Leveling Kit Nissan Frontier
So, you're thinking about installing a leveling kit on your Nissan Frontier? Good choice. It's a relatively straightforward modification that can dramatically improve the look and functionality of your truck. This article will guide you through everything you need to know, from understanding the benefits to choosing the right kit and tackling the installation process. We'll assume you've got some wrenching experience – you know how to use basic tools and are comfortable working on your truck's suspension.
What is a Leveling Kit, and Why Install One on a Frontier?
A leveling kit is designed to raise the front of your truck to match, or nearly match, the height of the rear. From the factory, many trucks, including the Nissan Frontier, have a slight rake – the rear sits higher than the front. This is often done to accommodate payload in the bed and prevent the headlights from pointing upwards when loaded. However, many owners prefer a level stance for aesthetic reasons, improved visibility, and the ability to fit slightly larger tires. Here's a breakdown of the benefits:
- Improved Aesthetics: Let's be honest, a level truck just looks better to many people. The elimination of the factory rake gives the truck a more aggressive and balanced appearance.
- Increased Tire Clearance: A leveled Frontier can often accommodate slightly larger tires without rubbing. This can improve off-road performance and further enhance the truck's look. Keep in mind that just because a kit *allows* for larger tires doesn't guarantee they'll fit without modification. Tire size is affected by more than just suspension lift – wheel offset and width play a significant role.
- Improved Visibility: Raising the front of the truck can slightly improve your line of sight, especially over the hood.
It's important to understand that a leveling kit is not the same as a lift kit. Leveling kits generally provide a modest amount of lift (typically 1.5 to 3 inches), while lift kits can provide significantly more, often requiring more extensive modifications. Leveling kits focus primarily on the front suspension, while lift kits often address both the front and rear. Choosing the right option depends on your needs and budget.
Types of Leveling Kits for the Nissan Frontier
For the Nissan Frontier, the most common types of leveling kits are:
- Strut Spacers: These are the simplest and most affordable option. Strut spacers are installed on top of the front struts, effectively increasing the distance between the strut mount and the strut body. This pushes the strut assembly downwards, raising the front of the truck. They're relatively easy to install but can sometimes affect ride quality.
- Coil Spring Spacers: Similar to strut spacers, but these are installed inside the coil spring. They compress the coil spring slightly, increasing its spring rate and raising the front of the truck. They are less common and may be more difficult to install.
- Torsion Bar Keys (Older Frontiers - Pre-2005): Some older Frontiers (typically those with a torsion bar front suspension) use torsion bar keys. Replacing these keys with indexed (or "re-indexed") keys allows you to crank up the torsion bars, effectively raising the front of the truck. However, cranking the torsion bars too much can negatively affect ride quality and ball joint angle. This method is not applicable to newer Frontiers (2005+) that use coil springs.
When choosing a leveling kit, consider the following:
- Amount of Lift: How much lift do you need to achieve the desired look and tire clearance? Be realistic. Overdoing it can lead to other issues.
- Ride Quality: Some kits can negatively impact ride quality. Read reviews and research the kit thoroughly before purchasing.
- Installation Difficulty: How comfortable are you with the installation process? Strut spacers are generally the easiest to install.
- Budget: Leveling kits range in price from relatively inexpensive to moderately priced. Set a budget and stick to it.
- Quality of Components: Don't cheap out on critical suspension components. Opt for reputable brands and high-quality materials.
Installation Process: Strut Spacer Leveling Kit (Common Example)
This guide focuses on the installation of a strut spacer leveling kit, as it's the most common type used on newer Nissan Frontiers. Always consult the specific instructions provided with your leveling kit, as procedures can vary slightly.
Safety First! Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Jack stands (heavy duty)
- Wheel chocks
- Torque wrench
- A comprehensive socket set (metric)
- Wrenches (metric)
- Hammer
- Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster)
- Spring compressor (rentable from most auto parts stores – essential)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare the Vehicle: Park the truck on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels, but don't remove them yet.
- Raise and Secure the Vehicle: Use a jack to raise the front of the truck. Place jack stands securely under the frame rails behind the lower control arms. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Remove the front wheels.
- Disconnect Sway Bar End Links: Use a wrench and socket to disconnect the sway bar end links from the strut assembly. Spray with penetrating oil if necessary.
- Disconnect ABS Wire and Brake Line: Carefully disconnect the ABS wire and brake line from the strut assembly. Be careful not to damage these components. Make sure they are safely out of the way.
- Remove the Strut Assembly:
- Locate the two bolts securing the strut assembly to the steering knuckle. Spray them with penetrating oil and remove them. You might need a hammer to gently tap the strut assembly free.
- Carefully remove the three nuts holding the top of the strut assembly to the truck's frame. These can be stubborn, so use penetrating oil and patience.
- With all the connections detached, carefully remove the entire strut assembly from the vehicle.
- Compress the Coil Spring: This is the most dangerous part of the process. Use a spring compressor according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the spring is securely compressed before proceeding. Improper use of a spring compressor can result in serious injury or death.
- Disassemble the Strut: Once the spring is safely compressed, remove the top nut from the strut. This will release the top hat. Be extremely careful, as the spring is still under tension.
- Install the Strut Spacer: Place the strut spacer on top of the strut assembly, between the top hat and the strut mount.
- Reassemble the Strut: Reinstall the top nut, ensuring it is tightened to the manufacturer's specifications. Slowly and carefully release the spring compressor, ensuring the spring seats correctly.
- Reinstall the Strut Assembly: Carefully reinstall the strut assembly into the truck, reversing the removal process. Tighten all bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. Make sure the ABS wire and brake line are reconnected properly.
- Reinstall Sway Bar End Links: Reconnect the sway bar end links to the strut assembly.
- Reinstall Wheels and Lower Vehicle: Reinstall the wheels and lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.
- Repeat on the Other Side: Repeat the entire process on the other side of the truck.
- Alignment: After installing a leveling kit, it is absolutely crucial to get a professional wheel alignment. This will ensure proper tire wear and handling. Failure to do so can result in premature tire wear and unsafe driving conditions.
Important Considerations and Potential Issues
- Ball Joint Angle: Raising the front of your truck can change the angle of your ball joints, potentially leading to premature wear. If you're installing a leveling kit that provides more than 2 inches of lift, consider installing aftermarket upper control arms with corrected ball joint angles to mitigate this issue.
- CV Axle Angle (4x4 Models): Similar to ball joints, increasing the front ride height can also increase the CV axle angle on 4x4 models. Excessive angles can lead to premature CV axle failure. Again, limiting the lift to a reasonable amount (under 3 inches) can help minimize this.
- Ride Quality: Some leveling kits, especially those that rely on simple strut spacers, can negatively impact ride quality. The ride may become stiffer or more bouncy.
- Headlight Aim: After installing a leveling kit, you may need to adjust your headlights to ensure they are properly aimed.
- Warranty: Installing a leveling kit may void portions of your factory warranty, particularly those related to the suspension. Check with your dealer or warranty provider before proceeding.
Conclusion
Installing a leveling kit on your Nissan Frontier is a rewarding project that can significantly improve its appearance and functionality. By understanding the different types of kits available, following the installation instructions carefully, and addressing potential issues, you can achieve the desired results and enjoy a more capable and stylish truck. Remember to prioritize safety and consult with a professional if you're unsure about any aspect of the installation process. And don't forget that alignment! Good luck, and happy wrenching!