Suspension Improvements

[Jobo]

It seems to me that the 2 door 2WD pickups are made with harder suspension than the 4 door options whether in 2WD or 4WD.

This is logical as I assume it is perceived that the 2 door will be used to carry higher loads.

I didn't realise this before I bought my 2 door 2WD Nissan Navara. I never use it to carry heavy loads and even then I only tow a trailer with 2 bikes occasionally.

The hard suspension is starting to bug me.

Can anybody advise the best solution to this problem? Change springs shock absorbers etc?

I don't want to lower it, don't want to do anything that affects the handling performance as an offset to softening it up. I think it handles ok for a truck even on the standard tyres

but it could be better.

[Kwasaki]

Have you checked your tyre pressures.

Your can get adjustable shocks fitted in the UK so maybe somewhere in Bangkok it can be done.

Google it.

[VocalNeal]

You are correct. A 2D has more carrying capacity than a 4D. 2D 1200kgs aprox. 4D as low as 793 kgs. But remember also that most of the 4D ones have larger "off-road" tires to make them look more macho. These are more "balloon-like" and add to the softer ride.

If you don't carry a heavy load reduce the tire pressure to the minimum on the sticker inside the drivers door.

Change the rear springs for ones from a 4D/4x4 and/or fit 4D/4x4 wheels and tires. You can determine if the rear springs are different but finding out the relative part numbers.

[transam]

As stated seems you have stiff springs for load carrying, which also means stiff shocks. Should be able to get adjustable after market shocks and try different settings before you think about spring changes as you can do that as a last resort. And yes, double check tyre pressures, buy a gauge in Tesco's so your sure they are correct, think 30psi is about right.

[katabeachbum]

Th pickups are all required to be able to load 1.000Kg to qualify for the low excicetaxes.

Until recently all models from one maker had same suspension for low riders and another set for high riders. Exception, Dmax/colorado using another front suspension for 4x4

Navara and Vigo planned a coule of years ago to use another rear spring for 4 doors, but dont know if that happend

as a 4 door 4x4 auto weighs more unloaded, it becomes more comfy. ad more comfy wheels. For Vigo and Triton softer front springs from their suv sisters can be used, and rear leafs can be replaced or customised

Changing shock does not do much to your ride comfort. Springs are still extremely stiff

[cifreak]

Any decent tire/ suspension shop can modify the leaf spring for you. The design looks ugly, but it does the job of being soft without load, and turning stiff when the the softer leaf straightens, bringing the set of stiffer leaf springs into play. Or you can go air suspension if you have the $$$. Cheers.

[Jobo]

Thanks guys. Sounds like springs first front and rear and then adjustable shocks after that.

The standard (half load) tyre pressures are listed at 40 front and 53 rear but nothing for no load!

I'm at 35psi so maybe less (30 psi) would be a good start.

BTW I have a top quality Michelin tyre pressure guage and check often.

[katabeachbum]

Thanks guys. Sounds like springs first front and rear and then adjustable shocks after that.

The standard (half load) tyre pressures are listed at 40 front and 53 rear but nothing for no load!

I'm at 35psi so maybe less (30 psi) would be a good start.

BTW I have a top quality Michelin tyre pressure guage and check often.

Navara 16 inchers unloaded, try 28 psi

Vigo 16 and 17 loaded is 29 psi

[transam]

Thanks guys. Sounds like springs first front and rear and then adjustable shocks after that.

The standard (half load) tyre pressures are listed at 40 front and 53 rear but nothing for no load!

I'm at 35psi so maybe less (30 psi) would be a good start.

BTW I have a top quality Michelin tyre pressure guage and check often.

Those pressures will rattle your teeth.

[Jobo]

Thanks guys. Sounds like springs first front and rear and then adjustable shocks after that.

The standard (half load) tyre pressures are listed at 40 front and 53 rear but nothing for no load!

I'm at 35psi so maybe less (30 psi) would be a good start.

BTW I have a top quality Michelin tyre pressure guage and check often.

Those pressures will rattle your teeth.

So that's the reason they're falling out! Now I know

So 28 - 30 psi it is