2007 Nissan Frontier Lift Kit

So, you're thinking about lifting your 2007 Nissan Frontier? Awesome! Frontiers are fantastic trucks, and a lift can really enhance their off-road capability and overall look. But before you dive in, let's talk about what's involved, potential issues you might encounter, and how to tackle them like a pro.

Why Lift a 2007 Nissan Frontier?

First, let's quickly cover why you might want to lift your Frontier in the first place. The most common reasons include:

Increased ground clearance: This is huge if you plan on doing any serious off-roading. A lift allows you to clear obstacles that would otherwise scrape the undercarriage.
Larger tires: A lift allows you to fit bigger, more aggressive tires, further improving off-road traction and aesthetics.
Improved approach and departure angles: These angles determine how steep of an obstacle your truck can climb or descend without hitting the front or rear bumper.
Aesthetics: Let's be honest, lifted trucks just look cool!

Choosing the Right Lift Kit

Now, the tricky part: selecting the right lift kit. There are generally two main types to consider:

Spacer Lifts (Budget Boosts)

These are typically the most affordable option. They involve installing spacers on top of your existing struts and/or coil springs. This effectively pushes the suspension down, creating lift. They're easy to install, but they don't actually improve suspension performance. Think of them as more of a cosmetic upgrade. Common lift heights range from 1.5" to 3".

Potential Issues with Spacer Lifts: Over-extending the suspension components, leading to a harsher ride and potentially accelerated wear on ball joints and CV axles. Also, they don't address the factory shocks, which may not be long enough for the increased travel.

Suspension Lifts

These are more comprehensive and involve replacing your factory suspension components (shocks, springs, control arms, etc.) with longer, heavier-duty versions. They provide actual improvements in off-road performance and ride quality. These are generally more expensive and require more involved installation. Lift heights typically range from 2" to 6" or even more.

Benefits of Suspension Lifts: Improved articulation, better ride quality, increased durability, and the ability to handle more demanding terrain.

Common Problems and Solutions with 2007 Frontier Lift Kits

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here are some common issues you might face when lifting your 2007 Frontier and how to solve them:

1. Front End Vibration (Needle Bearing Issue)

This is a very common problem with lifted Frontiers, particularly those with 4x4. The issue lies with the driver's side needle bearing inside the front differential. When you lift the truck, the increased angle on the CV axle can cause the needle bearing to bind and vibrate, especially in 2WD at certain speeds. It often feels like a rumble or growl coming from the front driver's side.

Solution: The most common fix is to replace the needle bearing with a bushing. Several aftermarket options are available, such as the ECGS (East Coast Gear Supply) bushing. This bushing eliminates the needle bearing altogether and provides a more stable and reliable solution. Expect to spend around $100-$200 for the bushing itself, plus labor if you're not comfortable doing it yourself. You'll need to drop the front differential to perform this repair.

2. CV Axle Angle Issues

Excessive lift, especially with spacer lifts, can put undue stress on your CV axles. This can lead to premature wear and even breakage. Symptoms include clicking or popping noises during turns, especially when in 4WD.

Solutions:

Limit lift height: Stick to a moderate lift height (2-3 inches) to minimize CV axle angle issues.
Diff drop kit: These kits lower the front differential, reducing the angle on the CV axles. They're relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Expect to pay around $50-$150 for a diff drop kit.
High-angle CV axles: These are designed to handle steeper angles and are a more robust solution, but they are also more expensive.

3. Brake Line Length

With any lift, you need to ensure that your brake lines have enough slack. If they are stretched too tight, they can break, leading to a catastrophic loss of braking power. This is especially crucial in the rear.

Solution: Replace your factory brake lines with extended brake lines. Stainless steel braided lines are a popular choice as they offer improved durability and performance. A set of extended brake lines will typically cost between $100 and $200.

4. Alignment Problems

After installing a lift kit, it's absolutely essential to get a proper wheel alignment. Lifting your truck will alter the suspension geometry, throwing the alignment out of whack. This can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and even steering wheel vibration.

Solution: Take your truck to a reputable alignment shop immediately after installing the lift kit. You may need to install aftermarket upper control arms to achieve proper alignment, especially with lifts over 3". These arms allow for greater adjustability of camber and caster. Expect to pay around $80-$150 for an alignment. Upper control arms can range from $300 to $800 depending on the brand and features.

5. Steering Issues (Bump Steer)

Bump steer occurs when the steering linkage and suspension travel through different arcs. This can cause the steering wheel to jerk or pull to one side when you hit a bump. It's often more noticeable with taller lifts.

Solution: This can be a tricky issue to resolve. Sometimes a proper alignment can help. In more severe cases, you may need to install a dropped pitman arm or steering linkage correction kit to maintain proper steering geometry. This corrects the angle of the steering components, reducing bump steer. Expect to pay $150 - $400 for a solution here depending on the type needed.

6. Rear Axle Wrap

This is more of a concern with trucks that see heavy off-road use or have increased horsepower. Axle wrap occurs when the leaf springs flex excessively under acceleration, causing the rear axle to rotate. This can lead to wheel hop, reduced traction, and even damage to the leaf springs.

Solution: Install traction bars or a leaf spring anti-wrap kit. These devices help to control axle wrap and improve traction. Traction bars are typically welded to the frame and axle, while anti-wrap kits are bolted on. Traction bars or leaf spring anti-wrap kits will range from $200 to $500 depending on what you choose.

Tools and Supplies You'll Need

Depending on the complexity of the lift kit you choose, you'll need a variety of tools. Here's a general list:

Jack and jack stands (heavy-duty)
Wheel chocks
Socket set (metric)
Wrench set (metric)
Torque wrench
Ball joint separator (pickle fork or ball joint press)
Hammer
Pry bar
Spring compressor (if required by the kit)
Alignment tools (for checking alignment)
Penetrating oil (PB Blaster or similar)
Grease gun
Safety glasses
Gloves

Pro Tip: Before you start, soak all the bolts and nuts with penetrating oil for several days to make them easier to remove. A little patience here can save you a lot of headaches later.

Approximate Costs

Here's a breakdown of the approximate costs involved in lifting a 2007 Nissan Frontier:

Spacer lift kit: $100 - $300
Suspension lift kit: $500 - $3000+ (depending on quality and features)
Installation labor: $300 - $1000+ (depending on the complexity and shop rates)
Alignment: $80 - $150
Extended brake lines: $100 - $200
Diff drop kit: $50 - $150
Upper control arms: $300 - $800
Needle bearing bushing replacement: $100 - $200 (parts only)
Tires and wheels: $800 - $2000+ (depending on size and brand)

Important Note: These are just estimates. Prices can vary depending on your location, the specific parts you choose, and the shop you use.

Final Thoughts

Lifting your 2007 Nissan Frontier can be a rewarding project that significantly enhances its off-road capabilities and appearance. However, it's crucial to do your research, choose the right lift kit for your needs, and address any potential issues proactively. If you're not comfortable performing the installation yourself, it's best to entrust the job to a qualified mechanic. Remember, safety is paramount! Double-check all your work, torque fasteners to the correct specifications, and always wear appropriate safety gear. With a little planning and effort, you can transform your Frontier into the off-road machine you've always dreamed of!