Qx4 Air Suspension?

[tschweitzer]

Having owned a 95 g20, and 01 i30t for awhile, i finally traded my 96 blazer in for a 01 Qx4. Wow, what a difference! The only thing I hate about the Qx4 is it's (or lack there of) suspension . It seems like every time I have a person in the back seat the suspensions hitting its bumpers. Not only does this provide a rather harsh ride, it really worries me - how can I tow a 5,000 pound trailer??? My g20 handles weight better than the Q. I've inspected the shocks and springs - they are stock and look fine. I contacted the dealer about this and they told me "thats just how they are." I also did some research online and found that people were complaining about the same thing in the Qx4 AND pathfinders. My question is -Should I put stiffer springs on the back, or look into an airbag system that would help handle some of the weight without sacrificing ride? This car is a business car, as well as a towing car so I need something that will work for both. Check out this link http://www.4wheelonline.com/Pr...76437 is this crap?? It's pretty cheap - just wondering.

[SnowSurfLax]

Weird. I have a 99 and I don't have any problems with sag when loaded with passengers. Never trust a dealer.

You can put an air system in, especially if you're going to tow 5000 lbs of crap. It'll even the ride out when loaded down like that. But you might want to have you springs checked out. Might be time for an upgrade already.

[KoukiS14]

man. . I've got a 99.5 with 70k . . never had a problem with it bottoming out.

[tschweitzer]

Hmm, Well - Maybe they softened the suspension up for the new model in '01, or i've got bad shocks/springs. BTW - I like your 4x4 icon, pretty cool

[slpdave]

Our 97 QX4 has never bottomed out with 5 people and the rear end loaded

[KoukiS14]

Hmm, Well - Maybe they softened the suspension up for the new model in '01, or i've got bad shocks/springs. BTW - I like your 4x4 icon, pretty cool

Thanks I made it by taking a bunch of pics of the all mode light -- feel free to use it wherever.

I dunno if they changed the suspension, but hey. . good chance to lift that thing, right? haha

[rovira]

HI.I OWN A 2001 PATHFINDER AND I HAVE A MUSIC SYSTEM INSTALLED. ONLY WITH THE WEIGHT OF THE MUSIC SYSTEM IT BOTTOMED, SO IMAGINE WHEN TWO PEOPLE WERE ON THE BACK. SO I BOUGHT FROM AUTOANYTHING THE AIR LIFT KIT WITH THE COMPRESSOR. IT WORKS GREAT! I'M PRETTY SURE IT WILL FIT YOUR QX4, BUT YOU CAN CHECK IT OUT AT THEIR SIGHT. YOU SHOULD TRY IT, I'M SURE IT WILL FIX YOUR PROBLEM. IT FIXED MINE. MY SUV RIDES GREAT.

[SayNoToPistons]

^ Whoaaa. Cap lock, bud.

01 with 85k here. No major problems with sagging yet even with 3 guys or 4 girls stuffed in the back.

[Impact_2k1SE]

The Air Lift 1000 works very well on a 2001 pathy. I've had it installed for over 50,000 miles now, and think very highly of it.

i'd get the one with the compressor, filling up the schrader valves all the time at the station or whatever would be a PITA. This system does loose air continuously, and you can expect to have to inflate every week or so, even when not carrying excessive weight. The compressor setup comes with an auto sensor that will inflate to the correct minimum pressure automattically when it senses it is low.

On installation, don't follow the templates they include for the holes for air lines in the bottom spring seat. instead drill the hole larger than they recommend, and pre-visualize where the airbag nipple will come through. I made the mistake of following their template, and after a few thousand miles had to disassemble and elongate the hole to prevent the hose from rubbing every time the axle articulated.

The stock springs are meant for a pleasant ride, and if you haul any significant weight (people or otherwise) they don't like it. I wasn't bottoming out prior to the airbags, but the suspension sagged significantly in the rear when hauling scrap or pulling a trailer.