So I was tired of searching relentlessly through countless amounts of forums just to have all my questions answered about a popular topic in the R50 world. So I took matters into my own hands. I'm sure i've missed a few points and those who actually have first hand experiences are welcome to add. When you reply with helpful additions, I will edit the original post (of course I will give credit in the original post).
And now without further adieu...
The R50 (1996-2004) model Pathfinder/QX4 features a “unibody” layout, using a floor pan with front and rear frame side rails which supports (and is welded to) the main body structure. This aspect of the vehicle’s construction makes a body lift (without the application of a subframe drop, or SFD) impossible.
The most common means of lifting an R50 is by way of replacing the stock suspension coil springs with extended coil springs – this however, limits the amount of lift obtained to minimal quantities. Spacers may be added in addition to lengthened coil springs for - more or less – an extra inch.
Available Suspension Lifts
Below is a list (and links to descriptions of) all commercially available suspension lifts in the United States.
Automotive Customizers Heavy Duty – ½” of Lift*
- Front Coils
o
https://www.4x4parts.com/catalog/pathfi ... -1647.html
- Rear Coils
o
https://www.4x4parts.com/catalog/pathfi ... p-723.html
*Without an additional load in the front/rear these coils may provide more than the advertised ½’ of lift.
Automotive Customizers Medium Duty – ½” of Lift
- Front Coils
o
https://www.4x4parts.com/catalog/pathfi ... -5608.html
- Rear Coils
o
https://www.4x4parts.com/catalog/pathfi ... p-723.html
Automotive Customizers Light Duty – ½” of Lift
- Front Coils
o
https://www.4x4parts.com/catalog/pathfi ... -1649.html
- Oddly enough – The light duty rear coils are not listed in the 4x4parts catalog.
Automotive Customizers Suspension Lift – 2" of Lift
-
https://www.4x4parts.com/catalog/pathfi ... -1550.html
Old Man Emu (OME) Suspension Lift – 1.75” of Lift
-
http://www.rocky-road.com/pathfindersus.html
-
http://ruggedrocksoffroad.com/pathfinde ... 8_593.html
Note the differences in advertised lift gained between the two websites. The numbers are inaccurate and up for debate – however, the majority of OME users claim a 1.75’ gain. Update: the OME Heavy Duty coils will provide approx. 1.75” of lift – The medium and light duty will provide 0.75”-0.5” respectively.
Suspension Lift Differences
Each suspension lift has their own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a lift consider your wants/needs and your ultimate purpose behind the lift (i.e. – off-road use, appearance, fitting larger tires, accommodate greater loads, etc.)
The only variation when it comes to the Automotive Customizers (hereon out referred to as AC) light, medium, and heavy duty suspension lifts is the additional load capacity gained by the install. Due to the minute increase in ride height these are not generally considered in the discussion of R50 suspension lifts – however, they do still provide some lift to your vehicle.
As far as the differences between the AC 2” lift and the OME 1.75” go (besides amount of lift gained), it is hard to say. After evaluating many personal accounts from users of both lifts – it seems the differences are few and far between and once again come down to personal preferences/needs.
Replacing Shocks/Struts
You will notice that both of the main suspension lifts are offered with new shocks and struts. While the purchase of these items is not necessary it would be wise to consider replacing these components considering the vicinity of the springs to the shocks/struts. In other words – two birds, one stone – if you’re going to be working with suspension components – you might as well consider replacing others while working in that surrounding area. In addition, if your shocks/struts aren’t currently worn and in need of replacing, think about any extra stress you may be placing on these components once the lift is installed. For example: off-roading/carrying extra loads will greatly increase the stress placed on your shocks and struts and will greatly decrease their life.
It is also important to note that you can probably purchase shocks and struts cheaper on their own rather than with the packages advertised.
Additional Parts/Purchases
Below is a list of items to consider purchasing when installing a suspension lift.
Wheels/Tires
While by no means necessary, the majority of those lifting their R50 will be doing it to be able to increase the size of tires they are able to fit (or some other reason inevitably leading to an increased tire size). Though the AC lift claims the use of wheels with 3.75” negative backspacing is necessary, it will not become required until a tire 31” or larger is used. However, once that milestone is reached (31”+ tires that is) new wheels with a greater negative backspacing must be used. Note: Some claim to have gotten away with 4”-4.25” backspacing wheels with 31”+ tires; consult a professional before purchasing. I would recommend mounting something similar to test before purchasing as well.
Consider the terrain you will be driving on mostly (street, dirt, mud, sand, snow, etc.) if purchasing tires as the type of tread will greatly impact driving quality on different surfaces. Before it gets asked – with a little bending and trimming 33” tires can be fit with the AC lift, 34” tires can be fit with A LOT of bending and trimming – 32” should fit just fine.
Camber Alignment Kit
https://www.4x4parts.com/catalog/camber ... -2809.html
Recommended by AC when installing the suspension lifts - will aid in tire alignment once lift is installed.
Warn Manual Hubs
https://www.4x4parts.com/catalog/warn-p ... p-720.html
With full-time hubs or "drive flanges" the front drive train is constantly in motion. This is what allows you to "shift on the fly" into 4WD at speeds up to 50mph. The problem with drive flanges is that they contribute to premature wear of the CV boot, especially when a lift is installed, since the CV joint angles increase. This is why many people install manual hubs as part of a lift.
With manual hubs, you basically have two modes: locked and unlocked. When the hubs are locked, they behave just like drive flanges. When unlocked, the wheels are mechanically disengaged from the axle shafts. In other words, wheel rotation can now act independent of drive train rotation.
4x2, or 2 Wheel Drive, R50s do not have front CV axles or driveline – therefore warn manual hubs serve no purpose.
Extended Brake Lines
Not purchased by most, though should be considered. If after install you notice extra stress on your brake lines you may want to think about purchasing these.
Installing Suspension Lifts
I will not give a step by step installation of installing a suspension lift at the moment (however, it would be helpful if anyone would like to take up that picture filled project). I will state, that after reading various accounts of installation, I’ve come to the conclusion that this can be a project completed by the home mechanic. The only special tool required would be a spring compressor to remove the stock springs. The basic mechanic’s arsenal of tools (socket wrenches and what not) will be needed as well.
Other Things To Note Regarding Suspension Lifts
- With the larger lift options ride quality will “suffer”. Ride quality becomes stiffer and the Pathfinder/QX4 will drive more like a truck. Suffer in quotations as this may not be a negative side affect to some.
- Once the lift is installed, you may notice a higher than advertised lift gained. As the springs “settle” over the next few weeks/months/years you will notice the weight of the vehicle and additional stressors will cause the lift to “settle” to advertised height.
- With the larger lift options you may experience “topping out” of your struts when going over bumps/pot holes. The strut reaches its maximum capacity as far as extension goes and a loud “clunking” sound will be heard from inside the cabin. Though this doesn’t seem to cause any extra wear on the struts, it is recommended to slow down over bumps while the lift is still in its settling phase. Limiting straps may be installed to avoid this. Limiting straps will limit strut travel to prevent topping out.
- Extreme off-roading without the use of manual hubs will cause a great deal of stress on your CV joints and may end up destroying them in the future causing the need for replacement. Please take this into consideration.
- Most claim once the suspension lift is installed, the rear sway bar may be removed to obtain extra "flex" while still maintaining a safe drive.
- Expect fuel economy to greatly decrease upon installation of a suspension lift. Not only will a lifted vehicly decrease the already poor aerodynamics of your vehicle, but the most common addition of larger tires will greatly increase the weight of your vehicly thus decreasing MPG.