Front Suspension Lift Causing Premature Breakage
Goliath the X
04-21-2002, 01:43 PM
I want to collect some data on everyone's front suspension set up and what has failed.
Please keep this thread on track. I'll ask Schlud to delete any post which is off topic, if you want to discuss any of this information please start a new thread.
Please post your complete front suspension lift configuration and what you have had to replace. If you don't have any front suspension modification but you are still breaking components please list that. If possible please include the duration and milage of each components life span. If the failure was "operator error", please include that too.
I will analyze the data for interaction and post the results for everyone to see. I will also periodically reanalyze the data when new data becomes available.
Reason: I'm doing this because I'm interested in a front suspension lift, but it is not worth it to me if it is going to cause numerous problems and premature failure of numerous components.
Thank you!
Please keep this thread on track. I'll ask Schlud to delete any post which is off topic, if you want to discuss any of this information please start a new thread.
Please post your complete front suspension lift configuration and what you have had to replace. If you don't have any front suspension modification but you are still breaking components please list that. If possible please include the duration and milage of each components life span. If the failure was "operator error", please include that too.
I will analyze the data for interaction and post the results for everyone to see. I will also periodically reanalyze the data when new data becomes available.
Reason: I'm doing this because I'm interested in a front suspension lift, but it is not worth it to me if it is going to cause numerous problems and premature failure of numerous components.
Thank you!
xoc
04-22-2002, 04:23 AM
Center relay rod idler pivot bushing wear.
Idler arm bushing wear.
Both are plastic bushings, and accelerated wear should be expected with the increased angle of the tie-rods.
Idler arm bushing wear.
Both are plastic bushings, and accelerated wear should be expected with the increased angle of the tie-rods.
warmonger
04-22-2002, 05:04 AM
One idler arm before lift, one idler arm after lift. All within a few weeks time span. Problems occurred after 32" tire and 16X8 rim install. 4.5" BS on rims.
Maddog
04-22-2002, 07:34 AM
Setup: SLR Lift w/ NISMO T-bars
Problems:
Exploded Nissan automatic hub (This might not be related to the lift though, the hub in question had a significant impact with a 7 point buck the night before it broke so that may have something to do with it)
Worn Idler Arm bushing
Haven't checked the idler pivot bushing for wear like Ian's so that's it for now.
Dog
Problems:
Exploded Nissan automatic hub (This might not be related to the lift though, the hub in question had a significant impact with a 7 point buck the night before it broke so that may have something to do with it)
Worn Idler Arm bushing
Haven't checked the idler pivot bushing for wear like Ian's so that's it for now.
Dog
Stormy
04-22-2002, 10:04 PM
Exploded passenger side CV...
Schludwiller
04-23-2002, 01:24 AM
No breakage yet. SLR front end 3" susp.
I did have a problem with the SLR idler arm brace impacting the centerlink on hard left turns. Took it off and no problems. I noticed Spencer doesn't have this part on his site anymore, maybe because of this problem. Haven't talked to him about it yet.
I did have a problem with the SLR idler arm brace impacting the centerlink on hard left turns. Took it off and no problems. I noticed Spencer doesn't have this part on his site anymore, maybe because of this problem. Haven't talked to him about it yet.
Schludwiller
04-23-2002, 06:28 PM
Apparently SLR has a new design for the brace now.
RedX
05-09-2002, 02:13 AM
EOE/AC 3" suspension lift.
No reportable problems yet, except for some work getting the thing into alignment. Finally found a good, competent shop who did it.
But no problems with breakage off-road...(yet).
No reportable problems yet, except for some work getting the thing into alignment. Finally found a good, competent shop who did it.
But no problems with breakage off-road...(yet).
XSAL
05-13-2002, 03:22 PM
Calmini 3" Suspension Lift
...Exactly speaking, Calmini A-Arms, Calmini Idler Arm Brace, Sway-A-Way t-bars (shortly), Calmini AAL, SLR 2" shackles, and 31" M/T.
Oh, and extra weights of Calmini winch bumper and Warn XD9000i winch.
No suspension problem to report yet.
...Exactly speaking, Calmini A-Arms, Calmini Idler Arm Brace, Sway-A-Way t-bars (shortly), Calmini AAL, SLR 2" shackles, and 31" M/T.
Oh, and extra weights of Calmini winch bumper and Warn XD9000i winch.
No suspension problem to report yet.
areuin
05-14-2002, 06:56 AM
AC front A-arms, Rancho AAL, SLR shackle rear, 32" tires.
Nothing broken yet. :eek:
Edited: Now have ARB (1 week), S.A.W. t-bars (1 month?) - still no issues other than getting the alignment correct after lift installed.
Nothing broken yet. :eek:
Edited: Now have ARB (1 week), S.A.W. t-bars (1 month?) - still no issues other than getting the alignment correct after lift installed.
XSAL
05-14-2002, 12:30 PM
John,
You have to take yours out. :D
Join us.:smoker:
You have to take yours out. :D
Join us.:smoker:
Stormy
06-05-2002, 12:59 PM
Add a centerlink to my truck
XSAL
06-17-2002, 04:53 PM
Originally posted by XSAL
Calmini 3" Suspension Lift
...Exactly speaking, Calmini A-Arms, Calmini Idler Arm Brace, Sway-A-Way t-bars (shortly), Calmini AAL, SLR 2" shackles, and 31" M/T.
Oh, and extra weights of Calmini winch bumper and Warn XD9000i winch.
No suspension problem to report yet.
Sway-A-Way t-bars have been installed.
It's been almost 2 months, less than 4,000 miles on odometer, and 4-trail runs since the suspension lift was installed (4/20). At the end of trail run on Sunday (6/16), I can now see some wear on the centerlink.
By the way, I ran the entire trail on Sun. without airing down at all. Is there any possibility that street air pressure might have contributed the centerlink to wear faster? (I think it did, but I'd like to hear other people's opinions as well...)
Calmini 3" Suspension Lift
...Exactly speaking, Calmini A-Arms, Calmini Idler Arm Brace, Sway-A-Way t-bars (shortly), Calmini AAL, SLR 2" shackles, and 31" M/T.
Oh, and extra weights of Calmini winch bumper and Warn XD9000i winch.
No suspension problem to report yet.
Sway-A-Way t-bars have been installed.
It's been almost 2 months, less than 4,000 miles on odometer, and 4-trail runs since the suspension lift was installed (4/20). At the end of trail run on Sunday (6/16), I can now see some wear on the centerlink.
By the way, I ran the entire trail on Sun. without airing down at all. Is there any possibility that street air pressure might have contributed the centerlink to wear faster? (I think it did, but I'd like to hear other people's opinions as well...)
rrdstarr
06-17-2002, 05:47 PM
Centerlink wear has got nothing to do with tire pressure! It's bigger tires and the lifts, in my humble opinion, that causes the wear.
XSAL
06-17-2002, 05:56 PM
Well, what I meant was that if the tires' psi are at street level, then rubber/tire cannot absorb as much bumps/rocks as the aired down level?
I'm sure you've felt the difference between the tire's psi even on pavement. So, the impact from every rocks (large or small) that you go over has to be absorbed at somewhere. If the tires are aired down, then, wouldn't that softness transfer less impact to the steering system (I know that shocks are there for a reason, but I'm talking about the impacts that are more than shocks can handle)?
I'm sure you've felt the difference between the tire's psi even on pavement. So, the impact from every rocks (large or small) that you go over has to be absorbed at somewhere. If the tires are aired down, then, wouldn't that softness transfer less impact to the steering system (I know that shocks are there for a reason, but I'm talking about the impacts that are more than shocks can handle)?
rrdstarr
06-17-2002, 06:24 PM
"but I'm talking about the impacts that are more than shocks can handle)?" I'd think you would break A-arms and tie-rodsand twist the frame if you are hitting that hard! But yeah, lowering the tire pressure does lessen the "impact" to the steering system when offroad. I also have a steering stabilizer which abosrbs a lot of "felt" impact to my hands. XOC/Ian seems to think that steering stabilizers allow the impact to be spread to weaker parts like the centerlink, idler arm, and tie rods. Everyone has a different opinion on the subject???:confused:
Walrus
06-17-2002, 09:40 PM
Originally posted by XSAL
At the end of trail run on Sunday (6/16), I can now see some wear on the centerlink
What do you look for to see this.. I know what and where everything is in the front end, just don't know what to look for when looking for wear. After the last two trail runs, I have noticed the steering isn't as tight/precise.. but I'm probably being paranoid.
At the end of trail run on Sunday (6/16), I can now see some wear on the centerlink
What do you look for to see this.. I know what and where everything is in the front end, just don't know what to look for when looking for wear. After the last two trail runs, I have noticed the steering isn't as tight/precise.. but I'm probably being paranoid.
XSAL
06-17-2002, 10:13 PM
Originally posted by Walrus
What do you look for to see this.. I know what and where everything is in the front end, just don't know what to look for when looking for wear. After the last two trail runs, I have noticed the steering isn't as tight/precise.. but I'm probably being paranoid.
I know I am paranoid about this... Well, I read this thread from XOC board (http://www.xterraownersclub.com/cgi-local/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=37;t=000715).
I think I can see a little twist or up and down motion with the center link, but I'm not completely sure if that really means that my CL is shot.
I had my mechanic friend take a look at my CL, and he says that it's still okay. Right after I got off the trail yesterday, the steering wheel felt like it had little more free play than before, but I could not tell if there was anything different about the way my xterra drives.
I guess I'll keep my eyes on it to see if it gets any worse...
What do you look for to see this.. I know what and where everything is in the front end, just don't know what to look for when looking for wear. After the last two trail runs, I have noticed the steering isn't as tight/precise.. but I'm probably being paranoid.
I know I am paranoid about this... Well, I read this thread from XOC board (http://www.xterraownersclub.com/cgi-local/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=37;t=000715).
I think I can see a little twist or up and down motion with the center link, but I'm not completely sure if that really means that my CL is shot.
I had my mechanic friend take a look at my CL, and he says that it's still okay. Right after I got off the trail yesterday, the steering wheel felt like it had little more free play than before, but I could not tell if there was anything different about the way my xterra drives.
I guess I'll keep my eyes on it to see if it gets any worse...
Stormy
06-18-2002, 10:54 AM
Originally posted by Walrus
What do you look for to see this.. I know what and where everything is in the front end, just don't know what to look for when looking for wear. After the last two trail runs, I have noticed the steering isn't as tight/precise.. but I'm probably being paranoid.
Normal:
http://www.superjens.com/xterra/c-linkdown.jpg
With added pressure:
http://www.superjens.com/xterra/c-linkup.jpg
If you look closely, you can see where it's hitting the frame.
What do you look for to see this.. I know what and where everything is in the front end, just don't know what to look for when looking for wear. After the last two trail runs, I have noticed the steering isn't as tight/precise.. but I'm probably being paranoid.
Normal:
http://www.superjens.com/xterra/c-linkdown.jpg
With added pressure:
http://www.superjens.com/xterra/c-linkup.jpg
If you look closely, you can see where it's hitting the frame.
cmxterra
06-18-2002, 02:42 PM
Currently...
Calmini upper control arms
Sway-a-way torsion bars (Nismo)
Rancho AAL
SLR shackle
Calmini Idler arm brace.
I did have the AC upper control arms but due to an alignment issue (I could not get them into alignment, that and the fact that the bushing were going to hell) I switched.
Replaced the center link
Calmini upper control arms
Sway-a-way torsion bars (Nismo)
Rancho AAL
SLR shackle
Calmini Idler arm brace.
I did have the AC upper control arms but due to an alignment issue (I could not get them into alignment, that and the fact that the bushing were going to hell) I switched.
Replaced the center link
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