[Smelsatron]

I did the obligatory search, but couldn't find anything. What's the difference between the suspension on the 4wd vs the 2wd that makes it sit up higher. I know that on the 4wd the axle is under the leaf as opposed to over on the 2wd. (I'm a 2wd owner.) What's different on the front end of the 4wd to bring it up to match the axle under leaf rear?

 

[SDHarleydad]

Steroids!

 

[LINESKIER45]

just a shot in the dark maybe they but bigger springs up front to compensate for the wieght of the front diff and axles.....

 

[Hertz]

just a shot in the dark maybe they but bigger springs up front to compensate for the wieght of the front diff and axles.....

No springs, This is the first gen forum.


The torsion bars set the height of the front end. With the turn of two bolts you can raise or lower the front end within the suspension's range of travel.

 

[Frijolero]

No difference in front suspension except for between the V6 and 4cyl.

 

[Smelsatron]

So what's different then between the suspension on the 4cyl vs the V6? Is the suspension mounted to the frame differently? From what I've read around here, you get about 5 inches of lift by swapping to axle under leaf on the rear. If you crank the front to the bump stops you'd still only get like 3 inches or so. . .

 

[roastbeef]

From what I've read around here, you get about 5 inches of lift by swapping to axle under leaf on the rear. If you crank the front to the bump stops you'd still only get like 3 inches or so. . .

correct, but keep in mind that going from spring under to spring over requires custom fabrication and doesn't offer the best ride.

people typically go with shackles or add-a-leaf packs to lift the rear as opposed to going spring over axle.

to be honest, i don't know what makes the difference is between the 4cyl and v6, i haven't stuck my head in a 4cyl wheel well and nobody really wheels them.

 

[Smelsatron]

I may be thinking about this the wrong way, but I was planning on going with bigger than stock tires later this summer. (I haven't decided on size yet) I'd like to figure out a way to get close to stock gear ratios. I was thinking about looking around for a 4wd rear axle with different ratio at a salvage yard. If I were to do that, I'd take my shackles off and go ahead and switch to axle under. I wouldn't mind the prerunner look anyway. If 4wd control arms give a taller stance while still mounting up to the frame in the same way, I'd look for a set of them. Thoughts?

 

[roastbeef]

i have never heard of a suspension component swap on the 1st gens betweent 4cyl and v6's. i would speculate that all the components are smaller, because a 4cyl truck next to a v6 truck looks tiny. sorry i'm not much help, but hopefully someone will have beter info or put up some pics.

 

[Frijolero]

I am not 100% certain specially with respect to years but 1st Gen 4cyl 4WD and all V6 models share all suspension components with the exception of shocks and torsion bars. In the case of the 2WD 4cyl, the only interchangeable parts with any other model frontiers are the UCA, or Upper Control Arms. With that being said, you gain absolutely nothing from swapping your UCAs or T-bars with those from another model frontier.

Save some mula, buy a lift, and stay away from going spring over axle unless your going for a muscle car rake even after a lift up front.

 

[1fstmax]

check out this link... it shows the both suspensions..

401 Front Suspension :: Axle & Suspension :: Genuine Nissan Parts :: Frontier Parts (D22U) 1998-2004 :: Nissan Parts, NISMO and Nissan Accessories - Courtesyparts.com

 

[Frijolero]

Haha, yeah ^

Well here they are with the UCA part number circled in red:

 

[Smelsatron]

It seems unanimous that spring over axle is a bad idea. I am still curious about the front end though. According to that parts breakout, the LCA's are the same part number too. They are obviously not the same part. Are we sure they use the same UCA's?

 

[1fstmax]

sorry for the noob question.. what exactly do aftermarket a arms do for our d22?

 

[roastbeef]

looking at those diagrams, the UCAs are the same. the LCAs are definitely NOT interchangeable without some custom fabrication. spindles are different, as well as brakes and tbars.
i would say its a big headache for a swap for minimal benefits, its still just stock frontier suspension, which sucks.

 

[Frijolero]

After market arms are supposed to allow for more droop travel and thus more room for lift along with correcting the Ball joint angle at the higher ride height.

It seems unanimous that spring over axle is a bad idea. I am still curious about the front end though. According to that parts breakout, the LCA's are the same part number too. They are obviously not the same part. Are we sure they use the same UCA's?

Yes all UCA are the same all all 1st gen and all LCA are the same on all V6 and different but all the same on all 4cyl.

 

[Smelsatron]

After digging deeper into the above linked page I found different part numbers for the 4 cyl and 6 cyl UCA's. Check it out:
http://www.courtesyparts.com/kb_search_result.php?keywords=[54524N]+\%28D22U&cPath=2129_2130_2226_2228

 

[1fstmax]

so in theory i can use v6 aftermarket a arms on my weenie 4cyl truck?

 

[Frijolero]

I personally put V6 uppers on a 4cyl frontier and they installed just fine. Also, aftermarket companies only make one UCA for all 1st generation Frontier. They do look different but I am convinced the dimensions are the same.

so in theory i can use v6 aftermarket a arms on my weenie 4cyl truck?

Yes. If you find a used lift for sale however the torsion bars will not work for you.

 

[Frijolero]

Smelsatron, With what you wish to accomplish I suggest you look into someone fabrication a lift spindle for you such as this: Obsessed Motorsports 2WD Toyota Lift Spindle