Considerations When Lifting a Nissan Frontier
Lifting your Nissan Frontier is one of the best ways to improve its off-road capability and get that aggressive stance. But before you bolt on the first kit you see, it’s worth understanding the different types of lift options out there and what each one actually does.
Let’s break it down.
1. Spacer Lifts (Strut Spacers / Rear Blocks)
What it is:
A spacer lift uses simple metal or polyurethane spacers that sit on top of your front struts and rear leaf springs (typically in the form of lift blocks).
Pros:
Very affordable
Easy to install with basic tools
Retains factory ride quality in many cases
Great for clearing slightly larger tires
Cons:
Doesn’t increase suspension travel
Can lead to harsh top-out or bottom-out without bump stop extensions
Rear lift blocks over 2.5" can increase risk of axle wrap
Spacer lift's beyond 0.5" of lift up front will cause Coil Bucket Contact (UCA Required)
When it’s good:
Budget-friendly mild lift (~1–2.5 inches)
Daily driver/light trail use
2. Leveling Kits
What it is:
Usually a front-only lift (using spacers or preload collars) to reduce factory rake.
Pros:
Cheap and simple
Levels the truck’s stance for better aesthetics
Works well with factory rear height
Cons:
Same spacer-lift cons for the front suspension
Doesn’t improve off-road performance
Spacer lift's beyond 0.5" of lift up front will cause Coil Bucket Contact (UCA Required)
When it’s good:
You want to fit slightly bigger tires and reduce rake on a budget.
3. Replacing the Spring with a Higher Spring Rate or Longer Spring
What it is:
Swapping the stock coil spring for a stiffer (higher-rate) aftermarket spring, often used in coilover setups or with adjustable struts.
Pros:
Handles added weight from bumpers, winches, or armor
Prevents excessive sagging
Can offer a small lift (typically 0.5–2")
Improves stability on-road and off-road
Cons:
Can make the ride harsher when unloaded
Not a big increase in suspension travel by itself
Needs correct shock valving to avoid poor damping
When it’s good:
Overland builds carrying extra gear
Trucks with heavy front/rear accessories
Drivers wanting a firmer, controlled ride
4. Extended/Aftermarket Shocks with Leaf Packs
What it is:
New front coilovers or rear leaf packs that are taller or have additional load capacity, often paired with longer shocks.
Pros:
Better ride quality off-road
Can increase usable suspension travel
Tuned damping for rough terrain
Typically longer-lasting than stock
Cons:
Costs more than spacers
Some kits don’t include all supporting components (like UCAs or brake line brackets)
Ride can be stiffer unloaded if the leafs are heavy-duty
Too much suspension travel up front will cause Coil Bucket Contact (UCA Required)
When it’s good:
Mild to moderate off-road use
Daily driver that sees dirt often
5. Upper Control Arms (UCAs)
What it is:
Not a lift by itself—but often required for lifts >2–2.5" on the Frontier’s front end.
Pros:
Corrects alignment and improves ball joint angles
Improves travel when paired with longer shocks
Cons:
Additional cost
Not needed for mild lifts
When it’s good:
Essential for mid-travel or higher lifts
When you want to maintain good on-road handling
6. Body Lifts
What it is:
Lifts the body off the frame using pucks/spacers.
Pros:
Inexpensive way to clear bigger tires
Doesn’t change suspension geometry
Cons:
No gain in suspension travel or ground clearance under the frame
Can look awkward if too tall
Can require extending steering shafts, fuel lines
When it’s good:
To stack with a small suspension lift for big tires without breaking the bank.
7. Long-Travel Kits or Titan Swap
What it is:
Full suspension systems with extended control arms, longer shocks, and custom springs.
Pros:
Huge gains in travel
Great high-speed off-road control
Best articulation for rock crawling
Cons:
Expensive
Often requires fabrication or professional install
Can reduce reliability for daily driving if not properly tuned
Requires removal of front sway bar that will decrease ride quality
When it’s good:
Dedicated off-road builds
Enthusiasts who want the best performance
We believe in picking the right lift for how you actually use your Frontier.
Daily driver and mild trails? A small spacer or coilover lift can be perfect.
Overland build? Go with a quality suspension lift with UCAs.
Hardcore trails? Look at mid-travel or long-travel setups.
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer just make sure you match your budget and your goals.
If you want help figuring out what lift is right for you, or if you want to see the kits we sell for the Frontier, check out our catalog or reach out.