2006 Nissan Frontier Buildup - Daystar 2-Inch Leveling Kit

2006 Nissan Frontier Buildup Left Front Angle

After years as a mild daily driver, this '06 Nissan Frontier was overdue for a transformation. We knew this V-6, 2WD, midsize pickup had great potential to be upgraded to the next level of off-road appearance and performance without busting the bank. After making a few phone calls and getting some suggestions, we decided to level the suspension out with a Daystar 2-inch front leveling kit. To allow the mighty Frontier to take on some occasional challenging terrain, a set of Ultra Goliath 18x8-inch matte black aluminum wheels were consumed in Falken's new Wild Peak A/T LT275/65R18 rubber. To help enhance the torque and power under the hood, the factory air intake system would be replaced with a much more productive Volant Cool Air intake. To equalize the intake and improve the exhaust flow, a Gibson three-inch cat-back system would be added to the engine performance equation.

Our first stop was Custom Truck Shop where owner Louie Morosan assigned installation tech Luis to install the Daystar two-inch leveling kit. Luis also would mount and balance the Ultra wheels and Falken Wild Peak A/T tires. His final gig would be installing the Volant Cool Air intake system. We then cruised over to Gibson Performance located in Corona, California. There, Shawn used the DynoJet chassis dynamometer to record a couple baseline dyno pulls before installing the Gibson after-cat exhaust system. Shawn performed a couple of final dyno pulls to record the torque and horsepower gains. Follow along and see how we transformed this mild everyday driver into a trail assault vehicle in just one day.

To level the front suspension with the factory rear suspension, a Daystar 2-inch leveling kit will be installed. The polyurethane spacers would be inserted over the three-inch stud extensions that were threaded onto the existing strut studs. The spacers were secured with lock washers and Nylock nuts.
To level the front suspension with the factory rear suspension, a Daystar 2-inch leveling
Before installing the Daystar 2-inch leveling kit, a tape measure was used to measure the distance from the ground to the lip of the front fender wheel openings. The tape measure showed 34 inches that would be recorded and compared after the Daystar leveling kit was installed.
Before installing the Daystar 2-inch leveling kit, a tape measure was used to measure the
After disassembling the front suspension, the front strut and coil spring assembly was removed.
After disassembling the front suspension, the front strut and coil spring assembly was rem

A 15mm open wrench was used to secure the three-inch extension studs to the front strut mounting studs.
A 15mm open wrench was used to secure the three-inch extension studs to the front strut mo
After securing the extension studs, Luis inserted the Daystar 2-inch polyurethane spacer over the three extension studs.
After securing the extension studs, Luis inserted the Daystar 2-inch polyurethane spacer o
After the Daystar 2-inch polyurethane spacer was inserted atop the front strut assembly, the three mounting studs were aligned to the mounting bracket holes and the strut assembly secured.
After the Daystar 2-inch polyurethane spacer was inserted atop the front strut assembly, t

This image gives you a comparison of the smaller BFGoodrich radial 265/70R16 (30.5 inches) and the Falken Wild Peak A/T LT275/65R18 tire (32 inches tall). We chose 18-inch Ultra Goliath wheels for the Frontier and they looked great mounted inside the Falken all-terrains.
This image gives you a comparison of the smaller BFGoodrich radial 265/70R16 (30.5 inches)
To get a true measurement of the Frontier's front suspension, it was driven in and out of some driveways to settle the front suspension before taking a final measurement of the front suspension. After installing the Daystar 2-inch leveling kit and larger Ultra wheels and Falken tires, the final measurement showed 363/4 inches.
To get a true measurement of the Frontier's front suspension, it was driven in and out of
Before

After
To increase the air intake flow rate, a Volant Cool Air intake system was installed. The Volant Cool Air Cross-link polyurethane filter box and polished aluminum lid were used to protect the conical filter from engine heat, moisture, dust and debris. The conical Pro-5 air filter was constructed of five layers (four cotton gauze/one synthetic) pleated between aluminum wire mesh screens. A three-inch air tube and ram-air scoop, were also constructed from polyurethane that was connected with silicone sleeves and secured with stainless steel clamps.
To increase the air intake flow rate, a Volant Cool Air intake system was installed. The V
The factory MAF sensor was removed from the original air intake tube. It will be inserted in the Volant air intake tube later.
The factory MAF sensor was removed from the original air intake tube. It will be inserted