BajaNomad - Nissan x-terra suspension problems

Nissan x-terra suspension problems

Barry A. - 10-20-2007 at 09:51 AM

I just purchased a new 2007 Nissan x-terra "off road" model and find that the rear springs are "soft", and bottom out often over bumps when any kind of "load" is carried.

I did read David K.'s post about a similar problem, and fix, for his Tacoma Truck.

Has anybody had a similar problem with their "X", and how did you fix it??

(I did look into Calmini add-a-leaf kits, and that is a possible solution for little money---- $149 + installation)

TMW - 10-20-2007 at 12:01 PM

Barry I think the problem is common among most stock off road trucks and SUVs because the manufacture is giving you a soft ride on the hwy. 3/4 and 1 ton trucks are probably not affected, as least as much. My 93 Toyota 4x4, 04 GMC Z71 and my 07 Tocoma 4x4 trucks all have soft rear springs that bottomed with a load. I simply did an add a leaf. I don't mind the harder ride. It's not real hard but you do tell the difference from stock. David went for the more expensive setup but he can adjust his for softer or harder when he wants.

If you do decide on an add a leaf be careful too much arch will raise the rear a couple of inches. On my 93 and 04 the rise was about an inch. When I purchased the leafs for the 07 the installer had to take some arch out and even then it was probably 1 1/2 inch rise. Look at the leaf before you buy and look for one that will only raise the vehicle no more than an inch, unless you plan to raise the front too. I did my GMC myself and the leaf was almost flat. My first two leafs were from ORW and the last from a local Bakersfield shop.

Barry A. - 10-20-2007 at 12:26 PM

TW------

Calmini (of Bakersfield) states that their add-a-leaf kit will raise the "X" rear end about 1 1/2 inches--------do you think that this is exceptable without doing anything to the stock front end (the front suspension seems fine)?

The Calmini kit uses two long leafs per spring-pack to accomplish the "lift"-----I am thinking that this is much better than using one short, but stiff, add-a-leaf--------------don't you think?

I did go on line to several "X-owners" chat sites, but the info/advice is marginal and amatuer at best IMHO.

landyacht318 - 10-20-2007 at 04:16 PM

My leaf springs are 18 years old and tired. I got a 3/4 ton dodge van and when loaded down, the back end would get so squishy it was nerve racking. I've gone through 3 sets of those cheap pep boys, leaf spring helpers which just push up on the back half on the springs, and they do work somewhat, but they are temporary. One end has to slide back and forth with suspension movement on a plastic slider. When the plastic wears out there is metal to metal contact.

I decided this time to install the Firestone Ride Rite air bags, like David K. My main reason for doing this was the adjustability factor. Different loads, different air pressures. Off center loads, different air pressures. Uneven camp sites, One at 75# the other at 5# = level bed. No loads, 5 psi and I cannot even tell they are there. I ran my airlines inside the van so I can change pressure from within.

One thing with this kit for my ride is that it claims to require no drilling. On mine there was no option but to drill, as the jounce bumper bolts broke upon removal, and wouldn't have lined up with the upper mount, or the axle, had they not broken. The upper bracket was to be held on with 4 self tapping bolts. I drilled my own additional holes and used 10 bolts on each frame bracket with red loc tite. I also had to lengthen my exhaust and fabricate a larger heat shield from an old pizza tray, so what claims to be a 2 hour project took me all day.

I cannot attest to the longevity of the bags themselves as I've only had them a week. I've heard many who swear by timbren overload springs which mount in in a similar fashion to air springs, but require no air or maintenance, and do not affect the unloaded ride.

I avoided the add a leafs because of the experience of a friend with a Tundra. Without 4 or more bags of concrete in the back, the thing was a bouncy nitemare on the concrete highway. It also gave it the pronounced 'stinkbug stance', which he hated and paid to have the front coil spring spacers installed to level it out.

I love being able to raise or lower my rear end by 3.5 inches with my 10 dollar air compressor.

Another Brand is Air-lift. They are slightly less expensive, at least for my application. Their kit for my van does not claim the no drill installation, and the upper bracket would have to been mounted on the inside of the frame rail, which would have made my installation more difficult.

Check out Summit racing for the kits and downloadable instructions.
Good luck

Barry A. - 10-20-2007 at 04:29 PM

whistler and Landyacht and TW----------

----all good stuff----thank you very much. I will next talk to Nissan and see if they have any ideas. I am leaning towards the Calmini add-a-leafs as I have had excellent results from add-a-leafs on my F-250 4x4 pickup with small camper.

I personally have had bad luck with the airbags (they wear out fast) but that was years ago, and they may be much better now. You are right, the Pep Boys (Hellwig?) bolt on helper springs cannot hold up to Baja and the pounding, and besides they are really hard on the stock springs I have learned. I went thru several sets on one Baja offroad trip years ago----kept breaking bolts, and then even the springs themselves------never again.

Thanks for the input.

barry

Barry A. - 10-20-2007 at 05:41 PM

Whistler------

That is really generous of you, but I believe that the Frontier and the X have the same springs, or so I am led to believe. If that is not so then I am interested if they are a higher capacity spring than what i have in the X.

Thank you.

Frank - 10-20-2007 at 08:23 PM

What about just putting in some overload springs. They would only come into play under a load, so you ride wouldnt suffer when your empty.

http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/SuperSprings_leaf.htm

[Edited on 10-21-2007 by Frank]

TMW - 10-21-2007 at 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
TW------

Calmini (of Bakersfield) states that their add-a-leaf kit will raise the "X" rear end about 1 1/2 inches--------do you think that this is exceptable without doing anything to the stock front end (the front suspension seems fine)?

The Calmini kit uses two long leafs per spring-pack to accomplish the "lift"-----I am thinking that this is much better than using one short, but stiff, add-a-leaf--------------don't you think?

I did go on line to several "X-owners" chat sites, but the info/advice is marginal and amatuer at best IMHO.

I think that would be OK. I didn't notice any real difference in handling on any of my trucks. The rear is more firm on the hwy. My 93 has the hardest ride on the hwy. But it also has heavy duty torsion bars up front. The 04 and 07 I don't notice it as much.

Whistler's offer sounds really good.

TMW - 10-21-2007 at 10:16 AM

Last week I had to replace the plastic shims in the rear springs on my 04 GMC because the left side had a rattle like a loose bolt. I looked and banged and could not find it. I noticed the shims missing and after putting in new ones the rattle went away.

David K - 10-21-2007 at 11:20 AM

Hellwig springs were one of the recommendations I recieved for my truck.

They only take over when you have a load and need the extra help, instead of giving you a harder ride all the time.

Minnow - 10-21-2007 at 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
I just purchased a new 2007 Nissan x-terra "off road" model and find that the rear springs are "soft", and bottom out often over bumps when any kind of "load" is carried.

I did read David K.'s post about a similar problem, and fix, for his Tacoma Truck.

Has anybody had a similar problem with their "X", and how did you fix it??

(I did look into Calmini add-a-leaf kits, and that is a possible solution for little money---- $149 + installation)

There is a very simple fix. Take that POS out to the desert and put a match in the gas tank and go buy a real truck. :lol:

Minnow - 10-21-2007 at 01:24 PM

I spent a month in an X-Terra in Baja. I am entitled to my opinion. If you don't believe me I have pictures. :lol:

Barry A. - 10-21-2007 at 01:31 PM

Minnow,

I already HAVE a "real truck"-----it is called an F-250 4x4 tricked out to handle almost anything--------BUT IT IS REALLY BIG, and will not go all the places I want to go because of it's size. Thus, the "X", which is dust proof, has the most clearance of any stock vehicle (except the Rubicon), has a stock locker in the rear, big tires stock, bilstein shocks stock, lots of power, is incredibly manuverable with a tiny turning radius-----oh and did I mention "dust proof"? I am allergic to dust so the Rubicon was ruled out with it's incredibly inadaquate plastic roof, or that tent thing that most Jeeps have. Comprende???

Unfortunately it also has lousy rear springs, which I intend to correct with input from the "helpful" NOMADS-----emphathise on "HELPFUL"!!!

Thank you for YOUR invaluable help-----now back to the "off topic" board with you-------- :lol:

Barry A. - 10-21-2007 at 01:32 PM

Minnow-----(again)

We crossed-posted--------------I would like to know about your experience with the "X"----

Care to share??

Neal Johns - 10-21-2007 at 03:18 PM

Barry A. Get the Add-a-Leaf.

Barry A. - 10-21-2007 at 03:35 PM

NEAL JOHNS-----

Thanks Neal, and Hi---it's been a while------I am strongly thinking the Calmini add-a-leaf is the way to go, like you say.

However, the link provided by "Frank" to the RockyMountainSuspension looked interesting too, tho more expensive. This is a full length "helper" type spring that only activates when loads are put in the vehicle-----I am thinking that it probably is not heavy-duty enough, tho. It's engineering looks good, and not like the "clamp-on" Helwig springs I have broken in the past on other vehicles.

What you think? Calmini or RockyMountain?

Ken Cooke - 10-26-2007 at 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
oh and did I mention "dust proof"? I am allergic to dust so the Rubicon was ruled out with it's incredibly inadaquate plastic roof, or that tent thing that most Jeeps have. Comprende???

Clean Air upgrade for Jeeps

Ken Cooke - 10-26-2007 at 09:03 AM

Quote:

Are the springs bottoming out, or are the rear bumpstops being hit every time you go over a bump because the shock absorbers are not valved properly for off hwy use? It would be easier and simpler to get some shocks that will provide more compression valving rather than change your leaf springs.

Get the adjustable Pro-Comp MX-6 shocks that have both adjustable rebound and compression, and this should take care of your problems...before going with an add-a-leaf. With the add-a-leaf, you will have plenty of rake which will make your pickup truck look funny traveling down the road. You will probably want to either crank your torsion bars 1 1/2" more which will provide diminished ride and less suspension droop, or purchase a pair of longer torsion bars.
If you had bought a Jeep, this would not have been an issue since you would be working with a straight axle rather than a weak IFS suspension. But, to each his own...

[Edited on 10-26-2007 by Ken Cooke]

Ken Cooke - 10-26-2007 at 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by whistler
No torsion bars on the new Nissans.Coil-overs.

That should be a cheap fix. Longer, adjustable-height coilovers for the front axle, 1.5" add-a-leaf rear springs, and Pro-Comp MX-6 adjustable shocks all around for a more firm, controlled ride. :light:

Minnow - 10-26-2007 at 01:41 PM

My main problem was the poor gas mileage when fully loaded, and poor off road capability. I believe the frame will handle beefed up suspension though. Also, the one I had was only 2wd.

Sounds like yours is a better model, also mine was puke yellow. My wife hates yellow.

And the Mexicans used to throw eggs at it when I wasn't looking.

Looks like you are getting some good advice here. Let us know how it works out.

Barry A. - 10-26-2007 at 04:06 PM

Thank you all.

Ken, unfortunately I have already ordered the Calmini add-a-leaf kit (1-1/2 inch lift with 2 long leaf springs per spring pack). I talked to a suspension shop I trust and they said that this was probably the best course of action (they will do the install). The "X" was deffinitely bottoming out-----ie. the axle was hitting the rubber "stop" continously when even moderately loaded. (sometimes hit bottom on the FREEWAY!!!)

Calmini told me that if the "rake" was too obnoxious I could always order their little spacer blocks for the front Bilstein coil-over shock/springs to raise it up a little. I am not thrilled with that sugestion so we will just have to see. I think I can live with the extra 1-1/2 inch raise in the rear----don't really care what it looks like.

So far my rock crawling with the rear elec. locker has been impressive------I believe that it is a pretty competant off road vehicle, and my experience so far has been encouraging. 9 full real inches of clearance with pretty good approach and departure angles, and Bilstein's all around.

I get about 21 mpg with the 261hp V-6 on the highway, but have no idea what it gets in the dirt. It's an automatic with a 4 speed tranny plus overdrive------it has more power than I need.

After I get the Calmini kit installed and have a chance to run in the dirt I will report back to you all.

Thanks again to ALL of you.

barry

Ken Cooke - 10-26-2007 at 11:10 PM

Barry, looks like you'll be ready for Pole Line 7 this December! It's the special "ROCK EDITION" Pole Line run!!
C'mon and join in the fun!!!

[Edited on 10-27-2007 by Ken Cooke]

David K - 10-27-2007 at 10:29 AM

Yah Barry... get back to Baja where YOU belong (or at least want to be)!!!

Barry A. - 10-27-2007 at 12:09 PM

Ken and David-------

I am working on it, really, I am!!! I am sitting here now awaiting the "parts" for my upgrade.

Viva X-Terra's!!!! (and Tacoma's and Rubicon's????)

RAISING THE FRONT END:
Have any of you folks had any experience with the "spacer blocks" that are available for raising the front end of coil spring vehicles (in this case "coil-over shocks")------they put the spacers inbetween the coils??? I think. It does not sound like a good idea to me, but I really have no experience with them.

Ken Cooke - 10-27-2007 at 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
RAISING THE FRONT END:
Have any of you folks had any experience with the "spacer blocks" that are available for raising the front end of coil spring vehicles (in this case "coil-over shocks")------they put the spacers inbetween the coils???

Sounds like a good way to test parts to decide if they are "Baja Proven" or not!?! :bounce:

TMW - 10-28-2007 at 10:16 AM

Barry, I don't think it is a good ideal for an off highway vehicle. When your bouncing up and down quickly you would be extending the suspension to it fullest and I think that would be a problem after a while. I would go with a taller spring. I think the spacer is for the street only people.

Barry A. - 10-28-2007 at 01:00 PM

Whistler and TW------

That is very good advice-------thank you very much. I have made hard copies of both your responses and will look into it if I have to address the front end suspension.

Again, thanks mucho. This is another example of what the NOMADS board is all about, and I love it.

You cannot believe some of the "advice" I have gotten from some of the local 4-wheel drive shops-------mostly questionable, at best as they REALLY want to sell me what ever products they happen to handle, none of which excite me much.

barry

[Edited on 10-28-2007 by Barry A.]

UPDATE on the "X"

Barry A. - 11-12-2007 at 02:14 PM

I finally settled on the CALMINI add-a-leaf kit which consists of 4 leafs (2 per spring pack) and longer u-bolts to accomodate the thicker spring packs.

The kit cost $149+ s&h , and it cost me $300 to have it installed by a local spring/suspension shop, for a total of about $475.

I took the X out on a local powerline road (the only dirt roads not yet closed by the Goverment) and it worked like a charm------love it. No more bottoming out, and it really does not seem that "stiff" on the pavement.

We were able to use the existing stock Bilstein shocks, and we did not use the provided 2" "rubber bumper extenders" that came with the kit----we really do not know why the "extenders" would be used-----we like the fact that I now have 2 inches more articulation in the rear axle (a solid axle), and the existing shocks seem to handle it just fine.

It raised the rear end just slightly less than 2 inches. I did not do anything to the front end so it is a little "up" in the rear, but that is ok with me, and it levels out well when loaded with a lot of camping gear, which it usually is.

It did not seem to effect the alignment, but we will see in the future if it is still within specs.

Again, thanks to all for the great advice and assistance in this project.