[ThompsonXTerra]

I currently have a 3 inch SL on my 04 xterra and am looking for ways to add another inch or two. I'm against BLs, but am always open to learn more about them.
Rear suspension is easy, more leaf springs or longer connection things (blanking on the name), but what about the front? I've heard of torsion keys, but I wanted to know some other ways you guys have done it.
Thanks!

 

[xtacular]

That's it, you're maxed out unless you SAS. What do you have against body lifts? Many of us run them with zero issues.

 

[ThompsonXTerra]

That's it, you're maxed out unless you SAS. What do you have against body lifts? Many of us run them with zero issues.

Got it. Well maybe that'll be the next big project a ways down the road.
I just don't like the idea of separating the body from the frame. But I really don't know that much about it so again I'm open to learn more.

 

[xtacular]

Got it. Well maybe that'll be the next big project a ways down the road.
I just don't like the idea of separating the body from the frame. But I really don't know that much about it so again I'm open to learn more.

They're already separate - if you look, there's ~1" pucks from the factory. So all you're really doing is replacing the weaker, rusty factory hardware with brand new, grade 8/10.9 hardware.

 

[Frogstar7055]

Body lift and 33's + your SL is best you can get.

 

[Akuria]

Body lift and 33's + your SL is best you can get.

You can do a 3" BL instead of the typical 2" BL. Then plus your 3" SL you'd get a total of 6" and can run 35" tires. After that the only other thing you can go is SAS then the lift options are boundless.

 

[TJTJ]

Of course, simply removing all the fenders and stuff the tires would hit does essentially the same thing as the BL, as far as tire clearance at least, but, some people want to avoid the Mad Max look, etc.

 

[ThompsonXTerra]

They're already separate - if you look, there's ~1" pucks from the factory. So all you're really doing is replacing the weaker, rusty factory hardware with brand new, grade 8/10.9 hardware.

Good to know. I might look more into getting a 2-3" BL now. Thanks man and everyone else for your input

 

[ChrisInKY]

You know in the Jeep world body lifts are quite taboo. I came here really surprised that the Nissan community was so supportive of them. The way it was explained to me was that the Jeep aftermarket suspension companies were more or less pushing propaganda against the body lift, stating that the only true performing lift was a suspension lift. (At the same time shackles were taboo in the Jeep community as well and we almost all run lift shackles here.)

The way I always understood it was that the suspension lift allows for more frame clearance, while the body lift is going to allow you to run more tire clearance. So it will allow for more flex into the fenders with bigger tires.

In the Jeep world (sorry it's where all my off road knowledge comes from) people tend to avoid running anything over 2in because it was said that it put extra stress on the body during off road situations due to the increased separation from the frame.

So Ideally one would want to run a happy medium between the two. A suspension lift for added frame clearance, and a body lift (or fender trimming) to clear bigger tires. Keep in mind that bigger tires will increase your frame clearance as well.

In short, I would say that there should be absolutely nothing wrong with a mild body lift. Personally I don't like the look of them, but they are definitely the best way to clear bigger tires. Especially in off road situations where you will be flexing your tires into your wheel wells. I think on the first gen X, anything over 2in is going to call for longer brake lines and radiator relocation so that will definitely be looking into before you make a decision. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, I don't want to be putting out wrong information.

Be sure to let us know what route you plan on going!

Cheers

 

[Akuria]

I have heard the same thing about the jeep community. They be crazy. Lol

 

[Frogstar7055]

Nothing wrong with body lifts so ignore jeep bias.
If you want to run 33's on a first gen it's practically necessary unless you want to start cutting some metal.
Only way I'd go with a 3" BL is if your sure your gonna get on 35's at some point.

 

[TJTJ]

I Jeep too.

>

Yeah, the propaganda from the SL makers was why the dogma started the jeepers frothing about "the only real lift is a SL", etc.

The smart ones are starting to get it though...so I think THAT "Jeep Thing" is fading, slowly though...there's a lot of dummies out there.

0


ON Jeeps, the BL DOES show more, and, they have fewer body mounts historically, and, they have rusted frames historically, and so forth, so, a BL on a jeep WAS a bit sketchier until about the TJ.

We have TEN (10) body mounts, and a boxed ladder frame...and not much shows after the BL.

 

[ThompsonXTerra]

You know in the Jeep world body lifts are quite taboo. I came here really surprised that the Nissan community was so supportive of them. The way it was explained to me was that the Jeep aftermarket suspension companies were more or less pushing propaganda against the body lift, stating that the only true performing lift was a suspension lift. (At the same time shackles were taboo in the Jeep community as well and we almost all run lift shackles here.)

The way I always understood it was that the suspension lift allows for more frame clearance, while the body lift is going to allow you to run more tire clearance. So it will allow for more flex into the fenders with bigger tires.

In the Jeep world (sorry it's where all my off road knowledge comes from) people tend to avoid running anything over 2in because it was said that it put extra stress on the body during off road situations due to the increased separation from the frame.

So Ideally one would want to run a happy medium between the two. A suspension lift for added frame clearance, and a body lift (or fender trimming) to clear bigger tires. Keep in mind that bigger tires will increase your frame clearance as well.

In short, I would say that there should be absolutely nothing wrong with a mild body lift. Personally I don't like the look of them, but they are definitely the best way to clear bigger tires. Especially in off road situations where you will be flexing your tires into your wheel wells. I think on the first gen X, anything over 2in is going to call for longer brake lines and radiator relocation so that will definitely be looking into before you make a decision. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, I don't want to be putting out wrong information.

Be sure to let us know what route you plan on going!

Cheers

Thanks man that was really informative! I've had Jeep friends tell me no body lifts before and now I understand why! I'll definitely keep you guys posted on what I decide to do. Right now I'm just deciding between a 2 or 3 inch BL. Because like you said a 3 inch might mean extending the brake line and I don't really want to do that.

 

[TJTJ]

Thanks man that was really informative! I've had Jeep friends tell me no body lifts before and now I understand why! I'll definitely keep you guys posted on what I decide to do. Right now I'm just deciding between a 2 or 3 inch BL. Because like you said a 3 inch might mean extending the brake line and I don't really want to do that.

The BL doesn't require extending the brake lines.

The longer travel SUSPENSION LIFTS require extending the brake lines. (And diff breathers, etc)

The brackets that hold the brake lines do get loosened and then retightened after making slack though, just like all the other connections between frame/body.



The radiator is on the body and the engine's fan is lined with the frame...so, when you raise the body you lower the radiator...and/or at least make room in the shroud for the fan blades' new position.

You can do that for the 2" or 3" BL....super easy, so doesn't really matter much.

If doing 35's you DO want to do a 3" BL though. For 33's, the 2" BL is fine.

Again, if the mad max look is OK, you can simply remove the fenders, etc to get tire clearance instead of doing a BL.