 tires. I’m looking for a shock package that’ll give me a little more ride height. I don’t off road with the xterra, but I will be bringing it on the beach.. any suggestions will be appreciated! Thank you!

 

[Tlrtucker]

285s will fit without a lift, but will rub. The biggest potential issue for you is what backspacing are you going with? If it pokes the tires out more than factory you'll have more rubbing, but it's not the end of the world. Search Melt Mod for ways to fix this.

If your backspacing is large, you might need to trim some plastic, or go with a lift, rather than a spacer.

If you need to replace shocks and want lift - check out the Bilstein 5100's. They are the same valving as the stock Pro4x Bilsteins (or so I've heard) but have built provisions for up to 2" of lift. So many options, research the many lift threads.

 

[Tony2Times]

285s will fit without a lift, but will rub. The biggest potential issue for you is what backspacing are you going with? If it pokes the tires out more than factory you'll have more rubbing, but it's not the end of the world. Search Melt Mod for ways to fix this.

If your backspacing is large, you might need to trim some plastic, or go with a lift, rather than a spacer.

If you need to replace shocks and want lift - check out the Bilstein 5100's. They are the same valving as the stock Pro4x Bilsteins (or so I've heard) but have built provisions for up to 2" of lift. So many options, research the many lift threads.

The wheels have a 0 offset and 4.5 backspace… I just saw the melt mod today and will be doing it.. I saw mixed reviews on the bilstein 5100s but I’m looking for more opinions and Suggestions.. I was told it’ll slightly Rub at full turn

 

[Tlrtucker]

The wheels have a 0 offset and 4.5 backspace… I just saw the melt mod today and will be doing it.. I saw mixed reviews on the bilstein 5100s but I’m looking for more opinions and Suggestions.. I was told it’ll slightly Rub at full turn

5100's are one of the most popular shocks out there. I've heard some guys say they ride a little rougher than stock, but others say they ride better. There aren't really any other lift shocks out there that I'm aware of. Rancho used to make a lift strut assembly (yes, I know it's not technically a strut) but they were not very good, and not sure they even make them anymore.

Other than that you're looking at a strut spacer or a full on lift kit.

 

[Tony2Times]

5100's are one of the most popular shocks out there. I've heard some guys say they ride a little rougher than stock, but others say they ride better. There aren't really any other lift shocks out there that I'm aware of. Rancho used to make a lift strut assembly (yes, I know it's not technically a strut) but they were not very good, and not sure they even make them anymore.

Other than that you're looking at a strut spacer or a full on lift kit.

Is it easy installing the 5100s? I’ve never done shocks; the extent of my mechanic skills are oil changes and brakes. Lol

 

[Tlrtucker]

Is it easy installing the 5100s? I’ve never done shocks; the extent of my mechanic skills are oil changes and brakes. Lol

It's not difficult to remove the strut assembly. BUT - I HIGHLY recommend that you take the old strut assembly and new shock to a shop and have them swap out the shocks. Using an at home spring compressor is dangerous and sketchy.

Youtube "Ry the Car Guy" - he does a lot of Xterra videos and walks you through literally every step.

 

[Tony2Times]

It's not difficult to remove the strut assembly. BUT - I HIGHLY recommend that you take the old strut assembly and new shock to a shop and have them swap out the shocks. Using an at home spring compressor is dangerous and sketchy.

Youtube "Ry the Car Guy" - he does a lot of Xterra videos and walks you through literally every step.

I just came across his videos last night. Thanks a lot I appreciate the help!

 

[Tony2Times]

5100's are one of the most popular shocks out there. I've heard some guys say they ride a little rougher than stock, but others say they ride better. There aren't really any other lift shocks out there that I'm aware of. Rancho used to make a lift strut assembly (yes, I know it's not technically a strut) but they were not very good, and not sure they even make them anymore.

Other than that you're looking at a strut spacer or a full on lift kit.

What about the bilstein kit and strut spacers?

 

[CaptInsane-O]

You mentioned only doing beach trips, so your cheapest bet to gain some lift and refresh those shocks would probably be to go with stock replacement Bilstein 4600's, add a strut spacer up front and an add-a-leaf or lift shackles in the rear. From there it really depends on how capable you want the X to be off road and how much money you want to spend. Vendors like All Dogs, Nisstec, Ironman 4x4, etc... have several other suspension options from mild to wild.

 

[Tlrtucker]

What about the bilstein kit and strut spacers?

You could run the 5100's on 0" lift setting with a lift spacer - a lot of guys do that and claim it rides better than no spacer and 5100's on 2" lift setting (less preload on the spring maybe?).

All dogs offroad has a popular Bilstein 5100 kit.

There's a thousand different options out there...

 

[Tony2Times]

You could run the 5100's on 0" lift setting with a lift spacer - a lot of guys do that and claim it rides better than no spacer and 5100's on 2" lift setting (less preload on the spring maybe?).

All dogs offroad has a popular Bilstein 5100 kit.

There's a thousand different options out there...

Any recommendations on spacers? If I was to get the 5100 kit? I believe bilstein has some spacers on their website

 

[Tlrtucker]

A spacer is a spacer. Literally just a chunk of metal, brand doesn't matter. Just don't go over 2-2.5" up front or you get into coil bucket contact with the UPCs (lots of info here on that).

 

[Tony2Times]

A spacer is a spacer. Literally just a chunk of metal, brand doesn't matter. Just don't go over 2-2.5" up front or you get into coil bucket contact with the UPCs (lots of info here on that).

So I can get a 2” spacer , the bilstein 5100 and lift shackles in the rear ? That’ll suffice

 

[Tlrtucker]

That's the cheaper way to do it. You can also go with 4600's if you're not going to use the lift settings on the 5100's and save some money.

 

[zanethan]

So I can get a 2” spacer , the bilstein 5100 and lift shackles in the rear ? That’ll suffice

To clarify you can get a 1” spacer that will provide 2” of lift. A 2” spacer will not end well for you.

 

[Tlrtucker]

To clarify you can get a 1” spacer that will provide 2” of lift. A 2” spacer will not end well for you.

I guess that's true, but that's not how ordering works. If you order a 1" spacer you're going to get a 1/2" thick piece of metal. Don't confuse the new guy, lol...

 

[Tony2Times]

I guess that's true, but that's not how ordering works. If you order a 1" spacer you're going to get a 1/2" thick piece of metal. Don't confuse the new guy, lol...

Lol thank you

 

[BeardnBrew]

what’s up , this is my first post on this form. I currently own a 2012 Pro 4X Xterra with 200k miles on it, thing still drives like a champ. I think it’s time for new shocks on this bad boy.. I’m currently waiting on my CustomWheel Offset package to come which is 4 16x8 wheels and 4 toyo all terrain 285/75r16 tires. I’m looking for a shock package that’ll give me a little more ride height. I don’t off road with the xterra, but I will be bringing it on the beach.. any suggestions will be appreciated! Thank you!

I absolutely hated my 5100s with or without a spacer (both times lifted). But, others have different opinions. I would do the melt mod, put 4600s back on and call it a day. Otherwise just spend the money and do an actual "lift kit".

 

[Tony2Times]

I absolutely hated my 5100s with or without a spacer (both times lifted). But, others have different opinions. I would do the melt mod, put 4600s back on and call it a day. Otherwise just spend the money and do an actual "lift kit".

What if I started with the bilstein front coil over and shocks and coils? Will that ruin the ride if I just replaced those first with rear shackles ?

 

[SledheadX]

Not sure if this helps you at all, but I have my original rear 4600’s with 71k on them. Been sitting in a box since I went PRG 3” lift 3 years ago. Also a ‘12 P4X and was originally from Pittsburgh. I’ll be in Lodi NJ this weekend at the Lodi bowling alley watching my son in a tourney. If you can use them, stop by. Already sold off the fronts though. Maybe at least give you more thinking time if rears are gone already.

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