1995 Nissan Pickup XE V6 4x4 - Suspension?

[natedogg1995XE]

Hi,

I have a 1995 Pickup that has 58,000 miles on it.. low miles, but the original owner pretty much let it sit for a while, so there's quite a few things I need to replace but can't afford to pay someone to do it. I'm about to replace the three belts(AC, fan and ?) what's in there now is all dried and cracked. I figured I better replace them before they break and cause some damage.

My main question here is in regards to the suspension.. I think I need new shocks. My ride is really bumpy and every time I hit a bump or pull into my driveway and go over the curb, the side that hits the bump bounces real bad and kinda makes a clunking noise.. is that because the shocks are dead and it's bouncing off the springs?

So, if that's the case and I need to replace the shocks.. I'm thinking that I would like to do a lift on my truck, since i'm gonna be down there anyways.. make sense? I was thinking a small lift, 2 or 3 inches, and some bigger tires and new wheels.

What kind of suspension do you suggest? I don't do a lot of off-roading but I do live in Colorado and go camping and drive int he snow... not sure if that matters. I am aware of two choices.. body lift or suspension lift.. is one of those lifts cheaper or easier? any suggestions on which kit to buy? Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.. keep in mind I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to technical things.. I know a little bit, but not a lot. go easy on me. Thanks!

[natedogg1995XE]

Apparently I've posted this in the wrong area or nobody has any suggestions or experience with this.. 87 views but no replies. should I have posted this elsewhere?

[sx moneypit]

Moved this to the truck forums.I think you will get the info you need here.

Welcome to NICO!

[Rev_D21]

Shocks and could also be ball joints. Have you jacked up the front of the truck and shook stuff looking for looseness?

[natedogg1995XE]

Not yet. But I will. Thanks! I'm kinda new into all this DIY Truck stuff. I never had a garage until I recently bought my first house. So i have been trying to slowly build my arsenal of car tools. I'm currently looking for a jack and jack stands. thanks for the suggestion.

Nate

[dvdswan]

clunking noise can be several things as Rev said. by bouncy you mean is continues to bounce after hitting the bump, that is shocks, if its a stiff bounce, then the torsion bars are cranked a little to begin with. if you are turning into a curb and your wheel is turned all the way you are on you steering stops and that can make a clunk/squeal noise. just lube the steering stops because the plastic pieces are gone.
be sure when you have it jacked up to check all of your steering components, suspension components, and driveline components on the front end.

as far as a lift kit, suspension - kits are out there and its about 2-3" of lift, www.4x4parts.com but you can do what is called a PML (poor mans lift) by cranking up the torsion bars and adding a shackle to the rear this will be around 1-1/2", body lifts are inexpensive but IMO it shows the complete frame and I'm not a big fan of it. you can get a 3" SL and 3" BL and fit 33s without any rubbing (I'm told). I had Calmini SL and had 32s on factory lego rims and rubbed the torsion rod support on the frame at full turns. my friend has the kit now and as 33s and with some minor trimming to the rear of the front fender only rubs where I rubbed now.

regardless, I would 1st thing get an idler arm bracket, this is the weakest point in the steering and bends very easily. there are quite a few offroad sites on the web for nissans, 2 are based out of CO. search these sites and you could possibly pick up a SL cheap. people on these sights like to SAS their trucks for better performance offroad. here are a few...
www.roninwheelers.com
www.nissan4wheelers.com
www.4x4parts.com
www.ruggedrocksoffroad.com
www.nissanoffroad.net
www.nissanwheelers.com
www.nissantrailriders.com

[natedogg1995XE]

Hey thanks for the info! I'll check out those sites!