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Welcome to the Off-Road Gear and Vehicle Upgrade Blog, your source for product insights that elevate your off-road experiences!

Like Riding on Clouds...Reallly Awesome Clouds: A Look at Alldogs OffRoad's Koni 82 Series Lift Kit

KONI
KONI
2022 Nissan Frontier Showcasing the ADO Koni 82 Series Lift kit with the ADO UCAs and Parabolic Leafs in the Rear
2022 Nissan Frontier Showcasing the ADO Koni 82 Series Lift kit with the ADO UCAs and Parabolic Leafs in the Rear

When you venture into the world of off-roading, having the perfect suspension setup becomes an absolute game-changer. The team over at Alldogs OffRoad understands this and has tailored comprehensive solutions to elevate your off-roading experience, especially for 2022+ Nissan Frontier owners. Their Koni 82 Series Lift Kit, in combination with their Upper Control Arms and Parabolic Leaf Springs, is here to revolutionize your Frontier's performance and durability. We'll delve into the features and advantages of Alldogs OffRoad's offerings, focusing on the Koni 82 Series, and how their Upper Control Arms (UCAs) address common challenges like Coil Bucket Contact (CBC) that often arise during the Frontier's lifting process. Get ready for an improved overall vehicle performance and unparalleled off-roading experiences!


KONI 82 Heavy Track With ADO Parabolic Leaf Springs
KONI 82 Heavy Track With ADO Parabolic Leaf Springs



meat and potatoes of the Koni 82 Series Lift Kit Offered by ADO
meat and potatoes of the Koni 82 Series Lift Kit Offered by ADO

At the core of the 82 Series Lift Kit lies the exceptional Koni Heavy Track 82 Series struts and shocks, sourced from the renowned Koni Global. With decades of experience in the off-road scene overseas, Koni Global has established an enduring reputation for quality and performance.


The Koni Heavy Track 82 Series shocks, proudly manufactured in the Netherlands, serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence. These shocks are celebrated for their remarkable ride quality, and their fit and finish go above and beyond, making them feel like a far more expensive damper than they actually are. Koni's extensive experience extends to North America, where they hold prominence in the sportscar scene, and they've garnered a worldwide reputation for producing high-quality 4x4 dampeners.


What sets these shocks apart is the rebound adjustment feature. You can easily fine-tune the firmness of the shocks by compressing them to the collapsed length, allowing you to engage the base valve. A simple shaft rotation in 90-degree increments lets you dial in the desired firmness. Moreover, these shocks don't rely on a pressurized gas charge, setting them apart from many other aftermarket dampeners.


When selecting the appropriate spring rate, it's crucial to reach out to the knowledgeable folks at Alldogs before placing your order. If you're running an aftermarket front bumper and winch combination, along with sliders, armor, and additional weight, you may require the special HK Coil spring (Heavy Koni). Notably, this spring may not be officially listed on their site, so getting in touch with Alldogs is the way to go. I initially had the spring labeled in the kit as "Heavy," but my front end experienced some sag. After reaching out to them, they informed me about the new spring designed for the Koni shocks, which is truly Heavy Duty.


Furthermore, you have the flexibility to choose whether to receive the struts pre-assembled upon delivery, or you can opt to disassemble the springs yourself, which can save you a few bucks. Keep in mind that doing it yourself might take a bit more time, although the installation is typically super fast when the springs are pre-assembled by the skilled team at ADO.


It's also worth noting that the kit includes adjustable camber bolts, allowing you to easily dial in the front alignment after you've completed the lift installation. This added feature ensures that your vehicle's alignment can be precisely adjusted to your preferences, providing an even more tailored experience with your new suspension setup.



Here's a brief video that offers valuable insights into the adjustment process for these remarkable shocks, providing you with a clear understanding of how to fine-tune them to your preferences.

In addition to the remarkable products, dealing with Alldogs OffRoad has been a fantastic experience. They are always there to answer any questions, no matter how random or seemingly silly they may be. Their dedication to customer satisfaction is a true testament to their commitment to delivering top-notch products and top-notch service.


The Koni 82 Series Lift Kit combines the excellence of Koni's Heavy Track 82 Series shocks with Alldogs OffRoad's precision engineering to provide your 2022+ Nissan Frontier with the extra ground clearance needed for conquering challenging off-road terrain. This kit offers superior off-road capabilities while maintaining optimal ride quality, making it an exceptional choice for your off-road adventures.

This additional information emphasizes not only the quality of the Koni 82 Series components but also the convenience of installing the kit in your own driveway, showcasing its user-friendly design of the new Frontier Platform.


The Beefy Robust Alldogs OffRoad UCAs
The Beefy Robust Alldogs OffRoad UCAs

Opting for the Koni 82 Series Lift Kit alongside Alldogs OffRoad's Upper Control Arms is a brilliant move, especially if you're aiming to bid farewell to the notorious Coil Bucket Contact (CBC) issue. However, like everything in life, there's a trade-off involved – in this case, it's the absence of adjustability. The robustness of these UCAs comes at the cost of adjustability, but it's a price worth paying for the enhanced durability they bring to the table.


The benefits of using their UCAs are as follows:

  • Made to Last and Proudly American These control arms are built like a tank in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA. They use thick 1.25-inch tubes, and they look pretty sharp with a dark bronze metallic finish. Tough and good-looking—what more could you ask for?

  • Smooth Ride with Factory-Style Rubber Bushings Alldogs Offroad used these rubber bushings that come straight from the factory. They make the ride smoother and quieter. Plus, they're low maintenance, which is awesome because I'd rather be out on the trails than stuck in the garage waiting for special order parts.

  • Easy to Source Parts for Quick Fixes What I love is that these control arms use ball joints from a 1st gen Nissan Titan. They're easy to find at my local parts store. I already had to replace a ball joint, and it was a piece of cake. I went with Napa's top-end ball joint for the Gen1 Titan, and it works just fine. Having a readily available ball joint not only makes repairs easier and cheaper, but it also means I can do a quick fix on the trail. I usually keep an extra ball joint or two with me, just in case.


Two Ways to Go

Alldogs Offroad gives you options:

  1. Bare Arms: If you like getting your hands dirty and want to pick your own bushings and ball joints, these are for you. It's also a great way to save a few bucks.

  2. Loaded Arms: If you're more into the plug-and-play experience, Alldogs Offroad has you covered. They come with the bushings and ball joints all set up, so you can bolt them on right away. Either way you can't go wrong!


Fits Multiple Nissan Models

These High Clearance Upper Control Arms work with a bunch of Nissan models, like the Frontier from 2005 to now, Xterra from 2005 to 2015, and Pathfinder from 2005 to 2012.


My Recommendations for Replacements

I've been through it, and I can tell you that NAPA's top end UCA Ball Joint for the Gen1 Titan worked perfectly fine for me. With that said though if you can easily obtain the following, I would suggest going that route just to be sure.




The amazing Parabolic Leaf Springs showcased in the ADO shop
The amazing Parabolic Leaf Springs showcased in the ADO shop

Heftier Load-Bearing Capacity and Enhanced Durability

These Parabolic Leaf Springs are engineered to shoulder a heavier load, making them perfect for off-roading enthusiasts who demand performance under various conditions. They exhibit remarkable resistance to permanent deformation (sag), ensuring your vehicle maintains optimal ride height even when navigating challenging terrains or hauling substantial cargo. What's more, they are 20-30% lighter in weight compared to traditional leaf springs. This weight reduction not only enhances your truck's agility but also allows you to allocate those extra pounds towards critical upgrades or additional armor for your vehicle.


A Smoother Ride and Superior Performance

One of the standout features of these springs is their ability to eliminate inter-leaf friction, resulting in a significantly smoother and more comfortable ride. You'll feel the difference as your vehicle glides effortlessly over rough trails and uneven terrain. Not only do they excel in off-road performance, but Parabolic Leaf Springs are commonly found supporting the front axle of road-going medium and heavy-duty trucks, a testament to their reliability and durability.


Designed to Elevate Your Ride

Our Parabolic Leaf Springs are thoughtfully designed to provide approximately 2 inches of lift when bearing a load of up to 400 pounds. If you're an adventurer with a bed rack and additional permanent weight, such as a roof-top tent, these springs are tailor-made for you. They're equally suitable for those who love to carry a substantial amount of gear in the bed of their truck or engage in heavy hauling.


Quality You Can Trust, Right Here in the USA

Alldogs OffRoad takes pride in manufacturing these springs right here in the USA, ensuring the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship. They are heat-treated and shot-peened for stress relief and painted to resist corrosion, guaranteeing they withstand the toughest conditions. The inclusion of UHMW liners and OE-style rubber bushings not only prevents squeaks but also effectively dampens vibration, ensuring a quieter and more comfortable ride.


Parabolic Leaf Installation Details Worth Noting

When installing the parabolic leaf springs, you'll need to drill the u-bolt holes out to 9/16" in the plate. For a smooth process, secure the plate in a vise or a stable surface and use a step bit or uni bit. Applying cutting oil as you go ensures a smooth drilling experience.

Upon reinstallation on your truck, torque the new u-bolts to 90 ft/lbs for a secure and reliable fit.



Alldogs OffRoad's Koni 82 Series Lift Kit, paired with their Upper Control Arms and Parabolic Leaf Springs, forms the ultimate suspension kit for your 2022+ Nissan Frontier. These products not only provide extra ground clearance but also address common issues like Coil Bucket Contact while improving ride comfort, handling, and durability. By incorporating locally available ball joints for quick and affordable repairs, you can also perform fixes easily, even on the trail. Whether you're tackling rough off-road terrains or daily commuting on less-than-ideal roads, this suspension setup is designed to enhance your driving experience and ensure your Frontier is ready for whatever adventures lie ahead.

Additionally, if you're looking for even more suspension travel and capabilities, a Titan swap might be a consideration if you aim to take your off-roading to the next level. Ultimately, Alldogs OffRoad's products are engineered to provide the ultimate off-road experience, making your Frontier a beast on and off the trails.

I've been running the Koni lift kit with the Parabolic leaf springs, ADO upper control arms, and the Z1 OffRoad 1.5" front leveling spacer for approximately two years now, and I can't say enough about how incredible this setup has been. It's transformed my Nissan Frontier into a true off-road beast. Whether I'm tackling trails or navigating the rough roads where I live, this suspension setup has consistently delivered outstanding performance. Everyone who drives the truck is blown away at how smooth it rides, even with all the added armor and 295/70r17 Radar Renegade R/T's.




1 Comment


nrajoe
Feb 03

sweet

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