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Qx4?


R50_Noob
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So sorry if this thread already exists. I couldn't find it if it does anyways. But the main question is what about the qx4's? I'm recently falling in love with R50's but around my area anything for a low price is either high miles are very damaged. For pathfinders at least. I have been finding some qx4's that look amazing and seem too good to be true. $4500 asking price in great condition at 130xxx miles for example. I just need to know if it's gonna fall apart in the rough mountain roads around here like my pickup just did lol. Is it similar to gmc in the sense that it's "luxury" but the suspension and interior will just fall apart on me?

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1 hour ago, R50_Noob said:

So sorry if this thread already exists. I couldn't find it if it does anyways. But the main question is what about the qx4's? I'm recently falling in love with R50's but around my area anything for a low price is either high miles are very damaged. For pathfinders at least. I have been finding some qx4's that look amazing and seem too good to be true. $4500 asking price in great condition at 130xxx miles for example. I just need to know if it's gonna fall apart in the rough mountain roads around here like my pickup just did lol. Is it similar to gmc in the sense that it's "luxury" but the suspension and interior will just fall apart on me?

It really depends on the condition of the body. Is the vehicle rusted? Keep in mind the front suspension on these is not exactly robust and the strut towers are notorious for rusting through. I'm a Nissan guy so I accept the r50 is a pretty sh itty vehicle for modifications and offroading, but if I had no preference on a brand, I would have bought a 4runner.

Edited by R50JR
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1 hour ago, R50_Noob said:

So sorry if this thread already exists. I couldn't find it if it does anyways. But the main question is what about the qx4's? I'm recently falling in love with R50's but around my area anything for a low price is either high miles are very damaged. For pathfinders at least. I have been finding some qx4's that look amazing and seem too good to be true. $4500 asking price in great condition at 130xxx miles for example. I just need to know if it's gonna fall apart in the rough mountain roads around here like my pickup just did lol. Is it similar to gmc in the sense that it's "luxury" but the suspension and interior will just fall apart on me?

 

QX4 and R50 are practically identical in every way.  Key differences are generally the luxury items (interior trims, fancy headlight options), but everything else being the same.  Biggest notable difference, specifically for 4WD models, is all QX4 have the full-time "all-mode" 4WD system, whereas only some Pathfinders have that system (generally the LE trim), with the rest getting a part-time system.  The full-time system is all electrically actuated; shifting is done by a dial to select the drive mode between 2WD, Auto/AWD, and 4H/4L.  Part-time system has a floor shifter.  If you have no concerns with an electric transfer case, then you're good (you would want to do due diligence if a prospective purchase has any issues with the t-case; check for dash lights!).

 

Suspension wise, they are identical with the exception of a few more vibration/noise/harshness items around the truck to help make it a "premium" ride.  All parts are interchangeable.  If you're new to the platform in general, the suspension is the biggest hang-up for it.  Front McPherson struts make for a great ride, but also creates a complete lack of aftermarket support.  Not even sure what's available these days beyond strut spacers to lift things.  Old Man Emu front springs are the way to go if they're still available.  A lot of people use a Land Rover springs for the rear.

 

Overall, the drivetrain is solid in stock form.  Very stout and practically identical to all Nissan trucks through 2005...and arguably stronger than anything Nissan produced after that.  However, the R50/QX4 platform is an absolute bastard...Nissan made pretty much everything unique to the platform, despite being "identical" to other Nissan trucks/SUVs of the era.  In a few ways it was actually better (high-pinion front axle, lower 4L gears in the all-mode transfer case), but at the same time, also worse because it's basically a one-off platform that no one supports.

 

All said, QX4 is as great as any R50 because they're the same, but the platform at large may be limiting depending on what you want to do with it.  If you think you'll want to modify it in terms of lifting or traction, I'd recommend looking elsewhere.  Will it strand you?  Probably not, unless you do something dumb.  Notably, I've helped build up several of these trucks with lifts and lockers, including a sweet 02 QX4 that I'll see again in a few months, and can attest they're very capable vehicles.  But I think the truck is long past its prime in terms of aftermarket support.

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17 hours ago, R50JR said:

It really depends on the condition of the body. Is the vehicle rusted? Keep in mind the front suspension on these is not exactly robust and the strut towers are notorious for rusting through. I'm a Nissan guy so I accept the r50 is a pretty sh itty vehicle for modifications and offroading, but if I had no preference on a brand, I would have bought a 4runner.

Biggest thing I've found with it so far is scratches on the rear bumper which i'd replace down the road anyway. Platform wise I've found this to be just what I'm looking for so far (with price in mind). 4runner was my first thought but around here they are just way over priced, wether it has high miles or lots of body damage they are just too expensive. Thank you for the input!

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Thank you so much for the help. Aftermarket support was definitley my biggest hurdle because I'm looking for something that isn't a horrible daily, will do average dirt roads on ice for the mountains around here and be able to tackle some decent trails without breaking down. Doesn't have to be a glass smooth ride, just durable. I was however able to find just what I'm looking for in terms of the standard 2" lift. 4x4 parts in house "AC" coil springs up front (I used to have a torsion lift on my now dying pickup and refuse to tamper with cv axle geometries again lol). LR 9447/9449 (not sure which yet) coils in back with a 26"/14" strut. From what I've read this setup is great for my applications. Other than that really all I'm doing is maybe putting wheels/tires as well as high clearance bumpers (And standard overland/camper gear of course). So as far as platform I'm currently stuck on this as I can't beat it's price and quality with much else currently. 

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17 hours ago, hawairish said:

 

QX4 and R50 are practically identical in every way.  Key differences are generally the luxury items (interior trims, fancy headlight options), but everything else being the same.  Biggest notable difference, specifically for 4WD models, is all QX4 have the full-time "all-mode" 4WD system, whereas only some Pathfinders have that system (generally the LE trim), with the rest getting a part-time system.  The full-time system is all electrically actuated; shifting is done by a dial to select the drive mode between 2WD, Auto/AWD, and 4H/4L.  Part-time system has a floor shifter.  If you have no concerns with an electric transfer case, then you're good (you would want to do due diligence if a prospective purchase has any issues with the t-case; check for dash lights!).

 

Suspension wise, they are identical with the exception of a few more vibration/noise/harshness items around the truck to help make it a "premium" ride.  All parts are interchangeable.  If you're new to the platform in general, the suspension is the biggest hang-up for it.  Front McPherson struts make for a great ride, but also creates a complete lack of aftermarket support.  Not even sure what's available these days beyond strut spacers to lift things.  Old Man Emu front springs are the way to go if they're still available.  A lot of people use a Land Rover springs for the rear.

 

Overall, the drivetrain is solid in stock form.  Very stout and practically identical to all Nissan trucks through 2005...and arguably stronger than anything Nissan produced after that.  However, the R50/QX4 platform is an absolute bastard...Nissan made pretty much everything unique to the platform, despite being "identical" to other Nissan trucks/SUVs of the era.  In a few ways it was actually better (high-pinion front axle, lower 4L gears in the all-mode transfer case), but at the same time, also worse because it's basically a one-off platform that no one supports.

 

All said, QX4 is as great as any R50 because they're the same, but the platform at large may be limiting depending on what you want to do with it.  If you think you'll want to modify it in terms of lifting or traction, I'd recommend looking elsewhere.  Will it strand you?  Probably not, unless you do something dumb.  Notably, I've helped build up several of these trucks with lifts and lockers, including a sweet 02 QX4 that I'll see again in a few months, and can attest they're very capable vehicles.  But I think the truck is long past its prime in terms of aftermarket support.

Meant to quote you. Still new to forums lol. But I just posted a reply to this.

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Definitely can't beat the price of R50/QX4 out there vs. Toyota anything.  Still, there are some other vehicles of that era that also have some decent support.  Always liked the idea of getting a Trooper, Montero, or Montero Sport.  Xterra got way more love than the Pathfinders did if you're wanting to dive into the Nissan world.

 

Keep in mind that a spring lift has the same effect on CVs as torsion bar lifts.  Both change the operating range/angles to one with higher oscillations but within the same suspension travel range (limited by LCAs).  Subframe Drops (SFDs) were the best way to get lift and keep factory geometries.  No personal experience with the AC springs, and it's been a common topic here, but since you mentioned "house" springs, you've probably seen discussions (likely from me) that AC sells OME springs without saying they're OME springs.  The fact that they mask brands and repackage them is not a practice I support.  But, they're pretty much the last company to support the platform.

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7 hours ago, R50_Noob said:

Biggest thing I've found with it so far is scratches on the rear bumper which i'd replace down the road anyway. Platform wise I've found this to be just what I'm looking for so far (with price in mind). 4runner was my first thought but around here they are just way over priced, wether it has high miles or lots of body damage they are just too expensive. Thank you for the input!

I hear you on that. I think they are overpriced everywhere, but might be worth it for modifications.

 

It seems like you want to do the "standard" lift option. I am running the OME HD springs and I believe the 9449s. It's a solid set-up but I would go with the 9447 for a more comfortable ride if you are not fully loaded all the time. I am running 2 full size spare tires, rear cargo organization, and maybe soon, a rear winch. The 9449s are still very firm.

 

I'm with Hawairish on not supporting 4x4 parts because they sell repackaged items at ridiculous markups. Their shipping costs are also absurd. Really, anything from their site can be found elsewhere with some searching.

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On 1/31/2025 at 3:07 AM, R50JR said:

I hear you on that. I think they are overpriced everywhere, but might be worth it for modifications.

 

It seems like you want to do the "standard" lift option. I am running the OME HD springs and I believe the 9449s. It's a solid set-up but I would go with the 9447 for a more comfortable ride if you are not fully loaded all the time. I am running 2 full size spare tires, rear cargo organization, and maybe soon, a rear winch. The 9449s are still very firm.

 

I'm with Hawairish on not supporting 4x4 parts because they sell repackaged items at ridiculous markups. Their shipping costs are also absurd. Really, anything from their site can be found elsewhere with some searching.

Yeah, I think if I eventually really want to do some serious wheeling I'd get a yota or a cheeroke. 

 

Thank you for the input on that because I was debating the 9449's or 9447's. Eventually I'm doing a (likely steel) high clearance front and rear bumper setup, along with a good amount of cargo for the camping I do, would the 9's still be a bit much?

 

Also thank you guys for the heads up. If you happen to know the specs of the common ac 2" springs I'm sure i can find them elsewhere. If not Im not opposed to ome but from what I'm looking for I'm leaning towards the ac springs (though I would love to buy them somewhere else).

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1 hour ago, R50_Noob said:

Yeah, I think if I eventually really want to do some serious wheeling I'd get a yota or a cheeroke. 

 

Thank you for the input on that because I was debating the 9449's or 9447's. Eventually I'm doing a (likely steel) high clearance front and rear bumper setup, along with a good amount of cargo for the camping I do, would the 9's still be a bit much?

 

Also thank you guys for the heads up. If you happen to know the specs of the common ac 2" springs I'm sure i can find them elsewhere. If not Im not opposed to ome but from what I'm looking for I'm leaning towards the ac springs (though I would love to buy them somewhere else).

 

As far as I know, no one knows the manufacturer of the AC springs. It could be an item made exclusively for 4x4parts. If you are set on the AC springs, you should note, they are known to cause a fairly harsh top-out when extended. Other options are OME and Dobinsons.

 

Go with the 9447 springs. That will give you a level front and rear.

 

 

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They were made for them exclusively. I never saw them anywhere else. They are great vehicles but aftermarket support always sucked.

Edited by adamzan
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7 hours ago, R50JR said:

 

As far as I know, no one knows the manufacturer of the AC springs. It could be an item made exclusively for 4x4parts. If you are set on the AC springs, you should note, they are known to cause a fairly harsh top-out when extended. Other options are OME and Dobinsons.

 

Go with the 9447 springs. That will give you a level front and rear.

 

 

I can confirm the "AC springs" cause very harsh top out. I've had the AC springs with 1" spacers up front for about 7 months with no problems besides the top out. The warn hubs will save your cvs

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If you pony up for the $214 springs at AC, those are the OME springs.  The $180 ones are the house brand.  For the longest time, the OMEs were cheaper than the house brand...

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1 hour ago, hawairish said:

If you pony up for the $214 springs at AC, those are the OME springs.  The $180 ones are the house brand.  For the longest time, the OMEs were cheaper than the house brand...

But then again...if you're buying OME, just buy them from somewhere else, otherwise you'll be paying for them to drop ship to FL for them to repackage and send to WA.

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  • 2 weeks later...
On 2/3/2025 at 12:46 AM, R50JR said:

 

As far as I know, no one knows the manufacturer of the AC springs. It could be an item made exclusively for 4x4parts. If you are set on the AC springs, you should note, they are known to cause a fairly harsh top-out when extended. Other options are OME and Dobinsons.

 

Go with the 9447 springs. That will give you a level front and rear.

 

 

Thank you for the input. I like the idea of 9447 for now but I will also be fabbing a steel bumper (possibly with swingouts) and drawers system relatively soon. I was thinking that 9449 would be the way to go after that.

 

They are relativley inexpensive compared to everything else but I feel like it would be a waste of money to buy springs knowing I will replace them in such short notice.

 

Thoughts?

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3 hours ago, R50_Noob said:

Thank you for the input. I like the idea of 9447 for now but I will also be fabbing a steel bumper (possibly with swingouts) and drawers system relatively soon. I was thinking that 9449 would be the way to go after that.

 

They are relativley inexpensive compared to everything else but I feel like it would be a waste of money to buy springs knowing I will replace them in such short notice.

 

Thoughts?

 I still recommend the 9447 springs. You will have a noticeable rake towards the front with the 9449 even when loaded. The 9447 will handle the load and still be soft enough for normal driving.

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