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
-
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 rem
-
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 o
-
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)
-
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 V
-
The factory MAF sensor was removed from the original air intake tube. It will be inserted
-
After loosening the hose clamps, the factory air intake tube was removed.
-
A Volant 3-inch silicone connecting sleeve was inserted and secured to the throttle-body u
-
The factory MAF sensor was transplanted to the new Volant Cool Air intake tube.
-
A long extension, swivel ratchet, and 13mm socket were used to secure the air filter box t
-
After removing the factory horn assembly. The Volant ram-air scoop was lowered into positi
-
A stainless steel clamp secured the silicone connector to the air filter box.
-
After the Volant Pro-5 conical, pleated air filter was inserted onto the air intake tube,
-
An overview of the more efficient Volant Cool Air intake system.
-
To improve the burnt exhaust gas flow, pulsation and backpressure, a Gibson Performance af
-
After running the truck on the Gibson dyno, Shawn began the install by unthreading the lea
-
Shawn then installed the Gibson crossover exhaust tubes behind the factory catalytic conve
-
An exhaust stand was used to help support the Gibson muffler while it was installed.
-
A bubble level was used to make sure the tailpipe was level.
-
After double-checking all of the fittings, Shawn dropped his welding hood and began tack-w
-
A polished stainless steel Gibson tip was inserted and secured using a 10mm socket.
-
A worm's eye view of the Gibson after-cat exhaust system.
-
The new Gibson exhaust system increased the torque and horsepower from the Nissan's 4.0L V
-
After the final dyno session, Shawn analyzed the dyno numbers.
-
The dyno chart shows the before and after engine horsepower and torque results from the Ni
FROM THE DRIVER SEAT
Since the install, we can honestly say everything that we bolted to the Frontier is a true upgrade. The 18-inch Ultra wheels look great and the Falken tires are a perfect fit with a cool sidewall and tread pattern. The leveling kit was accurate and lifted the front enough to where we've had absolutely no rubbing issues whatsoever. The intake and exhaust have given the truck noticeable power when we call for it-the dyno numbers don't lie. Overall, we're completely happy with all the upgrades. We still have a factory ride with a great look and more power.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Time Spent Working: 8 Hours
Degree Of Difficulty: Beginner
Tools Needed:
15mm, 17mm, wrenches, impact gun, pneumatic tire changer, tire balancer, Phillips screwdriver, 7mm, 10mm, nut driver, assorted metric sockets, MIG welder, DynoJet chassis dynamometer.
Parts Used:
Daystar 2-inch leveling kit KN09106BK $129.00
Falken Wild Peak A/T tires LT275/65R18 $888.00
Gibson Cat-Back exhaust system 12211 $478.50
Ultra Wheel Goliath 224 18x9-inch wheels $580.00
Volant Cool Air intake 12640 $341.00
Total: $2,416.50
(prices do not include tax, shipping, or labor)