2nd Gen Xterra Lift

[hfunkhouser]

I noticed one of the NW Chapter members has a 2nd Gen Xterra with what looked like 2'' AC shackles and spacers. I would like to know how those things are working out for ya.

How does it affect the handling?
Leaf sag?
Noises/Knocks?

Thanks,
Howard

[hfunkhouser]

Bump

[Joe Purdy]

That would be mine I guess.

I installed them back in the spring of 08 so i have been on them for about a year now.
They initially were a lot stiffer than i expected, but the amount of clearance I got was more than 2".
I have not checked the sag lately, but initially I had almost 3" of lift.
the ride has softened up a bit. Gas mileage has decreased a tiny bit ( not that noticeable) I offset the MPG decrease with a K&N Cold Air Intake on it and it increased my Horse Power.
I think it probably screwed up the center of gravity and moved it a tad higher, but as long as I keep it 30 degrees or less on the side angle, i dont think it will be a problem.

Overall, I love the clearance. I have some armor on the underside though, so I don't really worry about the clearance much.

[hfunkhouser]

Sounds like a worthy mod. The only other "mod's" I have right now are big tires (285/75/17) so I had to melt the fenderwells a little. No problems there, yet.

Thanks,
Howard

[Joe Purdy]

Cool,
I wanted to go with bigger rims, but then I would have had to mod my odometer, and I am afraid that might decrease the salability later.

The only other mod I am going to make is remove the running boards and install steps. The running boards get smacked when I high center, but I still need something for my wife to use to step up in the cab.
I also installed a Scan Gauge in the cab. It gives me real time MGP, Air intake temp, average MPG, speed, RPM's and a lot more. It has a customizable display. It is also a OB2 Code reader. Pretty cool.

Are you in Fayetteville?

[hfunkhouser]

Yes, I'm in Fayetteville. We should meet up. I have stock SE rims, they fit the larger tires, and it's only about 1.5'' bigger diameter, so minimal effect on odometer. Actually reads a little slower, but less than 5MPH at 75. Mostly a lot wider. Easy to get some stock tires if I want to sell it. I have an unevenly mounted running board, it's almost flush to the body now. I was thinking of getting a jack and just bending the rest of it up there, also on the other side. It adds clearance and looks better. Did you bypass the stock trans cooler for an external? I read that there have been a lot of probs with the coolant corroding into the trans fluid and eating transmissions. That will be my next mod.
Howard