Ok, so I am getting ready to order my lift, but I know that everyone says lifts and bigger tires are really hard on the steering. So I know there are some sort of $35 brackets you can buy, or the really expensive $400 kit (not really sure what it is. My question is do I have to spend the extra $400 for the real deal, or would I be ok going the cheaper route. I think the $35 bracket things are called an Idler Arm Brace.

Each part has a different function...the brace reinforces the steering attachment point, but does little to protect the downstream components...the full kits also adress the downstream components....which frankly are the ones that seem to go anyway.

You could always wheel it until something breaks/wears out, and then just fix what's broken...you can go 5-30K like that depending upon how hard you are on stuff/your tire/lift combo, etc.



That can give you time to save up for the (more)permanent repairs/upgrades.

If you want a poor-man's steering upgrade, I'd do the idler arm brace and heavy duty tie rods

Both can be found here: 4x4 parts

For a complete steering upgrade (what you SHOULD do), check out Calmini (www.purenissan.com) or SLR.

The Calmini kit has issues with bushing wear and a lot of people are getting really fed up with it - but it's still the best system out there according to most people.

SLR is a bit of an enigma... I've heard some people say they have it and are thrilled... but I don't know about availability etc.

EDIT: Whoa - holy crap! I looked up the SLR kit and it is eggggggspensive. link

I have the full on SLR kit... problem is it's on my workbench ATM

Very good looking setup. I don't like Spencer's Idler Arm Brace, so I am planning on using a hacked up Calmini one (I clearanced it so it would clear better, I think it would have worked okay without my mods though)

The AC idler arm brace works with the SLR kit too. If you're using the beefy SLR idler mount, you probably don't really need to brace it.

I've run both kits. Both solve the problem. The Calmini kit is better bang for the buck.

L&P Performance is just as good as SLR, but alot cheaper. Calmini seems to be having alot of issues their bushing, which in order to have them replaced, you have to sent the part back.

Here is L&P's website...

L&P Performance

I guess that turnabout is fair play in the design department. I guess SLR is seeing what happens when a company decides to "borrow" a design feature as is the case with the L&P pitman and idler arm design.

Anyways...

When compared to the other available steering upgrades, it is not as expensive when you factor in the core return. 90% of the people that have purchased the SLR steering have had their parts accepted and the core charge refunded.

For example the SLR center link with idler and pitman totals $569 compared to L&P @ $400 after core returns. Saving a few bucks on "just as good" is relative when you are trusting a company and their welds with your life.





There IS a difference.