Here's a list of the modifications/purchases I want to make for my Xterra (in the most likely order that I will perform them):

- PML
- Paint all trim black
- Skids
- Remove cali cats
- Replace primary cats with aftermarket
- 2" BL
- Bigger/better tires
- Shrock Front bumper

Here's my dilema, I want the skids and shrock on sooner rather than later because I want to protect my X. Naturally. BUT they are designed differently depending on if there's a 2" BL or not. The problem is, i don't have the tools (jack stands, lifts, torque wrench etc) to perform the BL. So I'm torn between wanting to protect my X in its current state and not wanting to have to repurchase or modify anything after I get a lift. Any suggestions?

My opinion, instead of painting the trim black, hurculine it! It looks awesome! Search for it and check out some pics.

Also, Id get all the stuff you need to mod your X now, instead of buying your skids and shrocks, because you will need that stuff in the future... So Id spend the money now for that stuff and wait on the rest...

Well, you can choose to either scrap the idea of a BL and shrock the rig and just get a higher suspension lift or you can BL the X and shrock it later...

do the $65 diy bl then shrock it you might even be able to meet up with some on in the northeast region to help you

What are the advantages/disadvantages to a SL vs. BL?

sl allows or more flex and movement where bl allows for bigger tires

BL is cheaper and gives you the lift you're looking for.

SL is more expensive, but gives you the lift and better capabilities off road.

A SL will give you more true ground clearance by adding UCA's, new steering, add a leaf, and some shackles (articulator's are bitchin).

The BL will only lift the body 2" so the frame height stays the same while the body sits on various 2" pucks. This allows for you to get the "bigger/better" tires your looking for.

I would suggest doing the BL first, and you can absolutely do it yourself. I did mine completely alone in one day with basic tools and the Nissan Jack in your trunk. I did have a torque wrench but imo its not necessary.

Oh and you can do the BL for about 65 bucks, the SL will run you between 600 to 900 bucks depending on the components you choose.

My advice to you is to do the PML and a BL, then throw some 33" AT's on there and see what you want to do next from there.

upgrade your steering after that stuff...

im going to disagree the bl will give you "true ground clearance" cause it allows you to get you entire vehilce off the ground because of the bigger tires.

So, i know exactly what the BL entails (i read the awesome HOW-to on it)

For an SL what is it? Just new shocks or all those things you mentioned? Does anyone know of an example kit or a link on a how-to?

Thanks for the input so far. Steeze, the cheapness of the BL is very tempting. With an SL you wouldn't be able to put on any bigger tires would you? Jdubbau you make a good point about the clearance.

p.s. I HATE that you can't search for short words such as BL SL etc. LAME!

go to 4x4parts.com

Sorry jdub but I gotta disagree. A bigger tire will give you a slightly higher clearance but not enough to really impact his offroad ability. If he has 265/70's on there now for instance the 33's are only gonna give him another 1/2 an inch to 3/4 of an inch clearance. The SL will give alot more than that.

Munk I'd be glad to help out with a BL if you need it and I'm sure some other members from the NE region would too. I'm planning on doing mine sometime soon and have all the tools to do the job.
I'd go with skids and a BL first. Then go for the Shrock bumper and sliders after the BL is done (thats just my opinion though cause thats the route I'm going. You can do alright with your stock bumper for the time being. You might wanna order your shrock soon though cause I think his turn around time is really up there right now.

but "True Lift" is lifting the entire vehicle not just specific regions of it so bigger tires are the only thing that actually lift the vehicle as a whole. and bigger tires are the only thing that lifts the axel

Cranking your T-bars gives you more ground clearance. Moving the Frame farther away from the body with a 3 inch SL gives your more ground clearance too the only thing that doesnt go up is the axle but the added articulation will help you get it over obstacles.

Cranking your T-bars gives you more ground clearance. Moving the Frame farther away from the body with a 3 inch SL gives your more ground clearance too the only thing that doesnt go up is the axle but the added articulation will help you get it over obstacles.

agreed

This is how I did mine:

PML = costs about $120 total including the alignment you'll need after the lift. Requires lift shackles which are $65 or so from 4x4parts.com and to lift the front it's simply a matter of cranking (a.k.a. indexing) your torsion bars. Can be done in about an hour to 2 hours max. Very easy to do, cheap and gives 1.5" of lift.

Skid Plates = Absolutely imperative if you like rocks. Front skid, engine/tranny skid and a fuel tank skid (which I still need) are the top 3 most important in my book.

2" BL = Can be done for about $65 using the "How-to" and will take you roughly a Saturday to do. Say 6 hours or so. Not hard to do but does take some time and patience.

Now that I have my BL, I've got my sliders, 33" tires and new UCA's for the front to give me more wheel travel. Along with Bilstein shocks at 20% valving for a 3" lift. You can get new shocks for a 3" lift and put them on your X even if it only has a PML. They will compress to stock height but will allow more wheel travel without bottoming out the shock. Ask anybody here pretty much and they will tell you to get Bilsteins.

Drake, that is extremely helpful. I think that's how I'm going to approach this. Luckily I just (10 days ago!) got my alignment done at pepboys and got the 3yr free alginment package, so I won't need to pay for it after my PML. I normally never do the packages but I figured if I was going to get be wheeling pretty often then it could come in handy. Now it has!

Glad we could help and that was a smart idea on the alignment package. That will save you some cash in the long run because time on the trails will eventually knock a wheel out of alignment at some point.

:clever:

Oh yeah. We can knock your alignment out a rausch if you want. depends on how crazy you wanna get.

But doesnt pepboys do alignment by factory settings only? Not for lifted vehicles?

Sure as hell hope they do!