Rear Shocks 2" Lift

[Curtisr620]

Quick question,

I'm fairly new to the forum. A couple weeks ago, I picked up a cheap 1996 Pathfinder with a 2" coil lift sitting on 31's. From the looks of it, it still has the stock Nissan shocks on the rear. I'm trying to figure out which shocks would be best to get for the 2" lift. I would rather have longer shocks than the OEM as it will put less stress on them. I have been looking into Rancho, ProComp, Bilstein, etc. for the shocks, but haven't been able to have much luck finding any. Any and all information would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[atraudes]

Welcome to Nico!

Check out these two posts. They're chock full of everything lift-related for our vehicles:

suspension-lifts-101-t491011.html
the-final-word-on-lifting-the-r50-at-a- ... 85532.html

From what I've heard, longer shocks aren't generally required for lifts up to 2", especially in the rear. The only time they'll come in handy is when you're going over bumps quickly and they end up topping out, but even this isn't necessarily a problem for the shocks as much as a "don't want to hear that noise" issue. It usually only happens while the springs are getting settled during the first months.

That all being said, fleurys' lift system (2nd link) also completely sidesteps this topping out issue in the front by extending the entire strut, not just the spring. The rear also shouldn't suffer top-out in the rear as bad either since you don't need to use stiffer springs.

Are you being proactive or are they already topping out on you?

[Curtisr620]

Although for the most part, I'm just trying to be proactive on the issues, there have been a couple times that I have been riding down old backroads and they have topped out. I'm just trying to see if anyone knows of an extended length shock that will fit the pathfinder to help make the ride a little more smooth!

[rgk]

What does a topped-out shock sound like?

[atraudes]

Sorry, didn't mean to insinuate that you shouldn't or don't need to

It looks like 4x4parts.com has a number of options for you:
http://www.4x4parts.com/i-18981408-path ... shock.html
http://www.4x4parts.com/i-18981601-ranc ... shock.html
http://www.4x4parts.com/i-18981655-ranc ... shock.html

Unfortunately the Ranchos don't say how much of a lift they're meant for, though 2" is a fair guess.

I'd give the guys at 4x4parts.com a call whether you go with those or not. They're super helpful and knowledgeable and would be able to give you the best advice as to what's best for your budget and application.

Cheers!

[atraudes]

What does a topped-out shock sound like?

Think a loud clunk, much like when bottoming out the shocks

[Curtisr620]

Thanks for your help, Atraudes! I ordered the Rancho RS5010's tonight. After much research, it seems like a lot of people were going that route with their shocks on a 2" lift. Now to just get them here and on the old pathi for a smoother ride. . The OEM shocks on it now have definitely seen better days!