INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
98-99 NISSAN FRONTIER 4 WD
KIT # 4083
WARNING
WARNING
This body lift kit should only be installed on vehicles that
are in good working condition. Before the installation
begins, the vehicle should be thoroughly inspected for
evidence of corrosion or deformation of the sheet metal
around the factory body mounts. This body lift kit should
not be installed on any vehicle that is suspected to have
been in a collision, or misused. Off road use of your
vehicle with this body lift installed may increase the stress
Installation of a Performance Accessories body lift will
change the center of gravity and the handling
characteristics of the vehicle. Because of the higher
center of gravity and larger tires, the vehicle will handle
and react differently both on and off road. You must drive
it safely! Extreme care must be taken to prevent vehicle
rollover or loss of control, which could result in serious
injury or death. Avoid sudden sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers and always make sure all vehicle occupants
have their seat belts fastened.
applied to the factory body mounts.
It is not
recommended that any vehicle, with a body lift installed,
be involved in any extreme off road maneuvers such as
jumping. Failure to follow this warning may result in
serious personal injury and/or serious damage to your
vehicle.
WARNING
Read and understand all instructions, warnings, cautions,
and notes in this sheet and in your owners manual before
you begin the installation of this body lift kit.
WARNING
Performance Accessories strongly discourages the use of
a suspension lift kit or any other lift device in addition to a
body lift kit. A vehicle that uses a combination of lift
devices not originally engineered to be used together may
result in unexpected and unsafe handling characteristics.
Many states now have laws restricting bumper heights
and vehicle lifts. Local laws should be consulted to
determine if the changes you intend to make to your
vehicle complies with state laws.
CAUTION
Proper installation of a Performance Accessories body lift
kit requires knowledge of the factory recommended
procedures for disassembly an assembly of original
equipment components. It is recommended that the
factory shop manual and any special tools necessary to
your vehicle be on hand during the installation.
Installation of this body lift kit without proper knowledge of
the factory recommended procedures may affect the
performance of these components and the safety of you
vehicle. It is strongly recommended that a certified
mechanic who is familiar with the installation of similar
components install this body lift kit.
WARNING
The installation of larger wheel and tire combinations may
reduce the effectiveness of the Anti-lock Braking System.
NOTE
Performance Accessories recommends using the Loctite®
supplied in the kit, on all hardware unless noted in the
instructions.
WARNING
Always wear eye protection when operating power
tools.
1
’98-’99 Frontier – Kit# 4083
screws are accessed through the wheel well. Remove the
four bolts that mount the front bumper to the frame.
Remove the bumper from the vehicle.
WARNING
Failure to replace the OEM body mounting hardware
(except mounting bolts) in the stock locations could result
in damage to the vehicle and possible personal injury.
13. Remove the tabs that hold the fender well flaps to
frame. This will prevent flaps from being damaged while
lifting.
18. Using a hydraulic jack and a wooden block, slowly lift
the passenger side of the cab just high enough to put the
spacers on the mounting pads. Continually check for any
hoses, wires, etc. to be sure that everything is flexing
properly and not binding. Be especially careful of the a/c
hose at the firewall and at the core support. Place the
spacer block on top of the mounting pad. Using a 3/8"
washer in conjunction with the stock washer, install the
7/16" x 7" bolts at the front two mounts (core support and
front floorboard) and the 10mm x 180mm bolt at the rear
cab mount. For the front two mounts, the 3/8” washer
should be installed on the bolt. The bolt should then be
inserted from the top through the stock top washer,
through the body, the spacer, the factory top bushing, the
frame perch, the bottom factory bushing, the stock bottom
washer and inserted into the 7/16” nylock nut provided
with the kit. The 3/8” washer should be installed on the
10mm bolt, the bolt should be inserted from the bottom
through the outside support bracket, the bottom stock
bushing, the frame perch, the stock top bushing, the
block, and threading into the nut that is captured inside
the body. Reinstall the two bolts that mount the outside
support bracket to the bottom of the frame perch. Do not
tighten any of the bolts at this time.
14. Remove the screws that mount the scuff plate to the
door jamb area on both sides of the vehicle. Remove the
kick panels from both sides. Place the manual
transmission in neutral. Remove the screws that mount
the shift boot to the floorboard. Pull the boot back to
expose the top of the transmission. Remove the c-clip that
holds the transmission shift lever in the top of the
transmission. Remove the spacer washer that is under the
C-clip. Unbolt the transfer case shifter from the transfer
case. Remove both levers from the vehicle. You may
want to wrap a rag around the bottom of the shift lever to
prevent any oil from dripping on the carpet. Pull the
carpeting back to expose the two body mounting bolt
access covers. Remove the plastic access covers from
the floorboard and discard. Be sure that the transmission
is in neutral. Remove the shift lever from the transmission.
WARNING
Use extreme caution when working near fuel lines and
fuel tank. Clean up spilled fuel immediately. Any spark
could cause an explosion or fire resulting in serious
personal and property damage.
15. Remove the screws that mount the fuel filler neck to
the body. Loosen the hose clamp that mounts the filler
hose to the fuel tank. Loosen the clamp that mounts the
vent hose to the tank. Remove the entire filler neck and
hose assembly from the vehicle.
19. Repeat step #18 for the driver’s side of the cab. Adjust
the cab to bed clearance. Install the outside support
plates to the cab using the stock bolts. Attach the outside
support plates to the stock outside support brackets using
two 7/16” x 1” bolts, four 7/16” SAE washers, and two
7/16” nylock nuts on each side of the cab and tighten
securely. Remove cab-mounting bolts, one at a time,
apply Loctite®, reinstall bolt and tighten to vehicle torque
specifications.
16. Disconnect the license plate lights from the rear
bumper. Remove the six bolts that mount the rear bumper
to the frame. Remove the bumper from the vehicle.
17. Measure the distance between the cab and the bed.
Record this measurement to insure proper alignment of
the cab and bed after the lifting operation has been
completed. Remove the bolts at the rear cab mount that
mount the body to the side of the rear cab mount. There
are two bolts inserted from the inside of the frame mount
and are threaded into the body. There are two more bolts
that are inserted from the bottom and thread into the
mounting pad. When the rear cab bolt is removed, the
bracket can be removed. Loosen, but do not remove all
six cab-mounting bolts. They are located as follows; in the
front fender well, in the front floorboard, and at the rear of
the cab screwing up into the cab. The front two mounting
bolts are installed from the top and the rear bolt is
installed from the bottom.
20. Loosen, but do not remove all six bed-mounting bolts.
Remove the mounting bolts from the passenger side of
the bed only. Using a hydraulic jack and a wooden block
slowly lift the passenger side of the bed just high enough
to place the spacer blocks on the frame. Install the new
mounting bolts in the following positions; ½ x 5” at the
front bed mount, ½” x 4 ½” at the middle bed mount, and
½ x 5 1/2" at the rear bed mount. The bolts should have a
½” USS (large) washer installed and then the bolt should
be inserted through the thick rubber bushing, through the
frame, through the thin rubber bushing, through the
spacer, and through the bottom support rail of the bed.
Install a ½” USS washer and nylock nut on each bolt. Do
not tighten at this time.
21. Repeat step # 20 for the driver’s side of the bed.
Realign the bed to the cab. Refer to the measurements
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’98-’99 Frontier – Kit# 4083
made earlier. One by one remove each bed-mounting
bolt. Remove bed-mounting bolts, one at a time, apply
Loctite, reinstall bolt and tighten to vehicle torque
specifications.
tube with the rubber bushing onto the studs at the top of
the radiator. Reinstall the stock upper radiator mount. The
hole in the stock mount should align with the hole in the
tube. Mount the tube to the stock bracket using a 3/8” bolt,
two 3/8” USS washers, and a 3/8” nylock nut on each
side. Do not tighten at this time. Be sure that the radiator
is secure. Tighten all radiator mounting hardware
securely. Install the fan shroud to the radiator using the
stock hardware. Check the fan to fan shroud clearance.
Be sure that the fan cannot make contact with the shroud.
Tighten the fan shroud mounting hardware securely.
Install both radiator hoses to the radiator. Tighten the
hose clamps securely.
WARNING
Failure to install the steering extension properly could
result in loss of steering causing damage to the vehicle
and possible personal injury.
22. Install the steering extension into the lower coupler of
the steering shaft. Be sure that the extension is installed
so the mounting bolt will slide across the flat on the
steering extension. Install the stock retaining bolt in the
steering shaft. If the bolt will not easily slide across the flat
on the steering extension, the extension has been
installed incorrectly. Do not tighten the retaining bolt at
this time. Extend the mark on the lower part of the
steering shaft down onto the extension. Install the upper
part of the steering shaft into the upper coupler inside the
engine compartment. Be sure to align the marks made
earlier. Install the stock retaining bolt in the upper coupler.
Align the mark on the steering extension with the mark on
the gearbox. Install the steering extension on the gearbox
splined shaft. Install the retaining bolt in the steering
extension. Do not tighten the retaining bolt at this time. Be
sure that all marks are properly aligned and that there is
ample engagement at all unions.
25. Fill the cooling system as much as possible at this
time. It will need to be topped off after the vehicle has
been started.
26. Reroute the vacuum brake-booster hose over the a/c
hose at the firewall. Bend the bracket that mounts the a/c
hose to the firewall forward to a 45-degree angle. This
should give the hose ample slack. Reconnect the hose to
the brake booster. If the line still feels tight, it may be
necessary to carefully bend the steel portion of the line to
gain more slack in the line.
27. Check the a/c line at the core support. Be sure that
there is enough slack in the line to remount it to the core
support. If there is not enough slack, carefully bend the
line to gain more slack. Be sure that there is ample slack
in the line. Install the bolt that mounts the a/c line to the
core support. Tighten securely.
23. Using the new lower radiator support as a template,
Mark the lower core support for alignment of the new
support. Align the holes in the new bracket with the stock
mounting holes. Mark the core support for proper
alignment of the new support after the stock mount has
been removed. Using a die grinder or hacksaw cut away
the bottom radiator mount from the core support. Be
especially careful of the a/c condenser when cutting the
sheet metal. Cut to the outside of each mounting hole
approximately 1 ½” to 2” and flush with the vertical
surface of the core support (allow enough room for the
radiator to slide past the remaining sheet metal without
hitting). Place the new lower radiator support bracket on
the core support. Be sure that the bracket is aligned with
the marks made earlier and that the bracket is positioned
flush against the core support with the lip resting on top of
the core support. Using the bracket as a template, mark
the top of the core support through the holes in the
bracket. Remove the bracket. Drill a ¼” hole at both
locations. Mount the bracket to the core support by install
a ¼” x 1” bolt with a ¼” washer through the bracket, and
the core support. Install a ¼” washer and nylock nut on
the bolt from the bottom of the core support. Tighten the
¼” hardware securely.
28. Using two 10mm – 1.25 x100 bolts with a 3/8” washer
on each bolt, and the two 3” long tubes mount the cab
safety loop to its original location. It may be necessary to
bend the loop slightly to align the loop to the mounting
holes with the spacer tubes installed. Tighten safety loop
mounting bolts securely.
WARNING
Use extreme caution when working near fuel lines and
fuel tank. Clean up spilled fuel immediately. Any spark
could cause an explosion or fire resulting in serious
personal and property damage.
29. Lengthen the fuel filler hose. Cut the filler hose toward
the bottom below the first bend. Install the 1 3/4" fuel filler
extension between the two sections of the filler hose.
Install a #28 hose clamp at each end of the extension.
Tighten both hose clamps securely. Remove the vent
hose from the filler neck. Install the new vent hose to the
filler neck vent. Install a #10 hose clamp and tighten
securely. Install the filler assembly in the vehicle. Using
the stock clamp, reconnect the filler hose to the fuel tank.
Using a #10 hose clamp, reconnect the large vent hose to
the fuel tank. Tighten all hose clamps securely. Install the
screws that mount the filler neck to the body. Tighten
24. Install the radiator on the new lower support bracket.
Remove the two rubber bushings from the plastic studs on
the top of the radiator. Install the rubber bushings into the
large hole in the 2” x 3” x 1” rectangular tube. Slide the
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’98-’99 Frontier – Kit# 4083
securely. Replace the fuel cap.
WARNING
Raising the rear bumper is intended to enhance the
appearance of the vehicle only. The rear bumper will no
longer be rated for towing of any kind. Attempting to tow
with the rear bumper after it has been raised can result in
damage to the vehicle and possible personal injury. A
class III receiver hitch must be installed in order to tow
with the vehicle after the rear bumper has been raised.
WARNING
A certified welder should perform all welding.
30. Lengthen the transmission shift lever. Scribe a line
along the side of the shift lever below the bend. Be
extremely careful during this procedure to not damage any
of the parts that are attached to the shift levers. Cut the
lever into two pieces through the line. Insert the shift lever
extension between the two parts of the shift lever. The
tapered end of the extension goes toward the bottom.
Both parts of the shift lever should slide into each end of
the extension. Be sure that the lever is all the way in the
extension and that the scribe lines are aligned with the
mark on the extension. Using the holes in the extension
as a guide, drill a 1/8” hole through each part of the shift
lever and the opposite side of the extension. Install a 1/8”
x ¾” roll pin at both ends of the extension. To lengthen
the transfer case lever, scribe a line along the shaft above
the two bottom bends and cut the shaft through the
scribed lines. Place the extension pin between the two
pieces and align the scribed lines before welding the
extension in place.
34. Install the rear bumper. If you wish to tow with the rear
bumper, reinstall the bumper in the stock location using
the stock brackets and mounting hardware. To raise the
rear bumper, remove the two bolts that mount each rear
bumper bracket to the bumper. Drill a new mounting hole
in the bumper side of the stock bumper. Hold the bumper
bracket against the frame in the stock location. Pivot the
rear of the bracket upward until the last hole on the
bracket is aligned with the bottom of the slotted hole in the
frame. The first hole in the bracket should still align with
the last stock hole in the bumper. The center mount hole
should also align with a hole in the frame. Mount the
brackets to the frame using the 7/16” x 1” bolts, 7/16’ USS
washers, and 7/16” nylock nuts provided. Do not tighten.
Mount the bumper using the 7/16” x 1” bolts, 7/16" USS
washers, and 7/16” nylock nuts provided. The rear
bumper should align with body. Adjust the bumper to body
clearance. Tighten all bumper-mounting hardware
securely. Reconnect the license plate lights to the
bumper.
31. Replace the shift lever in the vehicle. Insert the
transmission shift lever into the top of the transmission.
Be sure that it is all the way in and replace the cover.
Install the spacer shim. Install the retaining clip. Bolt the
transfer case shifter to the transfer case and adjust the
linkage as outlined in the factory repair manual. Check
the shift lever and transfer case shifter operation. Be sure
that there is complete engagement in all gears and
ranges. Replace the shift boot and housing assembly.
Tighten all mounting screws securely. Check the shift
lever and transfer case shifter operation again.
35. Reinstall the air cleaner. Install the top of the housing.
Install the air intake duct to the upper radiator mounting
brackets. Install the mounting screws and tighten
securely.
WARNING
All welding should be performed by a certified welder only.
32. Replace the carpet and matting to its original position.
Replace both kick panels and both doorjamb scuff plates.
Tighten the mounting screws securely.
36. Install the four bed overload pads on the frame over
the wheel wells. Remove the rubber pads bolted to the
frame and place the overload pads where the rubber pads
were. The pads need to be tack welded to the frame only.
33. Using the stock bolts, mount the front bumper
brackets to the frame. Tighten the mounting bolts so the
brackets cannot move, but so the bumper can still be
adjusted. Slide the front bumper onto the relocating
brackets. Align the holes in the stock bumper brackets
with the holes in the new bumper brackets. Reinstall the
bumper on the vehicle. Mount the bumper to the
relocating brackets using two 7/16” x 1" bolts, four 7/16”
USS (large) washers, and two 7/16" nylock nuts. Adjust
the bumper to body clearance. Tighten all bumper-
mounting hardware securely. Reconnect the wires to the
driving lights.
37. Reconnect both battery cables. Be sure to reconnect
the positive cable first, then the negative cable. Reinstall
the airbag fuse if equipped.
38. Place the warning sticker on the dash in plain sight of
all vehicle occupants.
CAUTION
All fasteners should be retorqued after 500 miles and after
off road use. All body lift components should be visually
inspected and fasteners retorqued during routine vehicle
servicing.
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’98-’99 Frontier – Kit# 4083
39. Double-check the vehicle. Check all mounting
hardware to be sure that it is properly tightened. Check all
wires, hoses, cables, etc. to be sure that there is ample
slack. Check the vehicle electrical system. Start the
vehicle. Check the steering in both directions to be sure
that there is no bind. Check clutch operation. Check the
operation of the brake system and the parking brake.
Check both shift levers’ operation. Be sure that there is
proper engagement in all gears and 4 wheel drive ranges.
Check coolant level. Caution: never open a closed
cooling system after the vehicle has been started. Only fill
the cooling system if the cap has been removed while the
vehicle was still cold. Fill the coolant to the proper level.
Reinstall the radiator cap. Carefully check all hoses to be
certain that they have been connected properly and that
there is ample slack. With the amount of hoses on this
vehicle, it is vital that this be checked thoroughly. Test-
drive the vehicle in all gears and 4 wheel drive ranges.
Pay very close attention to all vehicle systems. Check all
hardware again in 500 miles and as part of your regular
maintenance schedule.
Kit Parts List.
Quantity
Description
6
3” x 3” blocks
6
3” x 2” blocks
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
4
3” Lower Radiator Support
Bracket, Front - Right
Bracket, Front - Left
Outer Cab Support Plates
Bracket, Power Steering Reservoir
Bracket, Parking Brake
Spacers, Bed W/ Holes
Spacers, Bed W/O Holes
Extension, Fuel Filler
Extension, Shift
1
1
1
1
1
Hose, Rubber ½” - 19”
Hose, Rubber ¼” - 17”
Instruction Sheet
1
Loctite
1
Logo Label
1
Warning Label
Bolt Pack
2
4
2
2
2
6
6
6
4
6
1
1
Bolt, M10-1.25 x 180 (Fine Thread)
Bolt, 7/16-14 x 7”
Bolt, ½-13 x 4-1/2”
Bolt, ½-13 x 5”
Bolt, ½-13 x 5-1/2”
Nut, Nylock ½-13
Washer, ½ USS
Washer, ½” Thick
Nut, Nylock 7/16-14
Washer, 3/8” USS
Bolt, 3/8-24 x 1-1/4”
Steering Extension
CAUTION
Performance Accessories does not recommend any
particular wheel and tire combinations for use with its
body lifts and can not assume responsibility for the
customer’s choice of wheels and tires. Your owner's
manual can be referenced for recommended tire sizes
and warnings related to the use of oversized tires. Larger
wheel and tire combinations increase stress and wear on
steering and suspension components, which leads to
increased maintenance and higher risk for component
failure. Larger wheel and tire combinations also alter
speedometer calibration, braking effectiveness, center of
gravity, and handling characteristics. Consult with an
experienced local off road shop to find what wheel and tire
combinations work best with your vehicle.
Hardware Pack
2
5
5
10
4
Bolt, M10-1.25 x 100 (Fine Thread)
Bolt, ¼-20 x 1”
Nut, Nylock ¼”
Washer, ¼” SAE
Bolt, 5/16-18 x 1”
4
8
2
2
Nut, Nylock 5/16-18
Washers, 5/16 USS
Bolt, 3/8-16 x 1”
Nut, Nylock 3/8-16
Washer, 3/8 USS
NOTE
All warranty information, instruction sheets, and other
documents regarding the installation of this product
must be retained by the vehicle owner. Information
contained in the instructions and on the warranty card
will be required for any warranty claims. The vehicle
owner needs to understand the modifications that have
been made to his vehicle and how they affect the
handling and performance of the vehicle. Failure to
provide the customer with this information can result in
damage to the vehicle and possible personal injury.
4
16
16
24
8
4
4
Bolt, 7/16-14 x 1”
Nut, Nylock 7/16-14
Washer, 7/16 USS
Washer, 7/16 SAE
Clamp, Hose #6
Clamp, Hose #10
Clamp, Hose #28
2
2
Pin, Roll 1/8” x 1”
1
1
1
2
Extension, 3” Shift Pin
Hose, Vacuum Extension Tube
Hose, Heater Extension Tube
Hose, Extension, Fan Shroud/Heater
Rev 03, Copyright 04/06
Performance Automotive Group
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’98-’99 Frontier – Kit# 4083
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