2" Body lift aftermath (spiral cable)

[Chris_McCracken]

I put the 2" body lift on this weekend. Those directions SUCK! (At least for someone who has never put on a body lift). Of particular concern was the directions (or lack of) for extending the steering column. Anyhow, in all that mayhem, it seems that the steering wheel got over-rotated while the steering shaft was disconnected, breaking the "spiral cable". If you haven't heard of it before (I hadn't), its the adapter that connects the wires from the non-spinning steering column to the spinning steering wheel. The wires are for the horn, airbag, and cruise control. I now have none of those. I pulled the steering wheel to inspect it. It is not user-serviceable (just replaceable), as its considered a Restraint System Part. Has anyone had any experience with this part? In particular, I'm curious if its expensive (I'm guessing it is just because it says SRS on it), and how hard it is to find. The AutoZone guy was clueless, so I guess its a Nissan-only thing. I suppose I'll call some local dealers tomorrow for more insight.

[warmonger]

The device you are talking about is commonly called a coil assembly by American car manufacturers. It usually has a lock that engages when the steering wheel is removed to prevent exactly what you indicated from happening. It is usually best on an SIR system vehicle to lock the steering wheel in position when disconnected from the steering gear. I have never dealt with one on my X, but they are a major league pain in the buttocks on a GM product. Also they don't come cheap, at least on GM products.

[Chris_McCracken]

It was not really much trouble to get to or work on at all. None of the Nissan dealers knew what a spiral cable was (even though that's what the ESM calls it). The Haynes manual calls it a clockspring, and they knew what that was right away. List price $221.23. The local dealer will give me the wholesale price for an internet order $188. Ouch! I'm not sure when it broke, I did not notice any resistance or hear anything break as I was working on it. I tested the one on there with a multimeter, and none of the pins had continuity, so it is indeed broken.

[4wheelinX]

I mean which manufacturer did you get the body lift from? Just curious to see whose instructions sucked. Other than the install, any issues with the actual parts?

[Chris_McCracken]

It was the Performance Accessories 2" lift (the one AC sells, though I bought it through EOE). The instructions had no pictures whatsoever, so you had to pretty much guess what a lot of the parts were. Some of the parts didn't seem to fit anywhere. The radiator drop brackets were made incorrectly and had to be fixed. There were not "body support bracket extensions", or at least anything that would work with the Xterra, so those had to be built (just welded a longer bolt to the bottom of the existing bolt). It took about 20 hours with two fairly proficient people working on it. It would have taken less than half that if the instructions were better. Lots of time was wasted due to bad descriptions. I would not mind putting on another kit now that I've done one and know the steps, but if you haven't done it before, it really sucks. I haven't noticed much difference in the ride. Body sway in turns seems negligible. The ride seems a little firmer, but its not bad by any means. The steering seems a little "looser" (in a bad way), but its been getting that way for awhile. I probably need a new centerlink.

[rhombus]

Any pics?

[4wheelinX]

I am assuming you installed the 3 inch suspension lift. How did that compare to the body lift (time and instructions...etc)? Did you call EOE or AC for install help? It seems like Performance accessories needs to improve both the instructions and parts...hmmm. Have you contacted them with any advice. I am guessing you are just glad to have it in and done with, huh. And one last thing...pictures? Thanks

[Chris_McCracken]

This one was the 2" body lift. I've had the 3" suspension lift for awhile. I wanted more clearance around the tires to eliminate rubbing and allow me to run chains in the winter, and give me better approach/departure angles. Here's a couple pics. The bumpers are not done yet. In the second pic, you can see the ARB mounting assembly I've started. I'll post more when I'm done.

[The X Factor]

Hey Chris did you lower your radiator or leave it where it was? Also could you take a pic of the 4wd shifter. I would like to see how low it now sits in the cab. And a pic of the steering colum from in in the engine bay. I would like to see how far out the shaft has been pulled or if there is an extension that is to be placed in the steering shaft. I soon plan to install the 2" lift, but dont plan to drop the radiator. You said it took you 20 hours. I dont think it should be that long only having to raise the body, extend the steering, and remove lower portion of the fan shroud.

Ya said they instructions sucked, and I have been told this by others, so any kind of help would be nice. Thanks, Kevin

[Chris_McCracken]

I lowered the radiator and used the fan shroud. Some have said its not necessary, but it wasn't too difficult (once I "fixed" the upper brackets). I extended the shifter. Chopped it in half at the vertical section, then welded in an extension. The T-case and 5spd knobs are now pretty close in height. I did not have to put an extension in the steering shaft, but I had to adjust it to the end of the splines (there's a stop on there, so you can't go too far). Like I said, it should not have taken that long, but a large part of that was fumbling around trying to figure out what the hell the instructions meant.

[FSRBIKER]

Originally posted by Chris_McCracken
It was the Performance Accessories 2" lift (the one AC sells, though I bought it through EOE). The instructions had no pictures whatsoever, so you had to pretty much guess what a lot of the parts were.

It's not a Performance Accessories(they only make a 3" for the X) body lift, it is put together by AC...give Mike/Jane a run down on the problems/questions/suggestions as i know they would want to hear about them so they can improve the directions and correct any problems.

[SYSTUM-X]

Howz your 3" suspension lift working for you and who is it from? I just installed a 3" susp. lift from Calmini and I had to crank the torsion bars to get my Xterra to sit level. But now the front susp. rides like a tank. I'm running 32's and had to trim fenders. I'm gonna try a 1" body lift, if I find one, so I can loosen the torsion bars. What size tires you running. Any suggestions.

[OffroadX]

You shouldn't need any sort of lift to run 32s in the first place, certainly not a body lift.

[hixterra]

how is the 3 inch kit.... has anyone heard?

[hixterra]

was it worth the money????