Well friends

I consider myself a "jeeper" first, but my X has been my DD for 2 years now and it will be paid for in 4 months. It is a 2003 Canteen 4x4. So anything could happen.

I would like to lift it to fit some 33s on soft 8s. Other than that, I have no idea. I really have no real knowledge of working with IFS, so that should be interesting. So I will ask away here and hope to get a few answers. I am pretty handy in the garage, though I am no mechanic.



Can I fit 33s with a PML?

What are the advantages of shackles vs AAL in the rear?

Would it be advantageous to do some kind of front leveling kit over cranking the T-bar?

Is this a real lift kit? here (https://www.4x4parts.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=435_437_519_12_439&products_id=309)

This shows my lack of understanding of IFS, how does that work lifting the front end? Is it all in the UCAs? Man I feel like I am starting all over.... HA.

I posted my Jeep on the "Member's other rides" section if you want to see it...

WOOHOO!

yes its a real lift the longer a arms let you crank the tbars farther than stock ones allow. Basically its a pml on steroids. If you wanted to make a huge gain you could swap out the ifs for a solid axle Calmini sells a kit that uses coilovers but doesnt include the front axle http://www.purenissan.com/solid_axle_swap2.htm but its Calmini all the powder coating will flake off but I havent heard any complaints about the actuall product.

You need a 2" BL to fit 33's - or do some major trimming.

With just the 2" BL I was able to fit 33's but had to trim some plastic - with the PML and 2" BL you should be pretty good - may still have to trim so you don't rub on the trail when flexing though.

Welcome to the club!

You mean a Jeeper seeing the light! :p

Welcome!

Welcome!

PML and 2" BL will clear the 33's with minor trimming

Shackles vs. AAL

Shackles are easier to change out than your leaf springs. Additional leaf springs should increase your load carrying capacity.

If you ever wanted to do a 3" SL you'd need to to both anyway.

Also Shackles are cheaper.

Oh as for the front lift, for 3" SL it's in the torsion bars and UCA's. You probably wouldn't want to use stock torsion bars for that.

This is pretty much everything you would need:

https://www.4x4parts.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=435_437_519_12_446&products_id=3386

Welcome to CX! :wink-big:



I would like to lift it to fit some 33s on soft 8s.

Can I fit 33s with a PML?

You really need a 2" BL to clear 33's and even then you're going to have rubbing issues. Whether minor or severe trimming needed will depend on the backspacing of the wheels and the width of the 33". I run a 33x12.50 on a 4.75" backspaced wheel and they clear fine in the rear but I had to trim the entire bottom off of the plastic fender flare behind the wheel and reform just a smidgeon of the inner fender metal.

What are the advantages of shackles vs AAL in the rear?

An AAL will diminish your articulation but increase your carrying capacity if that matters. Most of us go shackles first then the AAL if you're wanting the full 3" lift. I run shackles and aftermarket UCA's just for the added droop versus lifting. My lift is around 1.5" and a 2" body lift.

Would it be advantageous to do some kind of front leveling kit over cranking the T-bar?

Unfortunately, not an option for the X. Torsion bar setups control the ride height solely.

Is this a real lift kit? here (https://www.4x4parts.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=435_437_519_12_439&products_id=309)

Yes it is but the description is wrong. Without an AAL, there is no way it will give you 3" of lift. It does give you everything you need to get it to 3" though which is namely the new UCA's.

how does that work lifting the front end? Is it all in the UCAs?


The torsion bars do all the work. All you have to do is crank the t-bar adjusters and it lifts or lowers the front end. Yes it's actually that simple. hahaha

welcome to the club.. and in addition to the AAL you will need new shocks which are not included in the link from the OP

Fellas

Thank you very very much!

Its nice to have so many enthusiasts willing to answer, I come from jeepforum.com where I have been a member for several years and there is no way that I would have had all these answers that fast. Thanks a lot! Looks like this weekend I need to get under the X and start getting acquainted with my torsion bars.

One last question, if I went with a true 3" kit with AALs, shakles and shocks in the back, do I need do anything to the drivetrain?

What kind of rear axle is in my X?

Thanks again, I plan to become a regular!

H233B 33 Spline is your rear axle. you shouldnt need to do any regearing or anything unless you go bigger than 33's or just have the money to buy 2 sets of gears. The
H233b is pretty damn tough though.

I've read reviews, reports that say the H233B in the xterra is right on par with a Dana 44 as far as durability is concerned. Just wish the aftermarket availability of stuff like lockers followed suit.

One tip that I would suggest although it's not absolutely necessary, is to extend your front brake lines to accommodate the extra wheel travel you get with the new UCA's. The rear brake lines will be lengthy enough unless you go with the articulator package that comes with the revolver shackles.