Lift for 2wd 02' X

[xxSVxx]

I found this lift while doing some searching from links I found on this site.

http://www.car-stuff.com/2002nissanxterrasuspensionliftkit.htm

I figure it's the first step in a process of turning her into a formidable off-road machine.

I figure the timeline will look like this...

-lift

-tires

-suspension 

*then at least I'm off road ready

-front push bumper w/ winch

-back bumper w/ jack, etc



**I'm sorry if this post is in the wrong section...complete newb

thanks and i look forward to any advice

-Christiaan

[slantyshanty]

While I am a fan of rancho (never had anything else) that price seems a bit high for only coming with one leaf and no shocks? Also, never heard of that company before. (That doesn't mean anything and sorry if someone here owns it or knows someone there, just never known anyone to buy from them?)
Here is where many folks go, including myself, and all I can say is good things about the service I received from them.
https://www.4x4parts.com/nissan/xterra-20002004-xterra-suspension-lifts-packages-c-435_437_519_12.html
Looks like, for a few more $$$, you can get shocks and more leafs.
Hope this helps and happy moddding!

[Bobby B.]

FYI the rancho kit has never been liked much for the Xterra simply because the control arms do not have as much range as the other offerings.  Meaning for the the same money and effort laid out, you get less lift and function.  They were the first to come out with one, though.

The thread right below this one or thereabouts has a bunch of info re: lifting/offroading a 2wd.  Not meaning to discourage you from modding your X, but a 2wd model will never be as much as a "formidable off road machine" as a 4wd model.

I suggest realistically looking at your intended off road use before unleashing your wallet.  If the 2wd X will get you where you want to go, then go for it.

[xxSVxx]

Dang, thanks for the heads up.  I was contemplating whether or not it's worth pouring the money into it versus buying a newer 4x, but no car payment makes me   

Off to peruse the forums to find the thread on modding 2wd's.

Thx

[xxSVxx]

Bobby, I've been searching the forums for a few and haven't really had much luck with the posts you mentioned about 2wd modding.

Would you mind linking them so I can read up?  I'm trying to decide if what I want to do is worth the money it will take to get there.

Thanks,

-Christiaan

[Blackx]

This is the thread Bobby was referring to http://www.sccxterra.com/smf/index.php/topic,1096.0.html

[xxSVxx]

Thanks for the link BlackX

I'm getting alot of confusing, conflicting information.  I don't expect my truck to rock climb and do things she's not intended to do; she will be a daily driver along with weekend warrior status.  From what I've read on this site, the order of importance goes: body armor > tires > everything else

I asked a similar question about my truck on a different site and I was told to look at air lockers and cold air intake.

=/

I am a bit concerned because she's a 4banger, and with the added weight from body armor, skid plates, push bumper/rear bumber, will a cold air intake be necessary?  And I haven't had much success finding one for a 4cyl anyway...all the ones I've found are for V6's.

I get that this is a process and I don't expect her to be trail ready overnight; however, I am hoping that I can mod her to the point where I can be confident in her when I hit a trail.

Anyway, I know it's not your job to do any of this for me.  I've been doing alot of research before I even joined SCCXTERRA and I'm doing my best to gather all my info on my own;  that being said, with so much conflicting information, it's hard to know whose word to take.

Ugh. 

[Blackx]

I understand being confused about all of the info.  There are a lot of options to weigh and certainly that includes the air locker but in my opinion that's overkill on a 2WD truck that's 10 years old when you consider the cost.  I know some guys just throw on some decent tires and a winch in the front and they can winch themselves past anything.  It just depends on your budget and what you're willing to do. 

Also, consider that if you did almost all of the recommendations; air locker, CAI, armor, tires, etc. you could be well into this stuff for $5K or more and you'd still have a 2WD.  Instead you could take that money and buy a dedicated 4wd that may have many of those items already installed.

Just more food for thought to make your decision more difficult 

[xxSVxx]

LOL....thanks?

JK

Oh, and I saw the pics of your truck in the display case...

Damn bro.  Very well done.  Beautiful rig!  Looks very good and it can obviously handle whatever you throw at it!!

[GhostX]

Instead you could take that money and buy a dedicated 4wd that may have many of those items already installed.

Just more food for thought to make your decision more difficult 

Yes to both of these points.  Well said. 

[xxSVxx]

Well, the new 4x4 is a longshot since I don't have a functional garage and I can upgrade my current X piece by piece.  Besides, I just dumped $3grand into new tranny and spider gears in the last 2 years so I'm not selling my truck anytime soon.

I'm gathering as much info as possible from many sources and I'm going to consult a garage next to my gym to see what their opinions are of my ideas, etc.

Again, thanks for all the input and I'll start posting pictures of the mods as they are added!!!

Thanks!!

-Christiaan

[GhostX]

Well, the new 4x4 is a longshot since I don't have a functional garage and I can upgrade my current X piece by piece.  Besides, I just dumped $3grand into new tranny and spider gears in the last 2 years so I'm not selling my truck anytime soon.

I'm gathering as much info as possible from many sources and I'm going to consult a garage next to my gym to see what their opinions are of my ideas, etc.

Again, thanks for all the input and I'll start posting pictures of the mods as they are added!!!

Thanks!!

-Christiaan

Looking forward to the pictures for sure.

[Bobby B.]

While it can be fun to overthink it, overthinking things here won't do much.

If it were me, I'd first start by making the thing reliable for going out places.  Then, good tires.  Then go enjoy things and see what you need and what might be fun to have.  Personally, I think a cold air intake would be a waste of $ for you.  Are you and yours going to enjoy that bitch'n camp site and sunset because you bought a cold air intake?  No, but if your worn out street tires give out on the way, you didn't get to enjoy your trip at all.  Our trucks aren't the most powerful or get the greatest mileage anyway, and you're not going to get tremendous gains out of a CAI to justify it at this point, imho.

I don't know what kind of gear you have, but I'd think more about starting by getting fun trip ready stuff over trying to build your X into something it's not.  

Modding stuff is fun and I'm not trying to dissuade you in any way, but maybe get stuff that will let you enjoy your X for the long haul before jumping into stuff that won't really expand your capabilities or enjoyment.

I'd also first start by picking up some recovery gear if you don't have any, like a snatch strap and recovery point for your rear hitch if you have one.  This way someone can pull you out if you get stuck.

[xxSVxx]

Ok.  So, first two mods are going to be armor and tires.  In that order.

Air lockers are something that's been suggested.  I'm guessing they/it will give me power to both rear wheels instead of just the right rear??  Please, keep in mind I'm guessing.  Anyway, I was just wondering what you guys thought about it/them and how necessary it/they would be.

And I am sooo effin stoked to find that you guys are as helpful as I'd hoped.  I am anxious to post a pic but I'm going to hold off until I first add some mods for a before/after shoot.

Anyway, thanks again!!!!

-Christiaan

[Blackx]

Ok.  So, first two mods are going to be armor and tires.  In that order.

-Christiaan

Good choice in my opinion.  Like Bobby mentioned get some camping gear, get out there and figure out what you like, what your limitations are, and go from there.

Yes the locker locks the rear wheels so they both spin.  When traction is lost on one wheel it doesn't send all of the power to that wheel causing you to go nowhere.  I do love my locker.  Feels like climbing over rocks with a billy goat