like i said im from suburbia and now live in tahoe. somone told me to do a cheap lift i can crank my tortion bars and in the front and add shackles in the rear. how bad of an idea is this and would it require new shocks. keep in mind im from suburbia and dont know anything about automobiles.

I like your name.

This question probably belongs in the Suspension Forum. If anyone wants to answer, click on the link at the top of the thread.

dave and xtoy - first lesson: the X is a truck, not an automobile

That's the "poor man's lift" and has been done by plenty of Xterra owners. Just leave enough room between the upper control arm and the droop-stop pad beneath it to stick a finger in.
Longer shocks not necessary.

How much lift will this "poor man's method" add overall?

Ehh, after everything settles about 1.5 inches to 2. If you remove your mud flaps and step rails, it makes it look even higher, and gives you a tad more clearance.

kk..thx for info. Think ima order me up some shackles and check it out

You can also get Add A Leafs (AAL's) for around $150, they lift the rear the same amount (1.5 inchs) and they also increase your payload and firm up your ride a little. The shackles will give you more articulation though. Also shackles are easier to install.

just giving you another option... i got AAL's and am very happy with them... I also cranked the about 1 inch, i have fears of anything more than that comming back to bite me in the ass.

i just installed the shackles. How do i go about the torsion bars. should i try to get an alignment shop to do it.