New to the site. Glad to be here.
I live in central Virginia and own a 2005 xterra SE. I want to put 33 x 12.5 R 17 tires on the vehicle and raise it accordingly. I have researched both body and suspension lifts and would like advice on which is better for off road driving on fire and off road trails in the Blue Ridge and Allegany mountains. Nothing extreme, but fully off road.
I welcome any good advice.
Thanks Pete in Hanover

Suspension lift is the way to go. I have a 2.5" lift and it clears 33" tires no problems with rubbing or clearance. Body lifts can be a good way to gain clearance, but if you are only running 33's then a coil spacer/shackle swap would be easier to install.