Shocks Only, Or Add Air Bags Also?

[Cobra99]

Here's a shot of my 2001 Pathfinder hooked up to our boat, a 20' Key West center console. Fully loaded weight of the boat is probably around 3000-3200 lbs, with a tongue weight in the 250-300 lb range. The Pathfinder has no trouble towing it, but as you can see it's definitely sagging a bit in the rear. This picture was the day I picked up the boat last July. I hooked it up tonight and I think it may be sitting even lower, which sparked my search for how to remedy it. I started out thinking about adding an Air Lift 1000 kit, but I also know that I have all original suspension parts with about 110k miles. So what would you suggest? Start with new shocks and see how that helps, or go ahead and add the air bag kit at the same time? I'm leaning towards a new pair of rear shocks (Monroes?) and see where that gets me but I want to get input from others that may have faced similar situations. Thanks guys.

 

 

Just went out and snapped a new pic, kinda dark but you can still see the sag:

 

[Timmons]

I have airlifts on mine and tow and enclosed trailer. Works great!!. Make sure you get the the air compressor, gauge and valve so you can engage the the system while sitting in your car. I have a 2" lift on my rig now so it doesn't sag much but still use the airlifts for a better ride. it's worth the money.

[Howie]

At 110k miles, you could definitely use new shocks. However, if you want to avoid sag, it's new springs you want (shocks don't support the weight of your car.. springs do). You'll notice much less sag (if any) if you get new springs, especially if you go with aftermarket ones like Old Man Emu or AC. If you'll be towing a lot, get the airlifts as well. If only a few times a year, and want to save the expense, then you don't need the airlifts if you have good aftermarket coils.

 

So to answer your question: get new shocks, coil springs and airlifts (depending on how much you tow).

[180sx]

Recomend OME springs if you don't want too much lift (be sure to do the front also or you'll look like a hot rodder with no weight on!).

 

Jose

[Cobra99]

At 110k miles, you could definitely use new shocks. However, if you want to avoid sag, it's new springs you want (shocks don't support the weight of your car.. springs do). You'll notice much less sag (if any) if you get new springs, especially if you go with aftermarket ones like Old Man Emu or AC. If you'll be towing a lot, get the airlifts as well. If only a few times a year, and want to save the expense, then you don't need the airlifts if you have good aftermarket coils.

 

So to answer your question: get new shocks, coil springs and airlifts (depending on how much you tow).

 

I don't think springs really 'wear out' over time, do they? I really wasn't looking to lift it at all if I can avoid it, and there's probably no sense replacing the springs with factory replacements. I tow pretty regularly during the warm months here, we tend to use the boat at least 2 weekends a month and often on both Saturday and Sunday and have to trailer it to/from the launch each time.

 

Based on the above sounds like I could benefit from new shocks just due to their age, and maybe add the air lift kit. Likely wouldn't add the compressor/gauge but would rather just find a happy medium between towing and everyday driving and deal with it.

[Howie]

Good point. The springs aren't a usual wear item like shocks are. However, the factory springs are tuned much softer than the aftermarket ones, so even when your car was brand new it probably would have sagged under the load. You can get OME springs with only 0.5" of lift, which is negligible, but they're stiffer than the factory ones which would mean less sag under a load. There was a thread on here a few weeks ago from somebody who was carrying around 600 lbs. of equipment in his cargo area continually, and the suggestion was to get the stiffer springs.

 

However, if you don't want stiffer springs (and its consequent slightly rougher ride), then the way to go would be keep your factory coils and add the airbags. You can have nice ride when not towing, bags deflated, and then use the bags when towing. Still definitely replace the shocks though. Just don't expect them to keep your truck from sagging under the load.

[XPLORx4]

During the first couple of years I owned my Pathfinder, I towed a boat frequently, which caused the same sagging as you've experienced.

 

To remedy this, I installed both Airlift air bags and new Rancho adjustable shocks. The air bags helped support the weight and prevent the sagging, and I could set the shocks to a firmer setting to limit the bouncing caused by the heavier weight over the rear suspension. Then, when not towing, I could deflate the bags and reduce the firmness of the shocks.

[Cobra99]

That makes sense Howie. Thanks!

[Howie]

You're welcome! I recommend you do what XPLORx4 did. That sounds like your best option.