Suspension

[Kellsonm]

Hey everyone, I just got my first R50 last week so I'm brand new. I had a solid axle Jeep before this so is imagine I have a lot on new stuff to learn. My first project is going to be the rear suspension. The shocks are leaking and I've been told I should replace the springs at the same time. What should I buy? Stock stuff? Lift parts? I do want a 2" lift on there at some point but I can't afford everything right now. Should I just buy stock parts now and cool spacers later? Will I need longer shocks for a 2" lift?

In my jeep I had to replace all my control arms and brake lines when I lifted it, is any of that going to be necessary for a 2" lift on an R50?
Thanks for all the help in advance!
2001 Infiniti QX4 155k

[nickelghandi]

Welcome to the forum! I am surprised that no one has jumped in on this yet, but here I am!

You should be fine with stock suspension parts. I would go with the spacers later when you can afford them. They seem to be the best option, because they allow you to get the desired lift without messing too much with the way the truck rides. You should NOT have to replace the control arms or brake lines when you do the lift unless you see that they are extremely tight. When I did mine, I did not have to replace anything of that nature.

The topping out of the shocks that happens with some of the lifts is usually only in lifts of more than 4". That is what I have gathered from reading on this forum. You should be fine with a 2" lift on your QX4. It will cause more wear on your CV joints though so if they are old or the boots are cracked already, you may want to replace those.

Check out these threads if you need more information or want to look at some available lifts and how they look on the truck:

suspension-lifts-101-t491011.html

the-final-word-on-lifting-the-r50-at-a- ... 85532.html

[Kellsonm]

Thanks, that's extremely helpful! I've got a plan! I'll probably throw some Air Lift 1000 bags in the rear coils for hauling as well, any thoughts on that?

[nickelghandi]

No problem. I haven't used the air lift bags as I don't do much towing, but I know that they do make the rougher (obviously) and they also serve their purpose. They probably won't net you much lift, but they should keep the rear end up while you're towing.

[Kellsonm]

Right. Any idea where I can buy new oem rear coil springs? Can't find them anywhere

[nickelghandi]

I've done some quick googling (I'm on my phone away from my PC) and I haven't found anything either. I'll look around some more. I'd imagine they're the same as the pathfinder rear springs since fleurys' kit apparently works for all r50s but don't hold me to that. I'll do a bit more research when I get home.

[Lucienm8]

Hiya new on here now, iv got a 55 plate pathfinder. What is the best way to go about 3'' tops front and rear.. But the prices of lift kits are alot. Is there a way around it with new larger springs n shocks? I seen spacers mentioned for height on the back? Coilovers? And just wondering wt sort of price id be looking at, just want the look not for hard off roading so cheap hopefully.

Fingers crossed cheers guys

[nickelghandi]

Hey there. I don't know a whole lot about the r51 pathfinders, but I'd imagine the options are the same with the addition that they are body on frame rather than unibody so you should have more flexibility in price and more options to choose from.

[Kellsonm]

Thanks a ton, I'll let you know if I find anything too

[atraudes]

I did a post not too long ago on additional suspension parts that I'll be replacing next summer:

upgrading-suspension-setup-t594390.html

For springs, I'm going to be getting Moog 81115 (about $40 each), which is stock height and KYB KG4163 shocks.

[Kellsonm]

Thanks for the link! Any thoughts on Pro-Comp shocks?

[atraudes]

I considered them, but they only make rear shocks for us. That and the fact that the Pro-Comps are about $15 cheaper than the KYB gas-a-justs made me lean toward the KYBs.

[Kellsonm]

Yeah I think I'm going to go with the same setup in the rear. Moog and KYB

[mp66226]

Getting ready to do the same to my 01 qx4. Did the moog 81115 springs work? They were listed for the pathy but can't find anything listed for the qx4 springs.

[Kellsonm]

Can anybody recommend a good place to get a set of 1.5" or 2" spacers? Or maybe some adjustable spacers? And will I need any additional parts when I put on the spacers?

[atraudes]

Our very own fleurys has spacer sets up to 2"!

[Kellsonm]

Is that the one on EBay for $182?

[atraudes]

Looks like. Here's his website too, in case it helps.

[Kellsonm]

Love it, thanks!

[atraudes]

Post some pics when you get it installed! I've been considering a 1" lift myself, but still not sure if it'd look goofy with the stock wheels or not. Definitely going to get that aluminum skidplate!