X suspension

[Graul30]

I have just got started modifying my 2002 X for off road excursions. My current suspension is pretty much all stock and I am wanting to upgrade it to something better suited for the task. I also drive the truck on the highway as my primary vehicle so I would like to keep the ride somewhat smooth. Any suggestions??

[Alex]

Take a look into the 1st Gen Tech board for specifics, but here are some of the common options:

A PML, AKA a "Poor Man's Lift", consists of:
- Replacing the stock shackles for longer ones to increase lift (+ about 1.5") and get more wheel travel.
- Cranking the front torsion bars to increase lift (+ about 1.5") and stiffen the front end.
- Removing the rear sway bar if it's still there: it mainly hinders rear wheel travel, and shouldn't be much of a help in the first place on the pavement.

A few companies make 3" kits for the 1st gen, which adds new upper control arms (UCAs), longer shocks, and usually extra leaves in the suspension pack. I don't have a lift like this yet, but it seems like it works just fine on the street.

A 2" body lift will raise everything off the frame of the truck to get more clearance for longer wheel travel and larger tires.

For trail protection, get a set of rock sliders first.

32" tires should fit on the 2002s with maybe a little trimming. After lifting, 33" tires seem to work very well for a number of Xterra owners.
With the larger tires and increased stress on the truck from offroading, it would be wise to strengthen or replace the steering system at some point.

Good luck!

[Graul30]

Any suggestions on what company makes good lifts and parts?? I've looked at a few different companies and the ratings all seem to be about the same.

[GhostX]

Contact Greg at PRG (and have some patience, he recently celebrated the birth of his first child, but was working through some complications at the hospital), he offers an excellent variety of Xterra specific parts that are high quality and install well. 

He is also very good with his customer service and follow up.  I installed (solo) one of his spacer and shackle lifts that enabled me to run 285's and enjoy a wider footprint.  I have used this lift for about 7 months with no issues, and am now looking to upgrade to the 3" coilovers, UCA's, and probably and Alcan leaf pack for the rear.  I really wanted to increase the X's ground clearance inexpensively, but now realize that my off road passion has expanded and I need a little more lift and flex to support the weight of the future.

One of the things I learned from this site also was to consider the weight of your protection (front and rear bumper upgrades, and skid plates and sliders) which will need to factored into the spring rates for both front and rear.

You can also go to Clubxterra.org and go to the generation one forums (click here>>>>http://first.thexterra.org/forum/? for more input and advice on suspension components.

Good luck and happy modding! 

[Ruination Fan]

Contact Greg at PRG

Sadly Greg only deals with the 2nd Gen guys    . Greg is a great guy, but too bad he doesnt have anything for the Gen 1 guys.

[AV Xterra]

Some guys just aren't into antiques.

[Bobby B.]

Now I don't care who you are, that's funny right there.

X suspension

[GhostX]

Sadly Greg only deals with the 2nd Gen guys    . Greg is a great guy, but too bad he doesnt have anything for the Gen 1 guys.

Oh gosh, sorry about that!  Completely spaced! 

[superslidestyle]

Start off with replacing the shocks with something beefier like Bilsteins or Rancho RS5000.  They are about $150-$200 for all four.  Get the ones made for the 2.5" lift (even though you don't have the lift yet).  you won't notice anything different.  And once you get the PML, you don't have to worry about the shocks.  Later when you have a bigger lift, you can upgrade the shocks, but for now, you will need beefier shocks for the trail that can handle the trail abuse.  OEM shocks will fail prematurely if you offroad them.