Spacer for suspension lift

Post by **CommandoJK** » Sat May 19, 2012 9:56 pm

Attempted to install Spacers today on my Xterra and failed. Looked online for some guidance but didn't really get much. Apart from having a hell of a time getting some of the bolt off other bolts I couldn't even get at. do I need to take the control arm off?

And sprayed the hell out of the bolts for the past few weeks and still dont want to come off.

Any advice or do you know where I can get proper instructions?

Post by **Miner** » Tue May 22, 2012 1:51 pm

If I remember correctly you need to unbolt the swaybar end links, support the vehicle, remove the wheel, and with the suspension fully extended separate the upper ball joint, support the spindle so that the CV shaft doesn't pull out of the diff, remove the lower strut bolt followed by the three upper bolts. Re-install in the reverse order.

Link to instructions <url>performancelifts.com/installation/prg/PRGLKINST.pdf</url>

Post by **CommandoJK** » Tue May 22, 2012 9:39 pm

Thank you, That helped alot will be attempting install this weekend, hopefully all goes well.

Post by **Miner** » Fri May 25, 2012 10:37 am

No problem, follow the PRG instructions and take care with the upper ball joint.

Post by **CommandoJK** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 12:02 pm

Problems Still, 2 things

Need new tires got some territory's prices out with new steels installed for just under 1400, but don't have the front spacer installed due to time and still unsure as to how to do it and don't have some tools needed to make it happen.

I'm currently on 265/65/R17 and I'm looking at buying 285/70/R17, is it alright to run that size without having the front spacer installed? Crappy tire told me it will be about 500 dollars to install the spacer and I'm not paying that unless absolutely have to.

Any info would help, don't mind cutting bumper a bit if have to, starting to fall off anyway due to old man backing up into it.

Thanks Again!

Post by **the x kid** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 7:38 pm

Those tires should fit. I think you could get a better price than that for someone to put those spacers in. Is there any 4x4 shops around there. National 4x4 or something. Ask your friends if they have a good mechanic. I found one where I just gave him the brake parts and he did them for a $100 cash.

Post by **Rev** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 8:23 pm

Do not have Canadian tire do this!

I ran that size tire on my otherwise stock 2008 for a number of months. You just may have to do the melt mod.

Post by **Adam** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 8:44 pm

What tools do you need? Unless its a press or something I can probably help you out.

Post by **Nismojunky** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 9:46 pm

there super easy to do, if your down this way let me know and swing by i can do the lift no problem

Post by **CommandoJK** » Tue Jun 26, 2012 10:24 pm

Called a few places gonna bring it in and see what they quote me.
Forgot about National 4x4 but leaving my truck anywhere for a long period of time will be hard for me to do.
I don't really trust CT to do it.

Looked up the melt mod, doesn't seem to hard, smash the Sh*t out of it seems the be the general consensus I have gotten.

Miner gave me a link that shows how to install but some of the bolt are so rusted they disintegrate when i get the nut on them. So I'm unsure as to what to do from that point. I know you have to take the control arm off of the coil-over and then take the coil-over and strut off but i attempted that and they didn't come off, used a ton of WD40 and a impact gun and long wrench, and nothing.

I figure basic tools would suffice, from what I researched about it, major issue like i said is bolts rounding and disintegrate.

NismoJunky, you are quite the ways away from me. how long does it take you to put the lift in?

Post by **Draconian** » Wed Jun 27, 2012 1:22 am

The melt mod how to isn't the best. No offense to who wrote it. You don't smash it! LOL Simply heat up the plastic and push it in and hold it there until it cools down. I noticed that if you spray water while it cools it helps a lot. I am currently running 285/75/R16 On my truck with the melt mod and even took it on a run already.

Post by **CommandoJK** » Thu Jun 28, 2012 5:34 pm

Got the tires, they are installed, but one slightly major issue is that the tires are wider then original and now there is a big worry that CT made about the tire rubbing against the Control Arm bolt and shredding the tire over time. There is about a 1/2inch from bolt to tire, I can get my fingers between the two thought, any ideas? Spacer seems like the best bet I am assuming?

Anyone else having this issue??

Have to do the melt mod and fender cutting soon!

Post by **Miner** » Fri Jun 29, 2012 3:17 pm

What could cause that gap to change (get smaller)? If you are talking about the upper spindle/ball joint bolt that distance will never change.

Post by **CommandoJK** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 2:09 pm

I got a wider tire and it is closer to the ball joint bolt, when i meant spacer, I'm talking about a wheel spacer to push it out 2inches. I know the suspension spacer wont do anything.

Post by **petezee** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 3:09 pm

Try National 4x4. I just had a lift and new rubber put on. I made arrangements to book a date, confirmed that date the day before.
I dropped my X off in the morning and it was done at the end of day. These guys are easy to work with, just need to get everyone on the same schedule.
They also sell the machined steel spacers you may be looking for to offset your tires from rubbing on the inside.

Cheers

Post by **Miner** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 10:48 am

And note of warning, wheel spacers can cause a number of "concerns". In this case if you install them your offset increases, this causes the wheel to travel through a larger arc when turning. Essentially the spacer may/will cause the tire to rub the front bumper and the rear of the wheel well (melt mod area).

Post by **CommandoJK** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 10:07 pm

Thanks for the heads up! Going to be doing the melting and cutting this weekend to make sure to stop the rubbing.

Appreciate all the help!

Canadian Nissan Truck Club