| 2004 Infiniti Qx56 right Side View
Infiniti launched the QX56 in 2004 to compete in the fullsize luxury SUV market, with such models as the Escalade and Navigator, and matched them in terms of size, power, and luxury. However, the QX56 lacked the established aftermarket that Cadillac and Lincoln owners were able to enjoy. It was only a matter of time before the market caught up, and when Pro Comp stepped up with a new suspension lift kit for the Nissan and Infiniti, the owner of this '04 QX56 was ready.
We've featured a couple of Nissan lift kits-including a Frontier that's elsewhere in this issue-and we appreciate their front suspension design. It's so simple to work on that it makes lifting one an easy proposition. At least, they usually are.
| The Infiniti showed up at Out of Control Off Road with a nice set of Zenetti wheels and Toyo tires, but the owner was ready for a change.
Although this was the first time we've photographed a QX56, we assumed the front suspension would be similar to the Titan's, which it was, so the only unknown factor was the IRS setup also used in the Armada. It too seemed to be an easy design to modify, especially considering the Pro Comp lift came with detailed instructions with photos. Unfortunately, this Infiniti was a pre-production model. Not only did several of the bolt holes not line up, but it appeared to have been driven in a wet, salty environment that practically welded fasteners into their places.
Out of Control Off Road in Irvine, California, had just opened its doors for the grand opening at the time, but they were up to the challenge. Brian had to use a breaker bar at times when his impact wrench wouldn't budge the stuck hardware, but the kit went on without any major modifications other than drilling. Check out how Pro Comp hardware transformed a mild-mannered QX56 into an off-road juggernaut.
| A set of cast 18-inch Pro Comp Series 6089 chrome wheels were chosen for the Infiniti, which were matched with Pro Comp Xtreme A/T 265/65R18 tires for good street manners, while still maintaining off-road ability. Another benefit of the Pro Comp radials is the aggressive sidewall. These things look ready for a trail.
From the Driver SeatSince this QX56 was a pre-production model, there were some difficulties installing the lift that we normally don't encounter. Brian and Jesse had to fabricate a wider bracket for the IRS safety strap, and some bolt holes had to be drilled. The Pro Comp instruction manual included photos, and what we saw underneath this QX56 didn't match, so it looks like Pro Comp wasn't to blame. Aside from that, the bolts on the underside of the Infiniti were coated in a thin film of stubborn rust that forced Brian to use a breaker bar to loosen several fasteners. Even the impact wrench wouldn't budge them.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED Time Spent Working: Approximately 12 hours Degree of Difficulty: High (this was a worst-case scenario, but almost every nut and bolt fought back.) Tools needed: Air Impact, metric sockets, metric wrenches, drill and bits, breaker bar, line wrench, support jack, and a cut-off wheel PARTS USED: {{{Explorer}}} Pro Comp 6-inch Lift PN K6002BMX Retail $1,700 Pro Comp Xtreme A/T 265/65R18 Retail $360 (four needed) Pro Comp Series 6089 wheels Retail ${{{200}}} (four needed) Total Cost: $3,{{{940}}} (not including tax or labor)
