O.K. after doing some research around this is what I have come up with.

Calmini Upper Control Arms
Nismo 30% stiffer torsion bars, or the Calmini torsion bars
Bilstein 5100 series shocks all around
National Springs 10 leaf pack
Calmini Rear Swabar Extensions
Calmini Steering System
Calmini Idler Arm Brace
Calmini Shackles

So let me know what you all think about that set up. I have never lifted a vehicle so I am not up to par with everything that goes along with it.

Peace,

MooT

That's nearly the same setup I have except I have the SLR 3 leaf AAL's instead of the complete leaf pack. A couple things to note here:

Since you are lifting you'll be using the extended length Bilstien shocks. With those shocks you need to mount them can up in the back if you are going to use your swaybar. Even then, you will need to completely remove the swaybar if you are offroading. That pretty much makes the Calmini quick disconnects useless. You don't need the extra length they offer and simply disconnecting them doesn't get the swaybar out of the way so...??? Save your money here!

If you put the 10 leaf springs AND the Calmini shackles on together your truck is going to be super ass high for awhile. The National springs will flatten out after awhile and lose an inch or so of lift which will set you just about right in the back with the shackles. I would suggest either not putting the shackles in right away or carrying a lot of weight in the back for awhile.

I have the Calmini torsion bars on my truck and think they are great! However, I have also driven or ridden in trucks with the Nismo bars and would have to say they seem to feel the same to me. Infact, Calmini says theirs are not made by the same company but I'm still not convinced. I paid the extra for them because nobody in the club had them yet and I wanted to compare. Since the Nismo's are less expensive I would go with them if you're looking for a place to cut a few bucks. The Calmini ones are prettier though! :D

Since my Calmini steering system isn't here yet I can't give any feedback. Looks to be a superb setup though. I have looked at the SLR kit up close and it is very nice indeed. I'd rather wait though than spend that much money!

FWIW, I run my rear swaybar on the street and the ride and handling of my truck is superb. Without question, despite the extra 3 inches or so of lift I've got a much more level ride with reduced dive under braking and reduced lean in the turns (the shocks, stiffer t-bars, and AAL's really help!). I will always remove my rear swaybar completely when offroading since it only takes a few minutes to remove it. Otherwise the ride is too stiff in back and there is risk of damage to the swaybar and/or the right side shock. Those Bilstiens aren't cheap!

So those are my thoughts and I'm sticking to them. Congrats on being another parts whore like me!


:D

What do you think about the 9000 series shocks from Rancho? I am working on getting all the parts hopefully by the end of the year. I have a few toys of mine to sell to get the appropriate funds.

Peace,

MooT

What do you think about the 9000 series shocks from Rancho?

Well, I seem to be the Rancho man here so
I will say I lilke them a lot.

I have Bilsteins up front and Rancho 9000's
in the rear. I just switched from Rancho 9116's
to the new 99116's.

What I REALLY like is the adjustability.
Want it a little firmer or softer?
Just turn the knob.

And to change the subject slightly,
I left the 'boots' off the new shocks.
Some think they just trap dirt and mud
so I am going to try running without them.
I did notice that the boots on the
old Rancho's had developed a number
of holes and doubt if they were doing
much in the way of protection.


Toy Man

The Ranchos don't come in an extended length for the Xterra though do they?

I dunno; the Bilstiens are just right all the time without adjustability so I can't imagine the need but since I've never tried the Ranchos I should shut up now. :rolleyes:

The Ranchos don't come in an extended length for the Xterra though do they?

I don't know.

I had them on my stock springs and
they were fine.

I installed SLR 10 leaf spring and
they were fine.

I install the UB Skidderz w/top mounts
and the Rancho's were too long.

Installed low mount UB Skidderz and
the Ranchos were fine.

Toy Man

Originally posted by ChuckH
The Ranchos don't come in an extended length for the Xterra though do they?

I dunno; the Bilstiens are just right all the time without adjustability so I can't imagine the need but since I've never tried the Ranchos I should shut up now. :rolleyes:

every once in a while I carry a heavy load of stuff in the back on my X. this week for example I am moving all my crap to storage so I can make my way west. a few months ago I carried 500 lbs of water to a trail runnng envent I was volunteering at. It is very nice to be able to crank the shocks up to 5 to compensate for the added few hundred pounds of weight in the back and still maintain the nice ride. not to mention when i put the little cargo trailer on that i am using to move stuff. once i unload everything at the storage unit, I crank them back to 3 for the way home and am back to the nice cadillac feel.

I will probably go with the bilstiens up front once my KYBs are shot (I don't care for the KYBs), but not for the rear. the Ranchos have treated me quite well and with over 45,000 miles of driving on the shocks and a lot of heavy offroading, they are still in good shape.

To build my lift piece by piece what exactly should I get first? I'm thinking upper control arms, leaf spring pack, and shocks. Then I'll get the steering system and idler arm brace, torsion bars. Does that sound good to ya'll? Also what is the average going price of the National Springs 10-pack for X's running? Also would it just be better to buy the whole Calmini lift kit and then just upgrade the shocks and Leafs latter?

Peace,

MooT