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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Im looking to level and lift my 2016 Frontier sv 4x4 on a budget. i enjoy easy trail riding biweekly, and would like to start giving my truck some extra capability to tackly some more moderate stuff.
I have found this kit PRG Products
I like the idea of this being a starting point or even a short term option in lifting my truck, but knowing i do take it off road relitivly frequently how much is the bilstine rear shocks improve the ride? is it worth the investment? should i just do a spacer lit and save my money? other options in this price range that might be better?
 

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Discussion Starter · #5 ·
I've read through the thread before and it is how i came to the conclusion to do the spacer lift.

My question is if getting the bilstines is worth the extra money? will it trully improve the capability in the truck or should i save my money and just do spacers.
 

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If your do 2” lift adding the the rear 5100 for 0-2” lift to the spacers may give a little more articulation and a better ride.
Personally I had an 11 SV and now have a 16 Pro4x. The bilsteins do ride better!


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Discussion Starter · #8 ·
If your do 2” lift adding the the rear 5100 for 0-2” lift to the spacers may give a little more articulation and a better ride.
Personally I had an 11 SV and now have a 16 Pro4x. The bilsteins do ride better!


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Thanks this was helpful if it improves ride quality and articulation sounds like its worth the money to me.
 

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Discussion Starter · #9 ·
Just keep in mind with a spacer lift, you are not adding any wheel travel and actually losing some down travel in the process. Unless you add in Aftermarket upper control arms, your ride off road may not be the best.
would doing ajustable coils all around be a more effective lift for off roading then. I i dont currently want to go over 2.5'', and i was under the impression that under 3'' of lift you dont need aftermarket UCA's. i would like to add SPC UCA's down the line for the improved down travel but currently im trying to stay around $450 total for a lift.

sorry if this is commen knowlage. im pretty suspension dumb. ive been reading and im just trying to find the best fit for me and my price range.
 

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You can always call Nisstec or PRG on the phone.
Nisstec always answers there phone and are very helpful.
And if you can get PRG Greg on the phone (some times he is hard to get a hold of) be ready with a pen and paper because Greg will go into deep detail.

From a cost budget stand point you should buy *extended* length adjustable coilovers with upper control arms , instead of buying regular length adjustable coilovers and no UCA's.

In the long run you will be wanting to buy extended length coilovers or titan swapping anyway.

Most people do what you are doing (buy that spacer lift) then get a taste of what your needs and wants are for suspension then upgrade later.

I read many many members build threads and called PRG and Nisstec several times before making my build decisions.
 

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Discussion Starter · #11 ·
i'll be calling and doing more resurch, but from what ive found so far doing extended coils, and UCA's runs about 1200. that quite out of my price range. maybe im looking in the wrong places, and a couple phone calls will help me find a better price. i do intend to turn this into a very capable offroader, so if waiting and saving more to buy what makes the most sense is need its what i will do. not really looking to upgrade the smae parts 2 times unless something breaks.

I appreciate everyones opinion!

i have decided to forgo spacers as my first lift and go with coilovers! now its a matter of budgeting and finding a deal on extended coilovers and SPC UCA's.
 

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Hey Gonzo! I did the spacer lift and can offer some feedback. The biggest reason for my lift (3") was to fit a 33" tire to give the truck more clearance. I am 85% happy with my setup and I'm glad I did it when I did. I made a pros and cons list with a point system (mpg loss= -5 points, ground clearance = +10 points) and include your budget when making your final decision. Putting more rubber under the truck is HUGE in my opinion (my 2 cents). Bi-weekly is pretty often as well, coil bucket contact is really annoying! With the lift/Bilsteins (I installed) tires and alignment (Lifetime), I'm about $1680 in. That doesn't include the spring compressor I had to buy, but I figure tools as investments. Hope this helps you make a decision in some way!
 

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Discussion Starter · #13 ·
yes my biggest invesment so far is 265/75r16 KO2's very happy with them.
thank you for the input. im pretty sure i've decided what to go with. i was hoping to be able to get what i want with the money ive set aside, but im looking to do it right. looks like extended coilovers and UCA's with an AAL is gonna be the way to go. it is alot more expensive, but with how frequently i go and how much i know im wanting to do it will be worth it. sold a 88 k5 blazer becouse it was not worth the trouble to get this frontier. It will be exiting to tackle some more rugged terrain again!
 

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Get a set of 2" ebay spacer and call it a day. They will increase your drop travel some. With the SV you will not have to add the taller LCA bump stop. You will probably get some UCA coil bucket contact. Add a bump stop to the UCA if the noise bothers you.
 

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I've read through the thread before and it is how i came to the conclusion to do the spacer lift.

My question is if getting the bilstines is worth the extra money? will it trully improve the capability in the truck or should i save my money and just do spacers.
Um... it's simple: form vs. function. Spacers are to change how your truck looks, but a shock upgrade is to change (improve) how it works. So ask yourself what you really want, and then be prepared to pay for it ::wink::

That said, you can't go wrong with Bilstein's - they are proven to be more than capable for off-road by many members on this forum. Good price too if you don't want to go full coilovers.

Spacers don't really make your suspension work better for off-road. IMO all spacers (wheel, suspension, etc.) are just blocks of aluminum that kind of "pretend" to do something that can be done a more correct way.
 

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Discussion Starter · #16 ·
Everyone wants a nice looking truck,but im deffinetly looking for more function in my lift. i have decided not to go with spacers for that reason. Planning on giving PRG and Niistec a call to get pricing on some options for coilover vs bilstines.

again a great thanks to everyone im pretty confident on what im wanting to do.
 

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Look into Glamisdude's articles on his Titan swap "top hats".
If you want to improve your suspension performance, I think this is best way to get the most bang for your bucks.
 

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Look into Glamisdude's articles on his Titan swap "top hats".
If you want to improve your suspension performance, I think this is best way to get the most bang for your bucks.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but this involves waaaayyyy more parts than just the top hats, right (since you'd have to do a Titan swap first"?
 

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Yes. But like I mentioned this is the best cost effective way to actually improve your suspension.
You can use stock Titan arms that should be easy to find used cheap. I have a set of lowers just sitting.
No need to buy coilovers, uses 5100 Bilsteins.
Glamisdude's sells his top hats for $135. Very well made I might add.
The most expensive parts would be new axles.
I am not positive but "Rugged Rocks" was talking about manufacturing axles at considerable lower price.
The money saved from not having to buy coilovers could help pay for the axles.
I know a lot of people run this system(I don't) and can add to this post. Performance, cost, ease of installation etc.
 
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