Overview
The Rough Country 865 is a 2.5-inch aluminum front leveling strut for the Nissan Frontier from 2005 to 2022 and the Nissan Xterra from 2005 to 2015. It attaches to the front struts and raises the front of the truck to match the rear, which Rough Country says gives more ground clearance and room for larger tires.
The strut extension is machined from T6061 billet aluminum and finished in black. The installation is bolt-on and does not require the struts to be disassembled. The kit keeps the factory ride quality. It does not fit PRO-4X models of the Frontier.
Key features
- Aircraft-quality T6061 billet aluminum construction
- Front strut extensions with hardware included
- Easy bolt-on installation
- Keeps the factory ride quality
- Increased ground clearance and a level front end
Ground clearance and driveline
A front lift changes the angle of the front driveshaft and the CV joints, so the driveline should be considered as part of the install. Small changes are usually tolerable, but a larger change can lead to vibration or premature joint wear. Measure the front height before and after the install to see how much the angle moved.
Brake lines, steering linkage and the upper control arm all sit at a slightly different angle after a front lift. Check each for clearance at full steering lock and full suspension travel. Tire size also affects how much room the front has, so choose wheels and tires with the new height in mind.
- Check CV boots for clearance after installation
- Look for vibration at highway speed
- Inspect brake lines at full steering lock
- Confirm tire clearance before a long trip
Specifications
| Brand | Rough Country |
|---|---|
| Part number | R/C865 |
| Front lift height | 2.5 inch |
| Lift method | Front strut spacers |
| Material | Aluminum, T6061 billet |
| Finish | Black |
| Position | Front |
| Fitment | Direct fit |
Vehicle fitment
It fits the 2005–2022 Nissan Frontier in the Desert Runner, LE, Nismo Off-Road, PRO-4X, PRO-X, S, SE, SL, SV and XE trims, and the 2005–2015 Nissan Xterra in the Off-Road, PRO-4X, S, SE and X trims. PRO-4X models are excluded.
The kit does not fit PRO-4X models, although PRO-4X appears in the listed trims. Confirm your vehicle’s year, model and trim before ordering.
Installation notes
The installation is bolt-on, with no need to disassemble the struts. Check the front height after installation, and confirm the truck is not a PRO-4X before fitting the parts.
