Trialsin26 Posted April 12, 2004 Share Posted April 12, 2004 Hello, I was wondering if anyone has just lifted the rear of there Pathfinder. My Pathfinder is only 2 wheel drive and really don't want a full lift. I just want to lift the rear end about 2 inches because I carry a lot of cargo and the rear tends to sink. Has anyone done this? Any suggestions on where to look for parts? Do I just have to replace the rear springs? Any idea on cost? The most off roading I do is to and from bike trails. Any suggestions? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Pickles Posted April 12, 2004 Share Posted April 12, 2004 You may want to just look into heavier springs or air shocks to help out with the load, rather than only raising the rear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trialsin26 Posted April 12, 2004 Author Share Posted April 12, 2004 Thanks, I was looking on the web. and came across something called Air Springs. The were like Air bags you put in your springs. I'll look into it more. :type: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnightRyder Posted April 13, 2004 Share Posted April 13, 2004 what if i wanted to do the reverse and drop the rear about an inch or 2. doable? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big_johnson Posted April 13, 2004 Share Posted April 13, 2004 Trialsin- yes, a better option than lifting the rear would be the airlift bags, like these. New rear lift springs would make the car look funny when unloaded. Knightryder- yes, you could drop the rear an inch or two, but why not drop the whole car? I don't see the point in just dropping the rear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnightRyder Posted April 13, 2004 Share Posted April 13, 2004 i dont know if its just me but when u look at it i swear the back looks higher than the front...i want some new shocks and struts darnit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trialsin26 Posted April 13, 2004 Author Share Posted April 13, 2004 Thanks, The Air Bags look like my best option. I'm trying to eliminate the bottoming out when I have people in the back or loaded up with bikes and gear. I also noticed that the back looks lower then the front. Would you recommend getting the compress unit too? -bounce- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Pickles Posted April 13, 2004 Share Posted April 13, 2004 It would be nice to have the compressor onboard to make adjustments. I have Gabriel airshocks on the rear my 95, and I need to go to the gas station to fill them up. The little compressors that plug into the cigarette lighter don't have enough pressure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrJim Posted April 13, 2004 Share Posted April 13, 2004 I "think" that the 96 and newer may have struts in the rear and not shocks. It seems to me that the best solution may indeed be the air bag option, or you could add beefier springs, but the only negative with the latter is a stiffer daily ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Pickles Posted April 13, 2004 Share Posted April 13, 2004 My bad. But yup, air-something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trialsin26 Posted April 14, 2004 Author Share Posted April 14, 2004 Well, Thanks for everyone's help. I think I'm really going to like this list. I aslo think I'll go with the Air Bags and think about the compressor for a while. For $68.00 it should be a cheap fix. I'll get it after I purchase my KN Filter and let you know how it goes. Thanks Again. -alcohol- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big_johnson Posted April 14, 2004 Share Posted April 14, 2004 I "think" that the 96 and newer may have struts in the rear and not shocks no the 96+ pathys have struts up front, shocks in the rear Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmgar99 Posted April 18, 2004 Share Posted April 18, 2004 Dean has a 97 with air bags in the back I think? Check out his site Dean's Web Site He has done a ton of cool upgrades and is really helpful. good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trialsin26 Posted April 19, 2004 Author Share Posted April 19, 2004 My 2001 Pathy has struts in the front and shocks in the back. Thanks to Dean's web page I have a pretty good idea on how to install the Air Lift Kit, and I think I'll get the compressor as well. -study- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewisnc100 Posted April 27, 2004 Share Posted April 27, 2004 I've had the AirBags on my 97 for a little over a year and can add a few points. I got them for towing my boat in the summers since the rear end can really tail drag as you mentioned. I didn't get the on board compressor since it was easy enough for me to fill them up before towing and let out air after. A couple of points you might not have considered: - These will definitely lift your rear end, even at minimum air pressure (5PSI) I still think the rear on mine is +2 inches over stock. - Your ride at minimum air pressure will be a little bouncier when unloaded - You will have decreased braking power to the rear drums. The load sensing valve increases pressure to the rear drums when the rear end level drops. Since the air bags will keep the level higher your pressure to the rear brakes does not increase. An important point to consider if you are hauling or towing a significant weight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88pathoffroad Posted April 27, 2004 Share Posted April 27, 2004 You can move the brake load sensing valve downwards a bit to compensate. It'll take a new bracket or hole to mount it, but it wouldn't be hard to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewisnc100 Posted April 27, 2004 Share Posted April 27, 2004 Should be easy, just haven't gotten around to trying it. Just something to keep in mind when you put in the airbags and go down the road with a lot of weight. For a 97 the appropriate spring length is 194mm(7.64in) without weight and 235mm(9.25in) with weight so just a little over an inch and 1/2 adjustment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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