2005–24 Nissan Frontier & 2005–15 Xterra FAQ

2005–2024 Nissan Frontier & 2005–2015 Nissan Xterra Lift Kit Technical FAQ

How do front strut spacers and rear Add-a-Leaf springs work together to lift my Nissan Frontier or Xterra?

Our front strut spacers mount directly to the top of your factory strut assembly, extending the total strut length to lift the vehicle without compressing or pre-loading the coil spring. In the rear, the Add-a-Leaf inserts an extra steel leaf directly into your factory spring pack. This restores the suspension's arch, boosts the spring rate, eliminates rear sag, and increases payload and towing capacity.

Explore our 3” Lift Kit with Add-a-Leafs for your 2005–2024 Nissan Frontier or 2005–2015 Nissan Xterra.

Will installing a 3" front strut spacer lift on my Nissan Frontier or Xterra cause upper control arm contact or suspension noise?

No. When installed correctly, our TORCH strut spacers maintain sufficient suspension travel and clearance to keep the ride quality close to the stock feel. Upper control arm contact or suspension noise is not an issue when using our kit on otherwise factory setup. Because the kit is engineered to operate safely within the 3” lift range, alignment shops can typically align your wheels back to specs using factory adjustments.

How does a rear Add-a-Leaf spring compare to rear lift shackles on a Frontier or Xterra?

Both options lift the rear end, but they suit different driving needs:

  • Add-a-Leaf Kits: Inserts a steel leaf into your leaf pack to support the rear suspension, restore sagging leaf springs, and increase payload and towing capacity. If you haul gear or tow regularly, check out our Nissan Frontier & Xterra 1.5"–2" Rear Add-a-Leaf Kit with Unloading Tool.
  • Extended Shackle Kits: Relocates the rear leaf spring mounting point without changing the spring rate. This maintains stock ride comfort when the bed is empty, but does not increase payload or towing support.
What is the maximum tire size I can fit on my Frontier or Xterra with a 3" TORCH lift without heavy fender trimming?

Tire clearance depends on wheel offset and backspacing. Using our 3" lift with stock-offset wheels, use this general guideline:

  • No Trimming: Up to a 32" tire (such as a 265/75R16 or 265/70R17). Typically fits cleanly with no trimming required, though removing the front mudflaps helps avoid rubbing at full steering lock.
  • With Minor Trimming: Up to a 33” tire (such as a 285/75R16 or 285/70R17). Expect to trim the fenders slightly and remove mudflaps to accommodate this tire size.
Do I need an alignment or aftermarket cam bolts after installing a 3" lift on my Frontier or Xterra?

A complete 4-wheel alignment is required immediately after installation to set camber, caster, and toe back to recommended specifications. When installed on a stock Nissan Frontier or Xterra suspension, aftermarket alignment cam bolts are not typically required to achieve proper specs. We recommend taking your truck to an alignment shop experienced with off-road 4x4s, as they are accustomed to suspension geometry on lifted applications.