PSA: Use a Jack When Adjusting Torsion Bars? First Gen Nissan Xterra Lift

[@BigBlock1976]

Definitely something to do I adjusted mine on my Nissan the bolt stripped and it fell on me was in the bed for 2 weeks and my hand was injured

[@XterraRob]

Oh man sorry to hear that. Glad you were ok. Thanks for sharing your warning to others.

[@yazclark]

Great video. Yours are always informative!

[@jeffbmtb6993]

i checked my torsion bars and was planning to do the pml, it looks like i have reached the limit, do i need to reindex it? i recently added new shocks and a add a leaf in the back, my front still looks lower than the back. any advice? tnx for the vids

[@XterraRob]

Did you watch the full how to video I referenced in this video? I have a couple videos on suspension lifts that talk about this and a video specifically on reindexing torsion bars. Too much to type...but watch those videos and let me know if you had a specific question.

[@jeffbmtb6993]

@@XterraRob i’ll check out the other vids Rob. too bad i’m out in here in socal, i havent met any other xterra peeps here yet that can help with my rig.

[@XterraRob]

Not many of us anymore seems like. Goofle around for local off road clubs. We all know jeeps roll deep but there are usually a few clubs that aren't vehicle specific.

[@504outdoors4]

Does it make the truck ride rough

[@XterraRob]

Nah. Not unless you get too close to the bump stop and your control arms hit on bumps. But since it's adjustable...just back it off some to find the adjustment you like.

[@jetthekat224]

Can you do a vid on how you reinforced your front end please

[@XterraRob]

Steering system? I have a video from maybe 3 years ago showing that. "Hold your Alignment And Survive The Trail...Heavy Duty Steering Systems"

[@jetthekat224]

Thank

[@XterraRob]

Happy to help!

[@jetthekat224]

So uhh what would you do if your distributor bolt stripped out your block, cause that just happened to me 😑

[@midnightraiin4035]

Hey Rob, it's Oliver. I hope you're doing well. Sorry to bother you over the holidays I had a question, my front end rides like The Flintstones Mobile I just finished changing the shocks and I burned through shocks I think I changed them three times in the last 2 and 1/2 years I don't go rock climbing or anything. I have 100,000 on the clock could my torsion bars have an issue?

[@XterraRob]

Have you done any lift or torsion bar adjustments? If not...then I doubt your torsion bars are the issue. What shocks did you get?

[@midnightraiin4035]

@@XterraRob no, no lift. i been a cheapskate, discount priced monroe, skinny mini KGB's (compared to size of original in diameter, think kgb were gas maybe thats why). this last set i put in felt great for 2.5 months. can you recommend shocks? are bilsteins as good as said ? thanks

[@XterraRob]

I love my Bilstein 4600s. The yellow and blue ones. 4x4parts.com is where I got mine but you can find them all over. Buy once cry once is my general philosophy. I've wasted too much money...and time...doing things over because I settled or something I didn't really want or got the discount option. That being said...make sure your tires aren't over inflated too. 35 psi is usually good.

[@midnightraiin4035]

@@XterraRob oh, your smart. i maxed out my pressure, 45 . thank you for all. i'm ready to cry : ) i'll let you know post purchase how she's riding. Rob man thank you!!!

[@XterraRob]

@@midnightraiin4035 always happy to help. Take a look at the sidewall of your tire and confirm what size (265 / 75 R16?) And load range (P, SL, LT, C, E, etc). It should have a max PSI listed there. Heavier duty tires can handle higher PSI...but that doesn't mean you NEED to run them that high. The Xterra is relatively light weight compared to a pick up truck with an extra 1000 pounds in the bed. The extra PSI in the tires makes them stiff so they can handle extra weight...but if your vehicle doesnt weigh that much you can lower it to make them a little more soft.

[@brianbrown8327]

So I watched the video without the jack and yes damaged the bolt. All it does is pop and the bolt slips down to the point I can't drive it. This happens turning the bolt right or left. Can you let know how to fix? Remove the bolt entirely? Appreciate it

[@XterraRob]

You would have to get replacement bolts and nuts from Nissan or a junkyard. Suppprt the xterra with a jack stand and lefty loosey the bolt all the way out and replace. Unfortunately with almost 20 year old vehicles...the hardware can be a toss up as to what condition it is in. Good luck!

[@XterraRob]

Do a search for "Nissan Xterra Torsion Bar anchor bolt"

[@brianbrown8327]

@@XterraRob thank u!

[@XterraRob]

Make sure you get the matching nuts too. It could be the nuts stripped out. The bolt goes up through the frame rail cross member and has a nut on top of the cross member and another nut on top to lock the first one from backing out. I have a video on re-indexing a torsion bar that shows some more looks at how it works.

[@Mr.Ramirez95]

Definitely a tedious process using a jack 😕 I didn't have a flat surface so I was really just guessing the entire process of turning the keys the correct amount.

[@XterraRob]

Hope you got it adjusted how you like it! Definitely tedious!

[@WW-gx8ck]

That's why you mesure the distance from the tire to the wheel well