Many pickup truck owners Nissan Navara are faced with the need to install wheels of increased diameter to overcome difficult off-road conditions. The standard suspension does not allow mounting tires wider than 285 mm without the risk of hitting the arches and body elements. The solution to this problem lies in the installation of a lift kit, which raises the body and frame relative to the axles, creating the necessary clearance.
Self-installation suspension lift requires not only physical effort, but also a deep understanding of the geometry of the chassis. Improper installation can lead to accelerated wear of the steering, destruction of silent blocks and even loss of controllability at high speed. In this article we will analyze all the nuances of the process, from choosing a kit to the final wheel alignment adjustment.
Selecting a lift type for Nissan Navara
Before starting work, it is necessary to decide on the type of lift, since the complexity of the work and the final cost of the project depend on this. There are two main methods: body lift and suspension lift. The first option is implemented by installing spacers between the frame and the body, which is simpler to implement, but does not increase the suspension ground clearance, only allowing the installation of larger wheels.
Second option, elevator pendants, is more preferable for serious off-road use. It involves replacing springs, shock absorbers, levers and rods, which actually increases suspension travel and ground clearance. For Nissan Navara D40 or D23 are the most popular kits with a lift of 50-60 mm front and rear, which maintain the balance of the car.
It is important to consider that with a lift of more than 50 mm, it is often necessary to install lever extensions and adjust the caster angles of the steering axis (Caster). Without these modifications, the steering wheel will have difficulty returning to center, and the pickup may “float” when driving in a straight line. For most applications, a 2-inch lift kit is sufficient and does not require a drastic change in geometry.
- 🚙 Body lift: cheaper, easier to install, but does not improve driving performance
- 🛞 Suspension lift: more expensive, more complicated, but significantly improves cross-country ability
- ⚙️ Combined approach: optimal balance of price and efficiency
⚠️ Attention: Installing a lift of more than 70 mm on serial arms Nissan Navara is strictly unacceptable, as this will lead to premature failure of the ball joints and crosspieces of the propeller shaft.
Tools and equipment for installation
The process of replacing the suspension requires specialized tools, which not every home craftsman has. You will need a powerful jack, car stands (goats), a set of sockets, a torque wrench and, most importantly, a spring puller. Working without a spring remover is dangerous, as they are under enormous tension and can break out in an unpredictable trajectory.
Also prepare a penetrating lubricant (such as WD-40 or similar) to treat threaded connections that often become stuck over years of use. Bolts securing arms and shock absorbers to Navara often require significant effort to unscrew, so the presence of long wrenches and ratchets with heads of 17, 19, 21 and 24 mm is mandatory.
Don't forget about personal protective equipment: glasses, gloves and comfortable clothes. The work is carried out under the car, where there is a lot of dirt and rust. If you plan to replace brake hoses that also require extension when lifting, prepare new tubes and fittings.
☑️ Preparation of the workplace
For some models Nissan Navara It may be necessary to remove or lower the fuel tank to gain access to the lower shock mounts and rear control arms. This increases operating time, but is necessary for high-quality installation.
- 🔧 Set of socket heads from 10 to 32 mm
- 🔩 Torque wrench with a range of 50-200 Nm
- 🛠 Puller for suspension springs (required!)
- 🧴 Penetrating lubricant and metal brush
⚠️ Warning: Never rely solely on a hydraulic jack to support the vehicle while working. Use only strong metal stands for the frame.
Removing the front suspension and installing springs
We start work with the front axle. Raise the car, remove the wheels and unscrew the caliper bolts, hanging them on a wire so as not to damage the brake hose. Next, you need to dismantle the anti-roll bar and unscrew the lower bolts of the shock absorbers. On Nissan Navara Often it is necessary to unscrew the ball joint from the steering knuckle using a puller or the method of “hitting” the lever.
After removing the shock absorbers, you can move on to the springs. Use a puller to compress the old spring, unscrew the top fasteners and carefully remove the element. Pay attention to the condition of the support bearings and rubber buffers - it is recommended to replace them with new ones, since the old ones are often destroyed.
Installing a new lift kit spring is done in the reverse order. It is important to correctly position the spring relative to the lower arm and shock absorber cup. Installation errors can cause the spring to pop out the first time you hit an obstacle, which can result in serious injury.
After installing the springs and shock absorbers, reassemble the assembly in reverse order, but do not fully tighten the bolts until the vehicle is on the ground. This is because the rubber bushings of the arms must be tightened in the load position, otherwise they will quickly tear.
Features of dismantling levers
On some modifications of the Navara D40, it is necessary to first remove the plastic engine protection and unscrew the stabilizer mounts, which are not accessible.
- 🔩 Unscrew the bolts securing the shock absorbers at the top and bottom
- 🚫 Remove the ball joint without damaging the boot
- 🛠 Use a puller to safely remove the spring
- Spacers for springs
- Complete set with springs and shock absorbers
- Body lift
- Rear lift only
Rear suspension installation and work with springs
Rear suspension Nissan Navara It is structurally different from the front one and is often made on springs. A rear end lift can be achieved by installing spacers between the springs and the frame or completely replacing the springs with longer and stiffer ones. The first option is cheaper, but changes the nature of the suspension, making it more rigid. The second option provides better comfort and ride.
When replacing springs, it is necessary to dismantle the rear axle, which requires fixing the frame and using a jack under the axle. Unscrew the Y-shaped clamps, shock absorber and brake pipe fastenings. Be extremely careful with the brake hoses - they should not be twisted or overstretched.
If you use spacers, make sure they are the correct shape and securely attached to the frame and spring. Incorrectly installed spacers can move the axle, which will disrupt the geometry of the driveshaft and lead to vibrations. Also check the condition of the rubber spring pads.
After installing new elements or spacers, reassemble the suspension by tightening all fasteners. As with the front end, final tightening of the Y-clamp and shock absorber bolts is done after the vehicle is lowered to the ground.
Before unscrewing the brake pipes, take a photo of their location and mark it with a marker so that during assembly you do not confuse the left and right sides if they differ in length.
| element | Standard condition | При лифте 50мм | With a 100mm lift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springs | Standard hardness | Reinforced springs | Special springs |
| Shock absorbers | Short | Удлиненные | Long with locking |
| Levers | Standard | Standard (possibly) | Adjustable |
| Brake hoses | Standard | Удлиненные | Be sure to lengthen |
Geometry adjustment and wheel alignment
After installing the lift kit, the suspension geometry inevitably changes. The caster angle of the steering axis is reduced, which makes the car less stable on the track. To compensate for this effect, it is necessary to install adjusting bushings or special levers to return the Caster angle to factory values.
The camber angle of the wheels also changes. Standard adjustment bolts may not provide the desired range, so eccentric bolts or shims are often used. Without proper wheel alignment, your tires will wear unevenly and your steering wheel may become crooked.
Be sure to visit the wheel alignment stand after installing the elevator. Inform the technician that the elevator is installed so that he uses the correct techniques and adapters. Checking wheel alignment angles is not a whim, but a necessity for safety.
Don't forget to check the operation of the ABS system and steering angle sensors. On some models Nissan Navara After removing the suspension, it may be necessary to reset errors and calibrate sensors through a diagnostic scanner.
Correct adjustment of the wheel alignment angles after the lift is critical for the safety and service life of the tires; this stage cannot be ignored.
- 📐 Check the Caster angle and install adjusting bushings if necessary
- 🔄 Adjust camber and toe on a specialized stand
- 🔍 Check the operation of the ABS sensors and stabilization system
Checking and testing after installation
The first 1000 kilometers after installing the elevator is a break-in period. At this time, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of all fasteners, especially the bolts of the levers and shock absorbers. Rubber bushings and silent blocks may shrink a little, which will require re-broaching.
Take a test ride on different types of surfaces: asphalt, dirt road and light off-road. Evaluate the operation of the suspension, the absence of extraneous knocks and vibrations. If the steering wheel is difficult to return to center or the vehicle pulls to the side, stop immediately and check the settings.
Also check the operation of the brakes. When lifting, the center of gravity moves upward, which can affect braking performance. Make sure that the brake hoses are not stretched or kinked when the wheels are fully suspended.
It is important to check the operation of the headlights. When the body is raised, the light beam is directed higher, which can blind oncoming drivers. Be sure to adjust the height of the headlight beam or install a corrector.
Common elevator mistakes
The most common mistake is incorrect tightening of the bolts of the levers in a suspended state, which leads to the destruction of the rubber bushings in the first months of operation.
If you notice that your car is more prone to body roll when cornering, you may want to install stiffer anti-roll bars or sport springs. Comfort and handling are a balance that must be found individually.
- 🚗 Tighten all suspension bolts after the first 500 km
- 🌙 Adjust the height of the headlight beam
- 🛑 Check brake function and leaks
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Navara elevator
Do I need to change the levers for a 50mm lift?
With a lift of up to 50 mm on most models Nissan Navara You can get by with standard levers, but it is necessary to check the wheel alignment angles. If the Caster angle is outside of the adjustment range, adjustment bushings will be required.
Can you lift just the rear of a pickup truck?
Technically this is possible, but it is highly not recommended. Lifting only the rear end upsets the car's balance, affects handling, and can overstress the front suspension and transmission.
How does an elevator affect fuel consumption?
Increasing ground clearance and installing larger diameter wheels inevitably lead to increased fuel consumption due to increased aerodynamic drag and weight. On average, consumption can increase by 1-2 liters per 100 km.
Do I need to change brake hoses when lifting?
With a lift of more than 30-40 mm, standard brake hoses may not be long enough when the wheel is fully suspended. It is recommended to install extended hoses for safety and to prevent rupture.
Is it difficult to make an elevator with your own hands?
The process requires tools and skills in working with suspension. If you've never removed control arms or shock absorbers, it's best to leave the job to a professional or work with a partner who has experience.