lookin to get a lift....anyone have any problems with a SLR 3" suspension lift on an '02 and who has the best quality calmini or SLR? or someone else perhaps??....appreciate any help my way

I for one, am VERY happy with my SLR lift. I can't comment on the others as I've never owned them.

You may want to use the search function and look for lift kits as there will be dozens of threads in parts and accessories and suspension forums.

Keep in mind SLR utilizes race proven technology. I'm not sure the other companies have that experience. Just my .02

Try searching this forum on the following and visit their websites. Lots of info on XOC...depends on how much you want to spend as well. I went the somewhat cheaper route and pieced it together how I wanted it.

1. http://www.purenissan.com/xterra.htm
2. http://www.extreme4x4parts.com
3. http://www.spencerlowracing.com
4. http://www.4x4parts.com/

I have #4 (above) front a-arm/balljoint lift along with #2 Add-a-Leafs & torsion bars, and #3's 2" shackles. So far so good.

No problems with the 4X4parts.com lift. Works great so far, and reasonable price.

Where have they raced their Xterra or Frontier? Do you have a link?

FSRBIKER:

Please read the post again--I thought that Craig was quite clear.

"Keep in mind SLR utilizes race proven technology. I'm not sure the other companies have that experience. Just my .02"

We use race-proven technology in the design of our suspension lifts--dampening, steering geometry, shock tuning, body roll, compression stops, polyurethane, proper materials, proper welds, proper design.

"Where have they raced their Xterra or Frontier? Do you have a link?"

www.2slr.com

We will soon be uploading our new site this week.

I guess it all depends on how much you want to spend. The SLR kit is nice, but packed with a bunch of stuff *you* may not need. If you're not into "bootlegger" style jamming across the desert, then perhaps a kit that costs $400 or so less would be more to your benefit. I pieced a kit together and am pleased with it. They all essentially do the same thing. I can appreciate the effort SLR goes to, but nothing gets said by these guys for ages and then they start broadcasting all this hype to sell product. I might buy their steering system or I might just wait. I think SLR's current attitude leaves something to be desired. Pride is one thing, pompus is another. Just my thoughts on this matter.

Charlie

"I think SLR's current attitude leaves something to be desired. Pride is one thing, pompus is another. Just my thoughts on this matter."

Fair enough. I'm just tired of constant misleading information.

I will now only post in Manufacturers' Row.

Thanks

>>>SLR

I think what can be interpret as pompus is probably a more defensive stance that is brought out due to the barrage of critisism that the manufacturers here seem to get the minute they attempt to introduce a new product. You back someone into a corner and of course they are going to come out fighting.

I think it says a lot about them that they are willing to engage potential customers in debate about their products and take on all questions regardelss if the attitude they are asked with .

Also , it seems they are trying to exude confidence in their products as a result of their significant experience in off-roading.

Personally I'd rather see that kind of confidence as opposed to a manufacturer that would tell me that they're uncertain that their product is going to work.

I understand and appreciate that confidence as well. They make a great bunch of products and I plan on getting the steering setup. The abrasiveness (word?) and harsh tones of the posts of late (on all sides) just caused me to say something. No offense was meant. If their stuff is as good as I think it is, they shouldn't have to be defensive. The products will speak for themselves.

I don't have a "complete lift kit" yet, but am more or less flying by wire, adding a piece here and there... That having been said...

I have two SLR products, and the customer service and quality of the parts speak for themselves. Ian of XOC fame (hehe) has their Stage-something kit, and is under "Reviews" here on XOC. He is also impressed. I don't think you could go wrong with SLR.

Calmini, overall, doesn't really impress me. Their parts strike me as cheap and sort of boxy. I could be wrong though, I'm just going by what I've seen on their site.

Just great...

Well, it's my turn to chime in here...

I had the second SLR stage 3 lift installed... Ian had the first... see review section. Installed March of last year.

So far...
Excellent components and support to date... (over one year later, find another company that will warranty AND upgrade components 1 year later!)

Definately concur with Craig's comments earlier... The SLR lift is based off of Spencer's Frontier that he RACES! The Frontier and X have essentially the same front end. I want technology and design based on performance, not flash. If I wanted flash I would have went with Ranhco (what's that?)

I have no experience with Calmini, so I can't comment on that... Does Calmini have those kits ready to ship? I've seen one post on it to date.

I'm glad Spencer's crew is getting more involved here given the large audience. We have been in many conversations where I ask why don't you post here more often... The answer is simple, Spencer and his staff had elected to step back, prepare a new site, stock up on parts to sell, develop develop develop, and then come forward with a new re-invented SLR (as opposed to selling vapor products that aren't available yet like other manufacturers have done). The current surge in presence is the wake before the storm. Watch out for a new SLR site and product list in the very near future.

Also understand one other thing. I "advertise" a few products here... specifically SLR and Darlington Offroad. I will go on record stating to date I have never received a "free or discounted" product to "advertise or review". I fully purchased everything, installed everything, and tested everything on my own accord. I "advertise" for these companies because I recognize what these companies are trying to do to support us and believe in thier products FROM MY OWN EXPERIENCES. Buy what you want after doing your homework.

I like SLR, Spencer,and his gear. It's race born and bred with performance being the driving factor for it's development. He fully stands behind it. Sure it cost's more. Ya get what you pay for, simple as that.

Haven't done this, but if you split a SLR upper A-arm wheeling... I gaurantee you Spence will replace it.

To comment on ChalieH post. I can see your point. Spence has been a bit rough recently... probably because of the resistance he has received here from other members, specifically the host of this site. That's an issue between Ian and his personal agenda vs. Spencer's advertising agenda. He's probably frustrated from the deluge of misinformation that get's spun around this site as stated. I think the products to speak for themselves, it's what other uninformed individuals or informed individuals woth persoanl agendas post that gets the SLR team spun up.

My $2 worth

If you didn't do a lift kit yourself...how much would you expect to pay at a performance auto shop?

Probably 6-8 hours at their labor rate.

I would avoid a performance auto shop and only allow a 4x4 shop or a Nissan dealer to install it.

Be wary of the AC lift.. I have their upper control arms and they are WAY to long. I have not been able to get the alignment to where AC says it should be (camber is over a degree out). They were suppose to have some new "custom shorter" arms for me but it is going on 5 weeks and still no arms.

And I am not the only person who has had this problem. There are people here that have had to either switch to the Calmini arms or have AC make the "custom" arms for them as well.

As for the SLR lift.. I have no knowldge of how its construction and performance is compaired to the other two.

Calmini is another story. I have not only seen their lift installed but have compaired their craftmanship side by side with the AC lift. Not only are the Calmini components designed better but the overall fit and finish is far superior to that of the AC components.

Something else to consider between the Calmini and AC lifts.. Calmini manufactures their lift while AC manupackages theirs. So Calmini has better control over the quality.

Happy hunting..

You obviously have never actually seen Calmini's products. If you were to side by side compair (for example) the UCA of both Calmini and AC you would think that the AC arms were made in shop class.

Here are the Calmini arms..


And here are the AC arms..


Which look to be better constructed to you? When I get these longer AC arms off I will get some detailed images showing you some of the questionable construction and such..

I agree Carlton,

I've seen many complaints about the camber (including myself) on the AC a-arms. Do a search on camber, you'll find a bunch of people with camber problems. Not one about SLR or Calmini.

All of Calmini's a-arms, bumpers, etc are laser cut. AC's look like they were cut with a hacksaw

Jeff

I have an 02. I do not have the complete Calmini lift yet I am ordering the A-arms by next week however I know that with either of these lifts you should be good to go. I love my Calmini stuff and it is a great complete system for your dollar IMHO.

I did not understand Shock technology and Steve at Calmini has been ever so helpful as everyone at SLR is too. These two companies are great and either way you cannot go wrong. As far as the AC stuff goes I have no experience with them so I cannot say.

What I have: Calmini Idler arm brace, Calmini Shocks, Calmini AAL's, Calmini A-arms (coming soon), SLR 2" Shackle (credited from CraigsTonka)
I opted not to do the Sway bar extensions and I pieced this together for wallet and wife purposes:)

good luck and post your pics when it is done!

I switch my UCA's from AC to Calmini this summer....is there anyone interested in a used set of AC UCA's?

Here are some shots (not the greatest). I recently changed mine.

I'm just sending mine back to AC. Not even topping my truck out with the eccentrics maxed got me within 1.5 degrees of spec. We even took out the bumpstops and raised it, not even close...

With the Calmini arms, the alignment was dead on with a full range of adjustment available. No fooling around, no calls, no custom arms to be made, they just worked. The Calmini arms are much more consistent in their manufacture. They looked dead on when compared to one another. The AC arms looked (were) different.

After my experience, I would recommend the Calmini over the AC any day. When the pricing is that close why bother with the hassle?

Remember if you go with the SLR stage II or beyond, you'll deal with the front differential and a spring pack replacement. These add to the overall time, rather than just the A arms.

I am finding that I have to run the front lifted higher than I need on a daily basis to get the camber to work with the SLR lift. I would rather have to crank up the torsion bars when I really need them rather than having my CV's always at a wicked angle.

Still getting the lift adjusted.

Todd

I am running the arms at the AC specs of nearly three inches and even with the cam bolts turned all the way I still can not get it in spec. I believe that they (AC) is getting the arms too long.

Speaking of your alignment.. Where do your cam bolts sit?

That is the way it should be.

Wow, yeah - looks like the AC UCAs are indeed a POS... So many people are having problems with them, and from the pictures, very obvious! The welds and everything look kind of like a hack too, and they don't even MATCH!

I didn't mean to infer that Calmini parts sucked (I plan on getting a few myself) - just that they looked a little, err, "boxy."

Yes.. I am getting accelerated tire wear on the outside of the tires (32" TSL's)
And I have had three differant places try their hand at alignmet.

Key word there is most.. I have yet to hear ONE complaint about the Calmini lift giving anyone problems with the alignment. Yet there are several people that have alignment issues with the current AC arms be it the camber or the fact that they have little or no adjustment left on the cam bolts.

As for the look differance between the two arms. The AC arms may be as strong as the Calmini arms but their appearance says something about the care (or lack of)that was taken in their construction.

About two months ago there was a post on this or Schluds board about a alignment problem with teh Calmini arms, can't remember the guys name though.

I have the AC arms, never had an alignment problem and my Swampers are wearing perfectly after 17,000 miles. Has anyone been to an RTI ramp with the full Calmini lift? I scored a 743(20 degree) with the AC lift, that's while losing traction since it was on cinders...both rear tires were still planted. Just interested to get a comparison since they use bumpstop extensions with their lift.

Todd.. I searched and can not find the phantom post..

I did however find this:

Posted by Todd FSR Biker:
"From the only review of Calmini's kit which was in 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility magazine there was not increase in articulation/travel up front...if this is true(and no one has denied it) then stay away from this kit unless you are going for looks..."

Please answer me a question.. How can one gain articulation when you are still using the stock bump stops? Did you relocate the bump stops on your AC lift to increase articulation/ wheel travel? From my observations, if you do not remove or relocate the bump stops it does not matter whos kit you have, the wheels will travel the same distance from bump stop to bump stop.

Am I missing something or are you just slamming on Calmini? If I remember correctly you were slamming hard on AC till EOE and AC got into bed together.

Because the new upper a-arms are shaped differently than the factory ones to allow for more travel, they are also a slight bit longer.

I questioned AC about their kit as well as MANY others did when it came out about the travel and such...was that a bad thing? I am not "in bed" with anyone(except my wife), I sell some of AC's parts and they sell mine...is that a bad thing to increase my sales?

I've seen those lower-profile bumpstops on SLR's site... Would they have any effect on a stock setup (I'm guessing not) and should they be installed when you replace the UCA (I'm guess yes)?

Oh yea why would I slam Calmini? I just asked a question on RTI scores to see if anyone had them posted somewhere and I know I read a post about an alignment problem. I am way to busy to start searching for it but you can spend your holiday weekend searching if you want. I can't remember exactly where or when the post was or if it was within another thread on lifts...maybe someone else can recall.

Have a good holiday weekend everyone!

I just remember how your tune changed about AC when it was discovered by accident that the lift that you are selling is infact a repackaged AC lift.

If in fact you are now using new longer/differant shaped UCA's for for increased tire drop I can see a problem. With allowing more tire drop the problem can be heard with a loud crack as your CV joint explodes.

We have seen it before here on this board where people with the lifts* that are on the market now have nuked their CV due to it binding. So if you are infact getting more drop from the front end via a new UCA then I hope you bring extra half shafts so that you can replace them when you granade them on the trail.

Note: *although I think the only people that have done this have been running the AC lift - The same lift that is notorious for killing the EOE tie rod centerlinks. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

Posted by Todd FSR Biker:
"From the only review of Calmini's kit which was in 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility magazine there was not increase in articulation/travel up front...if this is true(and no one has denied it) then stay away from this kit unless you are going for looks..."

I don't know why you slammed them.

I see this issue being discussed and want to add that having recently installed a lift, I am concerned that to get my alignment into spec, I have to leave 1/2" to 3/4" between bump stop (low profile) and upper control arm. I had this set, but the angle of the CV seemed too much. I know the device is designed flex, but everything has its limits. I would rather not push this part of my truck beyond its limits.

Thus, I am now running 1" gap and have some serious camber issues.

I am concerned that too much focus on an RTI score would be deceptive. I have a problems if the focus of the aftermarket is just being able to score well on the RTI. If the result of this is having issues with damage, I would rather have less travel and longer life for parts to my truck.

Just my thoughts

Todd

I went to six alignment shops. The first gave me a bogus read that showed within spec and sent me on my way. 2 of the shops were barely competent. 3 of the shops were aces, and have tons of experience. I wanted to rule out all the possibilities before I junked a set of arms. I fortunately caught it before it was wearing on my tires too bad.

on the other stuff...I only had the a-arms from AC, now the Calmini. I don't know if doing my own thing in the back has helped or hurt in the articulation dept. I can say that both perform very well off road...The only difference being the allignment issues.

I have purchased other parts from AC and will probably buy more. After Mike gets my arms back, he said he would address the QC issues with the manufacturer. It's a good thing that the lifts work for the majority, but prospective buyers should also be aware of the flip-side and make their own choice based on all the information available.

I believe Mosi wore out a centerlink idler bushing with just a torsion bar tweak.

If the tie-rods are not at the factory angle (which is almost parallel to the centerlink), upward forces will wear out the bushing on the idler pivot.

That is true.. I guess I was figuring into that the fact that in order to get the AC lift into or close to spec you had to really crank up the front thus causing a larger number of failures due to the overly high angles.

The other factors like driver agression and other components are factors as well.

Thank you for jogging my memory.

XCETRA...thanks for the advice...and will post those pics as soon as its done...thanks again
Jeff

This is what I'm talking about as far as manufacturing... Even the bumpstops don't line up... To me, I can see a big difference in workmanship.

[img]http://www.superjens.com/pics/gallery/images/bumpstop[1].jpg[/img]

Acctually, that looks pretty good.

Whatever you do, include an idler arm brace with your lift.

I am taking stock in idler arm futures right now. I think the market is going to be very hot soon.

Anyone know the list price of the idler arm?

Todd

Supposedly, if you get one the "Beck Arnley's" or "Moog's" from Autozone, they have a lifetime warranty on them. Might be worth your time to invest in one of those rather than OEM.

I have seen that the Moogs have a higher failure rate than the factory Idler arm.. I would stick with the OE arm with the Calmini brace. Besides.. if you can keep the arm from failing with a brace, why would you care if there is a lifetime warrenty and free replacement (especially if you have to replace them that often leaving you stranded on a trail)

Carlton the AC/Calmini braces prevent the slop in the bushing but do not prevent the arm from bending, I bent the stock one when my centerlink went.

Oh I will correct you:

For one their have only been two reported cv failures that I know of..one was Pikachu who was not running a lift and Stormy who had the AC lift so where are all these mysterious blown cv's?

There have been three people who have damaged an EOE tie rod adjuster, two of them had worn centerlinks with one that was hitting the frame and one worn so bad he broke two stock Nissan adjusters on the same trip. The other was Xtoolbox in which he was getting winched across the Golden Crack when he thought he damaged them. Out of over 200 sets that's not bad especially considering the circumstances, two out of the three people bought replacements...Gator is doing a solid axle swap.

I never hid the fact that I was selling AC's suspension lift, I use the same pictures from their website.

So it seems you must be agreeing with 4wd and Sport Utility magazine about no additional travel with the Calmini lift or are you carrying extra cv shafts? Does anyone have the August issue of that magazine, the online version is not the full article?

I think they might prevent this though..



I don't think there is a brace for the MOOG.. or is there?

Why is this a slam? All I said was you gained no articulation/travel from their kit as stated in the magazines review. I NEVER made these statements myself, I just posted info from the article.
I have NOTHING AGAINST CALMINI nor SLR nor AC...stop stirring the pot, you are only going to start pissing off more manufactures and prevent more products from being developed because Xterra owners are quickly getting a reputation for complainers and that they love to bitch about new products.

So then buy one.

I already have one.. that was someone elses Xterra (Ian's to be exact)

then stay away from this kit unless you are going for looks..."

So just to clarify.. you never said the above statement?

A quote from you... " There are more than just CV angles as limiting factors for IFS suspensions, we will address them all and when we install the first kit and show the results everyone will be really surprised at what we have come up with. Downey has done some great things for the Toyota IFS and we plan on doing the same for Nissan's."

BTW.. how does your/ AC's lift correct or get around the driveshaft/cv angle problem and increase articulation?

Sure, but what's wrong with that? If as stated in the article you gain no travel than why not spend the same amount of money on a kit that gains travel...or just install a body lift if the intention is to raise the truck to fit larger tires.

You have WAY too much time on your hands, I run TWO businesses and will not spend half my day responding to your comments when you know the answers yourself. If you want to place an order I will answer all your questions.

I did plan on making some unique suspension parts for the X, the drawings are all done but I changed directions a bit instead.

Get around what problem? Spend your day surfing and finding out how many cv problems there have been and post your results...there are many, many people who are using the various lifts with no cv problems.

Why are you attacking EOE and myself?

o.k. just checking..

Too much crap to deal with if you get a body lift (relocate rear bumper, can not safely relocate ARB with the winch, wiring, moving steering, gap between the frame and body, don't gain any extra clearance between the frame and the ground, bla bla bla)

As for the kit that does increase travel.. I will wait till one comes out that is built properly..

note.. before you say anything about increasing ground clearance with larger tires and a body lift.. with a suspension lift you get the clearance from the larger tires as well as moving the entire vehicle further from the ground

Man, you guys all sound like me... Let me clear some things up.

The CALMINI kit does offer increased travel up front.

Think about it. It is physically impossible to make a 3" upper control arm lift kit without creating additional travel.

Try raising the front of a stock Xterra 3 inches by adjusting the torsion bars. You can't, you run out of room before you get the front 3 inches higher.

With the CALMINI kit, the truck sits 3 inches higher than stock, and yet still has an 3/4 - 1 inch of clearance between the droop stop and upper arm.

As for total travel, the SLR lift kit wins, since the Bilstein shocks offer the longest amount of extended travel.

This picture shows that Rancho shocks don't offer enough travel at full droop, it's 3/4" shorter than the Bilstein.

Here is the problem I was speaking of..

"Stormy just broke a CV joint, and prior to that Pikachu broke one. Stormy's was the passenger side, can someone verify which one Pikachu broke ? I thought it was the passenger side too.

I found something interesting tonight. With the front of the Xterra raised with a floor jack (suspension fully extended), the passenger side axle shaft binds, but the driver side rotates freely. The passenger side can be turned, but only a short distance, about 90 degrees or so, before it hits something solid inside one of the joints. The inner CV joint uses a tripod joint, which has three bearings, each 120 degrees apart, the outer joint is an Rzeppa, which has 6 bearings 60 degrees apart. One of the two joints is binding severely."

If you have found some soultion to this problem I have not heard of it.

As for your question of attack.. I am not attacking you or EOE any more than your statement about Calmini's lift being "just for looks" was an attack on them.

Carlton, you were at Nissannet. Did you not take a look at Mehdi's truck. He has the 2" BL, and a lifted ARB. He also has the Warn HS9500. If you recall, he even used the winch on a couple of occasions. The ARB did not move or flex with the new 2" cradle. Even while winching GAtor at that bad angle.

I just don't understand how you can say that you can't raise an ARB safely for use with a winch.

Oh, and if you are really wearing your tires badly with the lift, By all means remove the A-arms and go back to the stock arms until you can get something worked out. Alignments are cheap compared to the cost of 2 new tires.

Cliff

Just driving our boring fire roads here in Colorado.

Were those custom brackets? Are they sold by a insured and bonded shop that will take responsibility for a failure?

I will admit they they did look beefy. But from my speaking with ARB, 4Wheel Parts Wholesaler and others that have been in the business for quite some time, it is not suggested or recommended to do what he did with that bumper.

He's saying tirewear due to allignment (camber) has not been a problem with Calmini or SLR's a-arms.

AAAAAAAAA
More then one Ian

Thats Scary !!!!!!!

I understand what he is saying about Tire wear. What I'm saying is that he is absolutely sure that it's a problem with the AC A-Arms. So, why destroy the tires while he is trying to get this situation worked out with AC. That's just dumb.

Cliff

I don't think having another Ian around would be as scary as having another Oleg around

I still am having problems with the passenger side with too much camber. I am not running AC parts, and have requested further assistance, but have not gotten anything. The left side has adjustment, but the right side is already pushed in as far as possible.

Switching back to stock, - not possible - their gone.

Variations in design of A-arms - mine are different than others. Any time you assemble parts and eld then, there is room for error. In fact, the basic frame/construction of the truck may be the problem, but in that case, you would not simply "mirror" each part, you would engineer each for the specific side of the vehicle. I do not think thank either a arm was labeled, so are they interchangable?

My solution - well, I have to consider my options, Tires are cheaper than new arms from Calmini, but, it is the tracking issue that concerns me.

I am awaiting suggestings for other possible "work arounds".

Todd

Those brackets are not sold, they are custom built. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure you know who built them.

Don't forget Pika's ARB. It's lifted 2" and custom brackets were made to mount it up to the X (it's a cherokee ARB). His winch performed well also in the ARB.

I doubt that you will find anyone who will sell the brackets to lift the ARB. However, you could find a good fabricator/welder to build you one if need be.

Of course, ARB will not recommend this, because it modifies their design. Every 4wheelparts wholesaler I've seen has been a glorified parts reseller, not a true builder fabricator of Off-Road Parts. I have a shop called Trailblazers local to me (like a 4wheel parts). They are a bunch of idiots who don't know anything except how to sell RANCHO, TRAILMASTER, (insert any big manufacturer here) parts and accessories. They don't build/fabricate anything. A properly designed and welded cradle for an ARB will make the original design stronger and better.

That being said, Body lifts are a lot of work.

Cliff

As far as AC, SLR, and Calmini go, they DO specify a left and right side a-arm.

As for the work around, SLR makes an offset bushing I think.