Moderator: volvite
So would you suggest doing Moog springs AND Bilstein shocks or start somewhere else and start checking things off the list? I will rarely if ever really be towing anything, I more more just concerned about my everyday highway driving quality of ride.smj999smj wrote:The main issue isn't so much the rear shocks, but the weak factory coil springs...but, of course, if your rear shocks are bad, it will make matters worse. Initially, people would swap out the stock rear shocks for Bilstein 4600 shocks AND install Airlift 1000 air bags. The air bags prevented the rear suspension from bottoming-out over bumps, as well as kept the rear end from sagging excessively when towing or loaded down. The Bilstein 5100 was used on those that were installing lift kits.
Later on, Moog came out with a set of stock replacement springs that were much better than the originals. The air bags were not needed with these springs, but, were/are worth keeping if one tows a trailer.
I have Airlift on order and will be hunting down some sway bar bushings around town. I figure I will start from the cheapest possible fixes first and work my way up the list.underworld1001 wrote:If money is an issue, the springs are the cheapest and easiest to change. Start with those first. I would also change out the rear sway bar bushings. They're cheap. Goes with OEM on those. They're the same price as aftermarket. If that still doesn't get the ride to an acceptable level, then do the rear shocks.
SMJ, thanks for the tips. I have Airlift showing up today as well as some sway bar bushings. I will put those in tomorrow and see how she rides after that. If still not up to snuff, will be doing some KYB gas-a-justs in the near future.smj999smj wrote:I would say the air bags are a lot cheaper and easier than replacing the coil springs. If you get involved in replacing springs, a lot of times you find bolts that have seized to the bushing sleeves, meaning they have to be cut out. Air bag kits usually run around $80 for the set. Most can install an Airlift 1000 kit in well under an hour. If the back end is really bad, I would highly suggest replacing the rear shocks, as well. If you don't want to spend the money on Bilstein shocks, just get a good monotube shock, like KYB Gas-a-just or Monroe Reflex.
Put the Airlift and new sway bar bushings in yesterday evening. Just went for a short drive and can already tell there is an improvement. Won't really know until I get up to highway speeds which is where I could really feel it before.palmerwmd wrote:So how does it drive now, with the new shocks? : )
I think he has (had?) a worn suspension .xpath wrote:thing that you guys are talking about?
One thing I noticed immediately when I got my Pathy was how stable it was at hwy speeds, 80-90 mph. My point of reference is the 2011 Xterra i used to have, compared to the Xterra the pathfinder rides very smooth and stable on the hwy.
But then my Odyssey feels a lot more planted and secure at high speeds, well of course it sits much lower with a much longer wheel base.