NovaPath

I'm in the process of ordering all of my build components(see other thread about prioritizing mini build), and when I calculated all of the parts for the OEM strut mount assemblies online it totaled almost 200.00. This can't be right..can someone point me in the direction of a complete strut mount assembly that includes everything? I know the KYB are garbage... My goal is to be able to have two new struts with the AC lift coils ready to install prior to taking out the existing struts/mounts. This way I can ensure minimal down time... Thanks In Advance, NovaPath

Can anyone with an 01+(the VQ35 engine) tell me if the mile marker hubs listed for the 96-01 will work? The sites typically say with the 3.0-3.3 engine, however as we all know the 01 is the 3.5 engine. I just want to be sure! Thanks,

Well the build has taken a slightly different direction. I was able to source an A.C. lift kit and kyb front struts used, so that has freed up the budget considerably. I thought I'd have to back off but now it seems like it is going to be in full force. 2" lift, bilstein rear shocks, undercarriage armor, and new ball joints and sway links up front. The only thing i'm on the fence about now is if I should go with some mile marker manual hubs, my gas is paid for from my work for 95% of my driving so fuel economy isn't really an issue, and I also really like being able to put it into 4wd at any time I like without getting out of the truck. The only reason I'd do it is to save wear and tear on the front cv joints, what are NPORA's thoughts on this? Unrelated: I got to try out the tires today in some sticky mud(I know, they aren't a mud tire...), and even with the tires sunk in soft mud all the way to the rim, I was still able to get out. I know for a fact I would have been SOL with the old all seasons.... Thanks for the input!

Just got the pathfinder back after having the 245/75/16 grabber at2s put on, and was also hit with some unexpected repair costs which have slightly derailed my budget and plans. That being said, I think I have a budget friendly work around that I'm curious to hear feedback on. I would replace the rear springs which are sagging with the 30.00 pair from moog, replace the rear shocks with the bilstein 5100 series, and install a 2" spacer lift kit all around. What is the down side to this? It is certainly much cheaper and less labor intensive for me to diy than the full emu kit. As an added plus it leaves enough room in the budget still for skid plates, front ball joints, and front stabilizer links. Thoughts??

Hawairish: thanks for the detailed reply. One question though, why do I need to re torque the wheel bearing? I don't see where I'm removing the rotor?

Great info thanks guys. This seems very doable in my parking lot provided I have the new struts ready to slide in. For the new struts I will need the strut of course, spring, bump stop, and strut top/bearing. Am I forgetting anything? Rubber pad seats etc?

I think I'm going with the ome hd fronts with the md rear. Planning on kyb front struts, not sure on rear shocks yet. I originally was going to reuse the strut tops but if I can build the new struts at my leisure and reduce the chance of not completing this in time to use my truck to get to work, it seems silly not to replace them(plus then they are new!)

Ok great. If the assembly of the strut is the hardest part I will just take my time and build the replacement strut before even touching the actual truck. I gather I will need the strut, spring, and bearing. Any rubber pads or stops needed?

Thanks bushnut. Looking at the ome spring kit with new struts as well. Anything stopping me from assembling the new strut, spring, and strut top/bearing combo before taking the truck apart?

Also, I understand the hardest part to be installing the spring in the strut, but if I'm replacing the strut and bearing couldn't I remove the old strut and spring together, and install the new strut/spring bearing combo that I had assembled prior? This seems to easy....

I have a basic question for those who have installed their own lift kits on these trucks, what would you rank the level of difficulty as? I have done my fair share of wrenching but am at a logistical disadvantage this go around as the townhouse i'm living at does not have a garage. Is this something that a basic jack and tool set can accomplish in a parking lot or am I better off dropping it off and having it done? I consider myself to be shade tree mechanic without the tree... Thanks!

I am going with the general grabber at2's, truck developed a nasty exhaust rattle, belt or pulley noise, and is due for an oil change. I'm putting it in the shop for the week I'm going out of town to get those items done, we will see what kind of funds are left at the end! Going with 245/75/16 so there may be some rubbing to Sort initially...

I just found a great deal online for the Toyo Open Country At II's, if I decide to go with those it will free up the budget some. My hesitation with simply using spacers is that the rear springs are sagging slightly already, and the struts and shocks already have 137k on them and I'm sure are not in that great of shape. Once I replace the shocks, struts, rear springs, and add on the spacers, we are splitting hairs between the cost for that and the full lift kit. I may just have to come off my wallet slightly, we will see. We had our first snowstorm of the year here in the mid-atlantic today, and my current tires performed horribly (worn michelin latitude X's), so this project's timeline may have just gotten bumped up. Do you really think I can get away with not replacing the rear trailing arms? I suppose I can replace them when they do go bad, but do people get much more life out of these than what I've already got? Are strut tops a necessity or do they hold up pretty well on these trucks? Thanks !

I like the look of those treadwrights but I don't think they make them in the size I'm after 245/75/16

Meant modified not miffed....iPhone autocorrect sorry

Hello, I have about 2k that I can put into the pathfinder for "off road upgrades". My current list has me slightly over budget, so I'm trying to prioritize. -ome lift kit -kyb gr2 struts -bilstein shocks -4x4 designs skid plates -new rear trailing arms -new bump stops and strut bearings -Goodyear duratrac 245/75/16(these are what broke the budget, but they look so freaking cool, I use the truck as a dd on pavement 98% of the time so it really should be an all season, and these are the most aggressive looking!) My main goal is to be able to hang with some slightly miffed wranglers xjs 4runners etc on the trails, overland style driving(no huge mud or rocks). Truck is currently in good mechanical shape with 137k and totally original suspension(hence wanting to include new trailing arms) My current setup lands me Between 2.2-2.4k, which is slightly more than I'd like to spend. Can I cut corners anywhere?

Well the rear shocks seem to be working just fine when given the jump test. I definitely understand what you are saying bushnut, and the car that this one replaced I OVER maintained. Part of the reason I got rid of it(aside from being impractical in the mid atlantic weather and traffic) was because I needed a break from my obsession. I committed to myself(and my wife!) on this one that I would take the "if its not broke don't fix it" approach. All in all it is in pretty good shape, but I would like to sort out this issue. I may add some spring spacers and replace the rear shocks, if that doesn't fix it I'll probably just live with it. Thanks again for your help

I will do this tomorrow and report back. I know that one of the rear shocks was leaking slightly, but I have not noticed any bouncing yet. I was waiting for the bouncing prior to replacing, perhaps that was a misinformed decision.

My understanding of the death sway is more of a side to side movement, this is a harsh slap type of feeling coming from the rear end, could that be caused by the same bushings? I am located in northern Virginia.

My 01 pathfinder seems especially jarring over speed humps/speed bumps. It is almost like the back end bottoms out or something, but taking a speed hump at 15mph will leave you feeling very uncomfortable once the back end hits it. I'm thinking of replacing the shocks to see if that helps, does anyone else have any ideas? I can't imagine thats just how these things are...but I guess with the solid axle rear it's possible? Would it help to put some rubber spring spacers in? Please Help!

Noticed the other day that when the doors are closed and the heat is on these things are pumping out air, but as soon as you open the door they stop. I imagine it is some sort of vent system, just wondering what it's actual purpose is as i've never had another vehicle that did this... Thanks,

Thanks guys! They are trails that are part of an OHV network in the George Washington National Forest. For the most part they cater more towards ATV's/Dirt Bikes but there is a total of about 20 miles of OHV trails that are well suited to stock 4x4 trucks. Nothing too technical, but a few of the rocky bits I did chose to walk first prior to venturing out. One of them made my wife too uncomfortable so she took the kids out and watched me go down it solo. Keep in mind this was our first time going off road so we were being extra cautious especially with our two kids in car seats in the back It was a great time and I can't wait to venture out and find some more trails, unfortunately most legal ones are at least a couple hours away from me here but such is life. Thanks Again,

Just picked up this 01 pathfinder LE, and immediately started planning our first camping/off roading trip. Surprisingly capable little truck bone stock, even has michelin x-lattitude tires on it which I imagine are not worth much of anything off road. At any rate, we had no issues navigating the trails at the George Washington National Forest, and save for some very rocky sections and a couple of fun mud pits I could have had it in 2wd the whole time(the LSD works awesome!) At any rate, here are a couple of pictures from this weekends adventure! We are already starting to plan for our next outing. Truck held up great with exception of a CEL on the way home(turned out to be an 02 sensor code p0160 so nothing at all related to the off roading...) Before: During: After day one on Tasker's Gap After Day 2 on Peter's Mill run And a couple of scenery/Trail Pictures Hope you Enjoy