Hey all! 16 months ago I decided I needed to get out from under my 03 disco 2 project after finally getting it running (head gasket,arp studs,thread inserts on block), driving (transfer case replacement) and was able to break even minus my labor. I wanted very badly to get into a Toyota platform but just didn't have the available cash so settled on a 1st Gen Xterra that was lifted w steering kit but had been rode hard w only 127k miles. I planned in hanging onto it for a few more years to get my $ worth out if the repairs, upgrades and time invested getting it right. That didn't work out as a friend had purchased a 2017 GX last week to replace his 05 and passed the 05 on to me for roughly half of market value. I'm loving it and am ready to start setting it up similar to the Xterra but need advice on which way to proceed with suspension for starters. He was using it as a daily kid hauler so upgraded some things but left it pretty mild, I'd like to utilize the parts he already spent $ on but take it a little further and end up with about 3" suspension lift and then get a little more with a bigger set of tires when it needs them.
It's currently sitting on 255/75/17s mounted on aftermarket MB wheels
All Shocks have been swapped to Bilstein 5100 silver adjustable and aren't set on highest setting
Front: stock springs-only lift was from shock adjustment
Rear: airbags have been removed and replaced with metaltech stage1 coil conversion
Stock height FJ springs with 2" spring spacers
Rears have some kind of pneumatic red airbag inside them that can be pressurized and is spring assist for towing, system has pinched line, needs Schrader valve installed to work/hold air.
So... That's what it has, I'd like it about 1-1.5" higher than it is now. Couple things I need clarification on though. With these parts im not sure exactly how much higher than stock it currently is.
At what amount of lift do I need aftermarket upper control arms?
How much higher than stock of lift will CV axle wear significantly shorten their lifespan?
Is 1" BL worth the time to get a little extra tire clearance? Gotta know now as I'll be ordering a winch bumper and needs to match any body lift.
Rear= OEM fj+2" puck so I should be able to order +3" (hopefully 3.5" height) fj springs and if so what's the most budget friendly way to achieve goal in the front. Attached a couple pics of the gx and 1st Gen I sold to get it. At the end if the day I only had to come out if pocket $500 to get the GX but had to include the warn 8000lb winch and pretty rare alpine 12" type x sub in the deal.
Thanks in advance for any tips, I've been doing as much research as I can but will take a bit to get accustomed to a new platform and 1st hand advice goes way further than education guesses
It's currently sitting on 255/75/17s mounted on aftermarket MB wheels
All Shocks have been swapped to Bilstein 5100 silver adjustable and aren't set on highest setting
Front: stock springs-only lift was from shock adjustment
Rear: airbags have been removed and replaced with metaltech stage1 coil conversion
Stock height FJ springs with 2" spring spacers
Rears have some kind of pneumatic red airbag inside them that can be pressurized and is spring assist for towing, system has pinched line, needs Schrader valve installed to work/hold air.
So... That's what it has, I'd like it about 1-1.5" higher than it is now. Couple things I need clarification on though. With these parts im not sure exactly how much higher than stock it currently is.
At what amount of lift do I need aftermarket upper control arms?
How much higher than stock of lift will CV axle wear significantly shorten their lifespan?
Is 1" BL worth the time to get a little extra tire clearance? Gotta know now as I'll be ordering a winch bumper and needs to match any body lift.
Rear= OEM fj+2" puck so I should be able to order +3" (hopefully 3.5" height) fj springs and if so what's the most budget friendly way to achieve goal in the front. Attached a couple pics of the gx and 1st Gen I sold to get it. At the end if the day I only had to come out if pocket $500 to get the GX but had to include the warn 8000lb winch and pretty rare alpine 12" type x sub in the deal.
Thanks in advance for any tips, I've been doing as much research as I can but will take a bit to get accustomed to a new platform and 1st hand advice goes way further than education guesses
