All right...rather than spend $3500 on slr's 5" suspension lift, I am thinking of doing AC's 3" suspension, and possibly adding a 3" body lift as well. I saw a picture on 4x4parts.com of a dude that did that with his x. I have a 2005. I have read about upgrading the steering...

Has anyone done this? I would like to get a complete list and not f*ck anything up. I realize that the slr lift is probably the highest quality, but I am not racing the thing, just going camping in AK, and want the look.

Any help is appreciated!

p.s. My wife just sold my lifted K5 blazer, so I told here it was on with the Xterra!

The highest SL you can get for the new X's is 2.5" in the front and if you would want, 4" in the rear. There are three companies making lifts for the new x's.

AC (4x4parts.com)
Calmini
Daystar

Here are the options;
AC
Front: 2.5" Coil over Springs
Rear: 1.5" shackles or 2.5" AAL (can conbine)
Need: Longer rear break lines, Longer rear shocks, move the rear ABS cables (if you use the AAL)
Pros: Coil overs in the front instead of spacers
Cons: The AAL causes vibration, Coilovers are hard (and dangerous) to do yourself.

Calmini:
Front: 2.5" shock spacers (Aluminum)
Rear: 1.5" Shackles or 1.5" AAL (can combine)
Need: Longer rear break lines, Longer rear shocks, move the rear ABS cables
Pros: The rear AAL kit comes with 2-3 degree shims to prevent vibration. Easy to install.
Cons: Front spacers are aluminum

Daystar:
Front: 2" shock spacers (Steel)
Rear: 2" Shackles
Need: You can use longer shocks and it will increase travel, but they are not needed.
Pros: The rear shackels are greasable. East to install
Cons: only 2"

Now, with the 05's there is no upgraded steering yet and with these 2.5" lifts, it's not needed.

You can not combine the coil over kit and the spacer kit. The UCA hit's the shock tower.

I personally have the AC shackle lift. I had the AC AAL kit but I couldn't take the vibration. I am going to purchase the Calmini AAL and go 3" total in back. With just the AC shackles my leafs are almost flat.