Spencer Low Racing Stage 5 Suspension Lift

More photos here

SLR was at the Off Road Expo in Pomona, CA last weekend to debut our new Stage 5 Suspension Lift.

The Stage 5 Suspension Lift adds 2.5” of additional track width over stock to each side of the vehicle. Stage 5 will include:

• Bolt-in spherical extensions
• Core spindles
• Stage 5 steering system
• 4WD system
• 4WD ball joint option for increased steering radius and extreme climate protection
• 4130 box-design upper control arms
• 4130 box-design lower control arms with 2.5" additional track width
• Stage 5 shock hoop
• New 7075 tie rods
• Optional sway bar
• Optional 4130 heat-treated billet torsion bar anchors
• Optional 4130 heat-treated torsion bar adjusters
• Bilstein 2.5" body shock with 10" travel & custom valving

Rough pricing will be between $2,000-$6,000. We are machining the 4WD system, and testing is complete with flawless results.
The Stage 5 steering system will be using the same idler and pitman arms as our original steering system along with a new center relay rod.

This suspension lift will provide 12” of wheel travel with perfect camber curve and 0 bump steer. Stage 5 will be the most refined and technologically advanced kit on the market.

Your vehicle will have added stability with the additional track width provided by the Stage 5 Suspension lift. The kit retains all stock pivot points.

We will also have Stage 5 4WD on display at this year’s SEMA show and at many other selected Nissan events.

SLR’s Stage 5 will be defining performance on & off road. This suspension lift is SLR’s high and low speed masterpiece.

Please contact SLR at 928-667-4757 or info@spencerlowracing.com if you have any questions.

>>>SLR

Wow, that looks amazing.

Do you have an ETA for when the kit will be out?

Thanks,
Brad

MMMMMMMMmmmmHoly Crap!
Damn I wish I was still making the easy money at Boeing!!!

Amazing is an understatement! That setup is just beyond belief (and my wallet!).

WOW!!!

It definitely looks great and is probably the best you can have for an ifs system. Then again for that kind of money you could just do an SAS and get much much better performance.

Exactly. Why doesnt someone invest all that time into designing a SAS too? Im sure they would make back their R&D budget on just the people here!

From the pictures you are showing a 2wd vehicle. Any pics installed on a 4wd?? How do you compensate for the binding of the CV's with that much droop? I have heard of people binding with the limited travel on the current lift kits. Does the 4k variance in the estimated price include the new half shafts that you would need to compensate for the increased wheel track? Or does that what "* 4WD system" mean?

On a side note. I agree with the others that for the price 2k-6k that your money would be better spent on a SAS. Less complex and more bang for you buck.

Perhaps that should be your next project.

You guys chime in if you think I'm wrong, but isn't this more for desert racing or "prerunning" than it is for "rock-crawling"?

You would be correct Strom. Remember that is what SLR main cup of coffee is and that is what this kit was built for.

What are you using for turning rotation in the upper a-arm? I was just curious since the ball joint looks to be gone? And since it has no boot, i'd be a bit worried about contaminating that area and ruining the upper a-arm. Is it rebuildable? Thanks for making new projects for the X. Like Carlton, I would especially like to see one on a 4wd?
John

I'm a bit confused. Regardless what you are using your X for aren't you going to benefit by having stronger, beefier, steering components?

Most of you guys that are wanting your X to perform as a "crawler"/trail rig are using a basic upper a-arm lift with beefier torsion bars and hitting the trails.

Now comes along a complete detailed lift kit and you pigeonhole it as a desert running package. EVERYONE who has any desire to off-road their truck can benefit by this. Weather you call it "travel" as the desert crowd does or "articulation" as the trail and rock crowd refers to it, there's more of it. And that benefits everyone.

I would really like someone to explain to me how adding gobs of travel (or articulation) and making bulletproof steering is not going to benefit those of you who wish to push the limits in your X's?

Yes, for you aspiring "crawlers" a SAS might be a better solution. Once people start doing it , there will be more information available. Yes, absolutley, this stuff is expensive. But for now, this package is the most complete one available for us.

On another note. The Off-Road Expo in Pomona is one of the largest shows of its kind here in the west. Almost every manufacturer who makes products for the billion dollar aftermarket off-road industry was represented. Raingler (SP) actually displaying an X with the assortment of available cargo options was very enthusiastic and it was outstanding to see an X displayed. The people I met in the booth seemed to be very excited about the reception and sales potential.

Other than that , out of the hundreds of aftermarket companies there showing off their new products with anything highlighting Nissan was SLR. To me, that says a whole lot about their commitment to our community. Yes, it was a Frontier in their display, but on all of their brochures and other matterials the X was highlighted as well.

It not only takes an investment of money to participate in these shows, but it also takes a commitment of time to trailer a truck out here and set up a display and spend your weekend talking shop with all who come to your booth. And in a marketplace that doesn't give much priority to Nissans, it is nice to see an aftermarket manufacturer give that kind of commitment.

It's great to see SLR working to develop stuff for the Nissan community.
I have no idea what sort of market base they operate from or expect to operate from, but I agree that for this much coin I'd be looking at a solid axle setup for the sort of terrain I would like to tackle. What are the chances that SLR would develop and market a solid axle kit for the Xterra? I'd say it's a safe bet they'd sell more SAS kits than stage 5 kits, at least among the folks at the XOC, AF, NOR, N4W, and other Nissan/Xterra boards I know of.

Brent

Damn skippy! It would also make me rethink about selling my X. Sure would be nice to see a D44 riding up front.

I agree with you, Patrick. This looks like a great setup for any off-roading, but I am sure that many would "prefer" an SAS setup for what they do because it's more conventional.

I am also excited to see parts like this coming out for the Xterra. SLR has been doing some great things for the Xterra community as well as the Nissan community in general. Now to start saving.

By the way, I got rid of the ugly bumper - thinking about getting something custom made. Have you decided on whether you're going to get another vehicle (in addition to the X)?

Strom:

"Do you have an ETA for when the kit will be out?"

We are manufacturing 2WD & 4WD Stage 5 as we write.

Pricing and production run should be available in late November.

rrdstarr & ChuckH:

Thanks for the feedback!

imacsae:

"It definitely looks great and is probably the best you can have for an ifs system. Then again for that kind of money you could just do an SAS and get much much better performance."

It really puzzles me on the fact that you guys are so for the SAS. I have a hard time understanding why someone would want to cut all stock pivot points off a vehicle and have someone weld in a SAS.

We need to understand suspension travel is wheel travel.

Additional track width is more stability and 12” of IFS wheel travel with 4WD should be enough to tackle 4+ trails.

Also the on road handling characteristics on an IFS is unmatched.

Don’t get me wrong, SAS would make for an incredible rock crawler. But how many shops are capabable of cutting your $25,000-$30,000 SUV and welding on a SAS?

In my experience, not many can.

We are working on a SAS which will also take the Nissan market to the next level.

We will also have many items with our SAS that will the SLR SAS relatively installer-friendly.

tlcafj60:

"Exactly. Why doesnt someone invest all that time into designing a SAS too? Im sure they would make back their R&D budget on just the people here!"

ETA 3-6 months for SAS.

Carlton:

"From the pictures you are showing a 2wd vehicle. Any pics installed on a 4wd?? How do you compensate for the binding of the CV's with that much droop? I have heard of people binding with the limited travel on the current lift kits. Does the 4k variance in the estimated price include the new half shafts that you would need to compensate for the increased wheel track? Or does that what "* 4WD system" mean?"

Please read my initial post. I already answered your questions.

Strom:

"You guys chime in if you think I'm wrong, but isn't this more for desert racing or "prerunning" than it is for "rock-crawling"?"

Again, wheel travel is wheel travel.

Stage 5 4WD will provide 12” of IFS wheel travel at high and low speeds both on and off road.

The only difference in prerunning/rock crawling will be shock valving.

We will have a bypass shock that has external adjustments and we will also have many different valving options for all of SLR’s customers.

The X Factor:

"You would be correct Strom. Remember that is what SLR main cup of coffee is and that is what this kit was built for."

Easy Kevin, the SLR Stage 5 kit is a performance/ride-enhancing masterpiece. This kit was designed to have perfect geometry. How you choose to use your 12” of IFS wheel travel with 3° of camber change and 0 bump steer is your own “cup of coffee”.

UTJMAC:

"What are you using for turning rotation in the upper a-arm? I was just curious since the ball joint looks to be gone? And since it has no boot, i'd be a bit worried about contaminating that area and ruining the upper a-arm. Is it rebuildable? Thanks for making new projects for the X. Like Carlton, I would especially like to see one on a 4wd?"

We will offer 3 different upper control arm configurations – 1” spherical, 1 1/2” spherical and ball joint. The production run kit will have a rubber seal that will prolong the life of the spherical.

Just like our steering system, the spherical can be pressed in & out for maintenance. $38-$50 at most bearing houses for a 1” spherical bearing. We will have replacement parts available when Stage 5 is released.

The ball joint option will be a must for increased steering radius and for vehicles that are exposed to extreme climates.

socalpunX:

Nicely said. It was great meeting you.

You forgot to mention that Calmini was there with full traction. It was great to see the full traction engineer crawling all over Stage 5 *LOL*

In regard of the 4WD system, I will post photos around SEMA show. We should be production ready at that time. And I am sure I will have more engineers crawling all over our 4WD system at SEMA (do not need photos floating around the net).

tlcafj60:

"Damn skippy! It would also make me rethink about selling my X. Sure would be nice to see a D44 riding up front."

We will not be using a Dana 44. I will try to answer more questions around 3-4pm Mountain time. Please give SLR a call if you have any questions at 928-667-4757.

>>>SLR

Thanks for answering the questions. I am drooling at this system, as well as the SAS option you are working on. Keep up the good work.
John

But how many people are going to actually buy a $4K+ IFS lift?

A full 12" of travel is incredible though.

These are some great innovations. Not only that, but I am glad to see a SAS in the works.

Me too. What axle are you thinking about then Spencer? Will it be a kit where we provide the axle or are you going to be selling one with it.

Spencer

The Stage 5 IFS looks beautiful and it's great to see it offered to the Nissan community. Like many others I am much more interested in an SAS, it has been something that has been on my mind since I purchased my Xterra. I couldn't be happier to know that you are working on an SAS specifcally for the Xterra/Frontier.

Will the SAS include a new rear axle also or will the H233B still be used?

Will it be coil or leaf? Or better yet, the choice of either?

I know it's really early to ask this but, do you have an estimated price for the SAS kit?

It also please me to hear you say that you are designing it to be easily installed. Installation is something that has been on my mind also, as you mentioned finding a shop that is capable of performing the required modification will be a chore in it's own.

UTJMAC:

Thanks for your interest.

Philosopher:

"But how many people are going to actually buy a $4K+ IFS lift?

A full 12" of travel is incredible though."

Please go price check some high end Chevy/Ford IFS kits with all the extras and improper geometry/OEM weak steering and post the prices here please.

Credit cards are a beautiful thing. 12" of IFS travel on a daily driver with properly valved shocks is unmatched.

wqbang:

Thanks for the feeback. Many more inovations to come...

2001 Frontier:

SLR SAS will take a straight axle suspension to the next level in design and fabrication. I will not give many details on this kit but I can say that most components will be hand crafted.

Goliath The X:

Thanks for the feedback.

There will be many different options with our SAS. Details in months to come. Please take note of the extensive development that will be unveiled in a SAS.

If you have any questions, please call SLR at 928-667-4757.

>>>SLR

Wonderful looking kit!!!!!

It is very good to see a company working so hard to make our Nissans reputable trail rigs.

I have been nothing but thrilled with my SLR steering system. The system has been thoroughly marveled at by various 4x4 folks as well. The owner/operator of my local shop, someone who raced for Rancho across Morocco, as well as other locales, and is currently a tester for BFGoodrich, was wowed by the engineering that went into it. And if you were to see this gentleman's trail rig Bronco, you would understand why I hold his amazement in honor.

So...please keep up the great work. It serves the Nissan offroad community well. Only by innovation such as this does betterment come.

PS: Where are some SLR decals for my rig. I got my brass bushings just fine, but I want some decals!!!!!!

Please don't misunderstand me. I think this is a great setup, and I plan on buying one. There are those, though, who will scorn it in favor of an SAS. Sounds like you have that covered, though!

Dear SLR. I love your products and i love what you are doing with the ifs. But you can't compair your prices to the chevrolete prices. I have a chev. and it is much cheaper to do a sas or a full ifs lift that will allow the same travel and as strong stearing components than you are suggesting. I love what you are doing for nissan and i hope you continue but I don't think you can beat the prices for the chev market. They already have a bolt on SAS for the 2002 tahoe which my brother has and it is cheaper than your suggested 3-6,000$ price.
Please don't take this as an attack on your company because i love what you do for the xterra but you can't compete with the ford/chev prices.

Prices and links below are taken from http://www.4wheelparts.com

• Chevrolet/GMC 4wd IFS: PROCOMP $1100-2500
  
• Chevy/GMC IFS: Superlift Suspension $1300-1600
  
• Ford IFS Kits: Superlift Suspension $1550-1650
  

Spencer..

How do you conpensate for the binding of the CV's at full articulation? I know that this has been a problem for the current less articulated lifts.

RedX:

Glad you are happy with your steering setup. Please send an email of what color decals you would like to info@spencerlowracing.com.

Strom:

Thanks for the feedback. I still have a hard time designing a kit that will involve cutting off OEM pivot points.

Sounds a little scary on a $25K-$30K SUV that’s an everyday driver, eh?

robloy11:

Fair enough. I guess I didn’t stress high-end Chevy/Ford/Dodge. Most of the IFS kits listed below are mostly “Hollywood Cruisin” Lift kits.

Please find another high-end 12” of IFS wheel travel 4WD system, steering system, race/rock crawling orientated shocks, lower control arm, upper control arm, etc.

Camburg / HNM are the only 2 offhand $6K plus 2WD system. Nice system, but only available for 2WD.

With the SLR Stage 5 you are receiving 3 years of development of the 99-03 platform. The SLR Stage 5 is like no other kit on the market, so I apologize for comparing it to Chevy, Ford, etc. Now find 12” of IFS wheel travel with 0 bump steer and post results here.

Carlton:

"How do you conpensate for the binding of the CV's at full articulation? I know that this has been a problem for the current less articulated lifts."

Reading Comprehension 101

In layman's terms, Stage 5 4WD has a new 4WD system.

The Nissan community and xocers: I am simply showing photos of Stage 5 and the Off Road Expo. We are in production on Stage 5 2WD & 4WD.

Pricing will be set when parts are shipping. There will also be many different options with SLR Stage 5.

If you have any questions, I will try to answer them online. Otherwise, please contact SLR at 928-667-4757. I have a few busy weeks ahead getting ready for the SEMA Show and manufacturing many new production parts that will be available in the upcoming months.

Thanks for the interest.

>>>SLR

Spencer..

Read my question again..

"How do you compensate for the binding of the CV's at full articulation? I know that this has been a problem for the current less articulated lifts."

I realize that there is a "new 4wd system" but that does not answer how it is that you are getting around the binding issue.

If it is a matter of you not wanting to let the world know how you are doing it then just say so. No need to be a prick about it and telling me that I need a reading comprehension class.

Lighten up Carlton, why are intent on making this post something for the ALR?

Back to the subject...
This kit looks incredible. Will a demo truck be present during WEST X? I'd like to see this stuff up close and personal.

You , being the only one that is constantly being antagonistic , are consistantly the one being the "prick". You have no intention of purchasing his products and your posts only serve as a feeble attempt to call him out into some sort of pissing match.

Give it a rest.

Carlton:

Again:

Snoopy:

Stage 5 4WD will be debuting at this year’s SEMA Show. I have some deadlines that are approaching and need to get cracking.

I will try everything in my power to make it to WestX with a Stage 4 or 5 equipped vehicle. A lack of West X information has made for variable schedules.

Thanks for the feedback on the kit. Missed you at the Off Road Expo.

socalpunX:

Once again, nicely said.

I will try to answer more questions before the weekend. I will be gone all weekend.

Thanks for your interest and support. Please call 928-667-4757 or email info@spencerlowracing.com if you have any questions.

>>>SLR

Spencer..

I hope you have a good weekend.

Although photos would be great... I understand your not wanting to post them so soon. More to the point what I was really looking for was a verbal explanation as to how you solved this problem. Again.. If by doing so you tip you hand I am more than willing to wait till after SEMA. If I was unclear as to my request I do apologize.

Happy trails!!

Nah, let Carlton run with it. Everyone here knows his only interest is to discredit SLR. And his attempts do nothing more than make himself look like an ass. I venture to guess Carlton is actually making SLR money with his sorry attempts.

You are wrong about your assumption. (and you know what they say about assumptions) I am in no way shape or form trying to discredit SLR or Spencer. From what I have seen of the images it looks like a killer system.

I am just curious as to how he got around the problem of the binding CV's nothing more.

Spencer has said that he did not want to release images before SEMA and I can understand that. Perhaps my earlier request for information was not clear enough for him to understand.

In light of his not wanting to post images of the 4wd system, I was looking for a verbal explanation as to how he was getting around the problem of the binding CV's at the end points of articulation.

No matter what miracle he's perfomed, the simple fact is you won't buy it. So maybe you've convinced yourself that you're not just trying to start trouble, but I don't think anyone else on this board who knows your past will believe it.

I have sent you a PM. Posting more on the thread is pointless and it detracts from the point of this thread.

If you wish you continue this conversation I would be more than willing to do so. Privately.

Same goes for you socalpunX.

How much lift will I get?

Marty:

"How much lift will I get?"

Marty, the SLR Stage 5 Suspension Lift is very adjustable. Alignment is attainable at 2” of lift to 4 ½” of lift. The customer will desire the ride height and lift.

We at SLR always like droop travel between the upper control arms and the OE upper control arm droop stop.



Attached photo would be our 2WD Stage 5 Suspension Lift with 3 ¾” lift. As you can see, the eccentric upper control arm bolts are centered so there is plenty of adjustability.

I will check back tomorrow to see if anyone has any more technical questions. Thank you for your interest.

>>>SLR

Is this a project that can start small and added to over time? Start with the new UCA's, torsion bars, shocks and rear lift. Then add other items from the rest off the kit (LCA ext.) and the optional items over time?

Thanks...

WestX.org ...

or did you need more info?
if so send me an e-mail and i can answer any questions

Okay guys: SEMA is OVER! I WANT PICS!

NO SH*T!!! Some of the pessimism on this board really turns me off. GO BUY A JEEP AND STOP BUGGING THE REST OF US!!!!!

And still...no response!

Why don't you email them? I am sure they have long forgotten about this post.