(new guy) - body lift vs suspension

[o2jackDX]

Alright well this is my first post on this forum.. but I have read a lot of the threads on here and a lot of you guys seem to have a legitimate grasp on the Xterra and getting it up. I recently bought an 02 se 4wheel (got rid of my wrangler for a better ride).. and I was curious as to the best way to go. I know with the wranglers it was worth it to go with the suspension lift to protect the engine/trans and all that fun stuff- so I would imagine it is as well with the X. However, I was wondering if anyone could give me a basic pro/con of the body and suspension lifts. I haven't really seen many posts on here about body lifts and people who have opted for that route. I'm looking at a 2" lift with the body OR a 3" with the suspension (don't want to lose my ride and control- but need to get my off-road fix periodically). I will probably be putting 32's on.. but maybe 33's- dependent on which lift i choose. Thanks guys!

[sonic961]

First I would put a 3" suspension, but if you put 33" tires I would also recommend a 3" body lift. I have both with 2" shackles in rear and Nismo torsion bars in front. I do not recommed Nismo torsion bars because they become weak after awhile. I do have 33" tires, but I still need alittle more clearence up front.

[skibum1111]

33's are going to require a body lift and possibly some trimming of the plastic fender wells. Any thoughts about skid plates yet?

[OffroadX]

33x10.50 can be done without a body lift if you use the stock wheels and some moderate trimming along with a "poor man's lift" which is shackles in the rear and a torsion bar crank up front. A body lift makes it easier but is not mandatory.
32x11.50 will work with no lift at all on the factory wheels, just minor trimming. I run them with no lift at all and rarely have any problems off-road, I'd advise boning up on your skid plates and such before lifting if you're not looking to go beyond 32" tires anytime soon.

[sonic961]

First remove the splash guards and alittle triming of the front underneath bumper should work. I did rub a lot with Super Swampers SSR's but I have not had any problems with Goodyear MTR's.

[sonic961]

http://www.shrockworks.com/ or www.Calmini.com makes skid plates. They do add a lot of weight to vehicle. However they do a great job protecting your X