2020 Nissan Frontier Lift Kit

The 2020 Nissan Frontier, despite retaining its familiar body style, marked a point of slight modernization before the major overhaul in 2022. For enthusiasts looking to enhance its off-road capability and aggressive stance, lift kits are a popular modification. This article delves into the world of lift kits for the 2020 Frontier, covering different types, installation considerations, and performance implications.

Understanding Lift Kits for the 2020 Nissan Frontier

A lift kit elevates the body and/or suspension of your vehicle, increasing ground clearance and allowing for larger tires. For the 2020 Frontier, this translates to improved off-road performance, a more imposing appearance, and the ability to tackle tougher terrain. However, it's crucial to understand the different types of lift kits available and their impact on your truck's handling and reliability.

Types of Lift Kits

Generally, lift kits fall into two main categories: body lifts and suspension lifts. Understanding the differences is essential for making an informed decision.

Body Lifts

A body lift raises the body of the truck away from the frame using spacers. They are typically the most affordable option and are relatively straightforward to install. Body lifts primarily offer aesthetic benefits and allow for larger tires, but they don't improve suspension articulation or off-road performance directly. The original suspension geometry remains unchanged. A common size for body lifts on the 2020 Frontier is 2-3 inches.

Suspension Lifts

Suspension lifts are more complex and involve modifying the suspension components to achieve the desired lift. These kits provide increased ground clearance, improved suspension travel, and enhanced off-road performance. Suspension lifts often include new shocks, springs, control arms, and other components to optimize the lifted ride.

Within suspension lifts, there are several subcategories:

Coil Spring Spacers: These are a budget-friendly option to add a small amount of lift. They sit on top of the coil springs, effectively preloading them and raising the vehicle. While inexpensive, they can negatively affect ride quality.
Lift Springs: Replacing the factory springs with longer, stiffer springs is a common method for achieving lift. This often provides a more comfortable and controlled ride compared to spacers. Companies like Old Man Emu (OME) are known for producing high-quality lift springs for the Frontier.
Torsion Bar Keys (Frontier 4x4): For 4x4 models with torsion bar front suspension, replacement torsion bar keys allow you to adjust the ride height. However, cranking the torsion bars too much can lead to a harsh ride and premature wear of suspension components.
Complete Suspension Systems: These are the most comprehensive (and often the most expensive) option. They typically include new shocks, springs, control arms, and other components designed to work together for optimal performance and ride quality. Brands like BDS Suspension and ICON Vehicle Dynamics offer complete systems for the 2020 Frontier.

Key Components and Considerations

When selecting a lift kit, several components and factors need careful consideration:

Shocks

Upgrading shocks is crucial for maintaining ride quality and controlling the vehicle after lifting. Longer shocks are necessary to accommodate the increased suspension travel. Look for shocks specifically designed for lifted vehicles, with appropriate valving to handle larger tires and off-road conditions. Popular brands include Bilstein, Fox Racing Shocks, and King Shocks.

Control Arms

For lifts exceeding 2-3 inches, aftermarket upper control arms are often recommended. These arms provide improved ball joint angles and allow for proper wheel alignment, preventing premature wear of tires and suspension components. Uniball control arms offer superior articulation compared to traditional ball joint arms, but require more maintenance.

Driveshaft Considerations

Lifting the vehicle can alter the driveline angles, potentially causing vibrations or premature wear of the driveshaft and U-joints. Depending on the lift height, a driveshaft spacer or a longer driveshaft may be necessary to correct these angles.

Brake Lines

Ensure that the brake lines have sufficient length after lifting the vehicle. Longer brake lines may be required to prevent them from becoming stretched or damaged during suspension articulation.

Sway Bar Links

Extended sway bar links help maintain proper sway bar geometry after lifting, preventing binding and ensuring effective sway bar function.

Tire Size and Wheel Offset

A primary reason for installing a lift kit is to accommodate larger tires. When selecting tires, consider the overall diameter and width to ensure they don't rub against the fenders or suspension components. Wheel offset also plays a crucial role in tire fitment. A wheel with a negative offset will push the tire outward, providing more clearance but potentially affecting handling. Common tire sizes used with a 2-3 inch lift on the 2020 Frontier are 265/75R16 or 285/70R17.

Installation

Installing a lift kit can range from relatively simple (body lift or coil spring spacers) to quite complex (complete suspension system). It's essential to assess your mechanical skills and experience before attempting the installation yourself. If you're not comfortable working on suspension systems, it's best to have the kit installed by a qualified mechanic.

Tools Required:

Jack and jack stands
Wheel chocks
Socket set and wrenches
Torque wrench
Spring compressor (for coil spring replacement)
Ball joint separator
Hammer
Alignment tools (optional, but recommended)

Installation Steps (General Overview):

Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels.
Raise the vehicle and secure it with jack stands.
Remove the wheels.
Disconnect the necessary suspension components (shocks, springs, control arms, etc.).
Install the new lift kit components according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Reconnect all suspension components and torque them to the proper specifications.
Install the wheels and torque the lug nuts.
Lower the vehicle.
Get a professional wheel alignment.

Alignment After Lift Kit Installation

A proper wheel alignment is critical after installing a lift kit. Lifting the vehicle changes the suspension geometry, affecting the camber, caster, and toe angles. A misaligned vehicle can experience premature tire wear, poor handling, and reduced fuel economy. Take your 2020 Frontier to a reputable alignment shop after installing the lift kit to ensure the alignment is within factory specifications or adjusted for the desired handling characteristics.

Performance and Handling Implications

Lifting your 2020 Frontier will inevitably affect its performance and handling characteristics. It's essential to be aware of these changes and adjust your driving accordingly.

Increased Ground Clearance: This is the primary benefit of a lift kit, allowing you to navigate rough terrain with greater ease.
Larger Tires: Larger tires improve off-road traction and provide a more aggressive appearance.
Higher Center of Gravity: Lifting the vehicle raises the center of gravity, making it more prone to body roll in corners. This can reduce handling stability, especially at higher speeds.
Altered Suspension Geometry: The changes in suspension geometry can affect ride quality and handling. A properly designed and installed lift kit can minimize these negative effects, but it's important to choose a kit that is appropriate for your driving style and intended use.
Fuel Economy: Larger tires and increased weight can negatively impact fuel economy.

Real-World Example

Consider a Frontier owner who frequently uses their truck for weekend camping trips on forest service roads. They might choose a 2-inch suspension lift with upgraded shocks and slightly larger all-terrain tires (e.g., 265/75R16). This setup would provide enough ground clearance to navigate moderate obstacles without significantly compromising on-road handling or fuel economy. A more hardcore off-roader tackling rock crawling trails might opt for a 3-inch or larger lift with heavy-duty suspension components, upper control arms, and aggressive mud-terrain tires.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lift kit for your 2020 Nissan Frontier requires careful consideration of your budget, intended use, and mechanical skills. Understanding the different types of lift kits, key components, and performance implications will help you make an informed decision and achieve the desired look and capability for your truck. Remember to prioritize safety and consult with professionals when needed.