Jump to content

Beefier suspension


raz
 Share

Recommended Posts

I'm sure this has been covered dozens of times, but I'm just trying to upgrade the suspension of an '02 Pathfinder 5spd to carry more load without bottoming out (taking fat clients to paragliding launch sites off road). The roads we use are pretty rough so the truck takes quite a beating.

 

I understand OME now makes complete kits for the pathfinder but not sure if it's worth the extra $$. Can I get by something cheaper as far as struts and shocks go, or are should I just bit the bullet and get the OME?

 

Thx

Raz

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Struts and shocks have little to no bearing on load handling. Thats what the springs do. Depending on the situation you have a cpl choices. Swap springs with a stiffer rate. Meaning it takes more force to compress it. Also you can buy some that sit taller offering some lift making the distance to bottom out further. Air bags in the rear may offer you the best result. You add air to carry the bigger load and once thats done simply let the air out and its back to stock. If your drucks due for shocks do it at the same time. Any quality part will do but dont go cheap. I prefer kyb myself. Used tgem on all my cars for years. I myself am a huge guy. 6'3 and 345. I carry a ton of gear and three kids offroading. I bottom out some but never at any speed or id add bags to my pathy. Hope this helps.

 

Sent from my LGMS395 using Tapatalk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Struts and shocks have little to no bearing on load handling. Thats what the springs do. Depending on the situation you have a cpl choices. Swap springs with a stiffer rate. Meaning it takes more force to compress it. Also you can buy some that sit taller offering some lift making the distance to bottom out further. Air bags in the rear may offer you the best result. You add air to carry the bigger load and once thats done simply let the air out and its back to stock. If your drucks due for shocks do it at the same time. Any quality part will do but dont go cheap. I prefer kyb myself. Used tgem on all my cars for years. I myself am a huge guy. 6'3 and 345. I carry a ton of gear and three kids offroading. I bottom out some but never at any speed or id add bags to my pathy. Hope this helps.

 

Sent from my LGMS395 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the reply.

 

Yes, beefier springs is my first go to. I think I'll go with the Heavy Duty OME there.

But, truck's due for shocks, so I'll do them at the same time. Any brand you recommend?

Struts seem ok, but if I'm doing everything else, might as well I figure. Probably KYB there.

 

As for airbags, I know that on my other truck carrying a camper, air bags add too much roll when going off road. I don't want that, so I didn't even consider them as an option for the Pathy.

 

Thx

R

Edited by raz
Link to comment
Share on other sites

OME springs and good KYB shocks should do it out back. Also remember that by changing tire pressure from 36 to say 28 off road helps softening the sidewalls and smoothes out the ride. Us rock crawlers go down to 12 psi or so to help traction, and on the trails its squishy for lack of a better term. Cpl less pounds and i bet the ride is improved quite a bit.

 

Sent from my LGMS395 using Tapatalk

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Do I need to upgrade anything else other than the springs, shocks, and struts.

Anything like torsion bars etc. I might need to upgrade while I'm doing the suspension?

 

Thx

Raz

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You don't have torsion bars on that model,but you might want to change the bushings in the rear links and panhard bar. If you don't have the"death wobble" at highway speeds they're probably OK,but it's a good upgrade. I used poly bushings and I love them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you're looking to clear that specific tire size you should do the 1.75" OME or the 2" AC lift, these will also drastically improve your carrying capability over stock but allow you to clear that size tire. I have the medium duty springs (nobody makes HD rear springs for the R50) front and rear on my 01 with 255/70/16's and needed to reshape the corners of the inner fender liners, it would slightly rub while turning in reverse.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you're looking to clear that specific tire size you should do the 1.75" OME or the 2" AC lift, these will also drastically improve your carrying capability over stock but allow you to clear that size tire. I have the medium duty springs (nobody makes HD rear springs for the R50) front and rear on my 01 with 255/70/16's and needed to reshape the corners of the inner fender liners, it would slightly rub while turning in reverse.

That's interesting, because on my '01 with the OME coil springs I had absolutely no rubbing with the 255/70/16 and thought I could even get away with the 265s, which is why I was inquiring.

 

But I'll look into the 1.75" OME lift if that will improve my carrying capacity.

 

Thx,

R

Link to comment
Share on other sites

one of the main reasons I lifted my truck was for increased load capasity. the IronMan Lift springs that I installed allow me to load 400lb over GVW. 4 adults 1 large dog and camping gear for a weekend has almost no affect on handling. fuel consumption goes up a little though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Definitely go with the OME springs all around, it handles a load better, and rides better unloaded IMO. Less lean in the corners, and better control over rough surfaces. I paired mine with extended length Bilstein 5100s out back, and I couldn't be happier. Stock I could hit rough washboards at 35, now with the Bilsteins, I can comfortably do 50-55 all day with complete control. Check out my build thread for more details, and my impressions.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Definitely go with the OME springs all around, it handles a load better, and rides better unloaded IMO. Less lean in the corners, and better control over rough surfaces. I paired mine with extended length Bilstein 5100s out back, and I couldn't be happier. Stock I could hit rough washboards at 35, now with the Bilsteins, I can comfortably do 50-55 all day with complete control. Check out my build thread for more details, and my impressions.

 

Hey Thanks

 

That's one awesome build you have there, but a but too rich for my needs.

 

I'm going with OME Springs all around. But not sure if I can get HD for front and rears. Any suggestions on where to purchase these?

 

Also, for shocks, the Bilsteins 5100 sound reasonable and I think are cheaper than the OME. But what did you use for struts and did they top on out bumbs?

 

Finally, I do need bigger tires and was thinking the 265/70/R16 BFG A/T KO2, but it seems like I'll need some lift to get them to fit properly. The lift will also help with the bigger pay load. But since the OME springs already give .5" lift, shouldn't a 1" lift suffice?

 

Thanks for any suggestion on where to get parts too. I'm here in Canada and prefer to buy without hoping across border, but either works.

 

Cheers

Raz

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It doesn't seem that Bilstein makes shocks for the Pathfinder.

Does anyone have the Bilstein part no. to know which shock might fit an '02 Pathfinder?

 

Thx

R

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I remember the price from them was a little higher but still reasonable, but once you add shipping it was a deal breaker, I'll see if I can dig up the part#, they are available cheaper and with free shipping on amazon and a few other places.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Found it: 24-185509

 

This is the part number for Bilstien 5100 series rear shocks that work nicely on a 99.5-04 R50 with a 2" lift. IIRC you just need to swap the upper and lower bushings for them to fit the bolts respectively.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...