I'm trying to be modest with the term "lift", as this is a rather subtle "lift" in comparison to a lot of other folks on the forum
Model year
2010 LE
Lift height:1", 2", 3" etc....
Before:
FD 33 7/8" (86.0cm)
FP 34" (86.4cm)
RD 34 1/2" (87.6cm)
RP 34 1/2" (84.6cm)
After (No settle-in):
FD 35 1/4" (89.5cm)
FP 35 1/4" (89.5cm)
RD 36 3/8" (92.4cm)
RP 36 1/4" (92.1cm)
Average of about 1-1/4" (3cm) lift up front, and just under 2" at the rears.
Type of lift: suspension? body lift? or both?
Suspension only
Brand: type of struts/springs used. Or type of spacer used, or both.(maybe posting a link to what you bought would help)
Struts: Bilstein 5100
Shocks: Bilstein 4600
Coils: All Dogs Offroad (ADO) Medium coils
The exact kit: https://www.alldogsoffroad.com/alldogs- ... pathfinder
I bought the kit pre-assembled (+$150) so that I didn't have to go out and source the strut bushing myself, and assemble. I don't think it'd be difficult, but it's nice to have it all ready to go upon arrival.
Hows the ride compared to stock-
I believe the original suspension was still on the truck when I bought it at 144K. I suspect the previous owner was general driver/commuter like myself; no major offroading or anything.
The upgrade in suspension is not too stiff. My qualitative comparison would conclude with about a 20% max stiffer ride. Ride comfort was not significantly affected, in my opinion. Although, I'm still in process of "settling in" the new suspension for alignment, so I'll try to remember to provide an update after that point has been reached.
I've read some reviews on the forum where Bilsteins may be too "stiff". I live in Northern/Central California; no snow, limited potholes. Roads where I roam are generally pretty good with slight imperfections only.
I need to confirm this, but when I accelerate from a full-stop or when the A/T downshifts during acceleration, I feel as though the rear sags/squats a bit. I will need to have someone else drive and I'll need to observe.
How long have you had the lift installed-
50miles worth of experience on the new suspension
Mostly all city driving.Again, I don't have plans to off-road this truck by any means. I would say the "harshest" terrain would be gravel/dirt paths or snow. No major hills or climbing.
If anyone wants to classify it, this truck is planned only as a utility vehicle; light towing (eg. towing junk to the junk yard, picking up large appliances, moving furniture) when needed, and I don't plan to too many of that type of towing. Some snow-trips, where the 4x4 or Auto mode comes in handy. I anticipate no more than 1% of the mileage to be under the conditions mentioned. 99% of the time it'll be on city/highway roads.
If you had to do it again would you change anything-
There is a slight rake to the truck, as seen by the measurement differences between front and back. I may want to raise the fronts slightly. Luckily the 5100's allow for this type of adjustments (preloading of the coil). I may revisit this when the suspension fully settles in.
problems you ran into-
The bottom bolt on the front struts scared me. I wasn't able to budge it with the impact gun, and thought it might be seized at 160+ ft-lbs of torque. This worried me because all of the youtube videos I watched of people removing the front coils showed them zipping it off with no problem with a impact gun.
I was luckily able to break the bolt free with some elbow grease and a Harbor Freight quality breaker bar - no added lever, but that would have made it easier of course.
No other major issues other than that small set-back on the front coils' lower bolt.
what brand/size rims/tires your using-
Stock for now
265/60/R18.
Looking to go slightly bigger to 2 different choices:
275/65/18
or
265/70/18
