Topic: Replacing Key Suspension Parts: Any Tips?

[Odinson]

Hey SCCX,

It has become my goal to open a commercial meadery, a goal I'm chasing up to Salem, Oregon come January of this coming year. As opposed to renting a Uhaul or paying a moving company, we've opted to spend the money Buying a trailer instead! This way I'll be able to move most of my stuff, and then the company will have a trailer.

Problem is, my suspension is Shot. This is mainly what has kept me off the trails this last year, as I'm nearing 100k miles on 2nd hand shocks, original leafs and a lot of sag.

SO - enter credit card! I've got a new pair of Bilstein 5100s, front and rear, ordered and en route.

Next, I plan on ordering new Old Man Emu medium duty rear leaf springs - 2x http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004PA312A?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=A2F8QH83YSA2LG

I've got SB99 Bushings and new U-Bolts on order as well. I figure this should all set me up pretty well for towing and keep my back end from sagging for the next 60-80k miles.

My questions for you gents are, anything I missed / should also order & replace at same time? (trying not to spend too much, but replacing necessities)? Any tips moving forward?

For the record, current rig set up -
2009 4x4 Xterra X, 93k miles
32" Cooper ATs
1.5" Calmini PML

I'm not looking to add height, just want the X solid and ready for towing up and down the coast for sales, conventions & events, camping etc.

I'm not comfortable enough to do all this work on my own, plus don't have access to the tools so I'll be paying a local shop for install. Any tips / must-do's that I should tell them would also be very helpful! Thanks in advance my friends.

Cheers!

[Sage Bromax]

Personally, I have found that having rear air bags (Firestone, et al) is very handy for trailer hauling.  When there is no trailer attached, keep them around 10 psi for no noticeable lift and a comfy ride.  When you add a load/hook up the trailer, inflate the bags to level your rig and support the load.

[JFanaselle]

While I have no personal experience with this, I will second the suggestion for rear air bags. If your plan is to tow often, it's about the best mod you can make to give you "on demand" stiffer suspension in the rear without increasing your every-day ride height. The kits are inexpensive (~$300) and pretty easy to install.

[knightrider]

i will add my pennies to the pile.  Timbrens   they will had load capacity to the rear, while not limiting travel like the airbags do, and no adjustments are ever needed.

[RikRong]

That looks like a pretty good list for a refresh. I don't have opinions about Timbrens or airbags, as I've never used either.  The list could get long, if you were wanting to replace/refresh the front suspension too.  I would suggest, though, to start shooting your bolts and nuts with some sort of penetrating oil.  I'm not sure how much your X has been exposed to snowy/rainy conditions, but prepping the hardware will help a lot.

[Odinson]

Thanks for the tips guys,

Looking into the rear air bags now. Looks like they're a lot beefier than a standard bump stop. Thanks JF and Knight!

That looks like a pretty good list for a refresh. I don't have opinions about Timbrens or airbags, as I've never used either.  The list could get long, if you were wanting to replace/refresh the front suspension too.  I would suggest, though, to start shooting your bolts and nuts with some sort of penetrating oil.  I'm not sure how much your X has been exposed to snowy/rainy conditions, but prepping the hardware will help a lot.

That is a great idea, hadn't thought about it but last time we swapped my rear Shackles, a Sawz-All was required... so a pre-work oil is a damned good idea!

For the front, I've got new Bils coming in but figured the stock coilovers should still be good to go. Am I wrong there? How often do coilovers need replacing?

[CAWoody]

When looking at the air bags, look at the units that mount to the top of the axle.  Many years of seeing trucks towing boats with the spring mounted bags and cracking the leaves.

[RBduffer]

Hey Joey,
I have the Firestone airbags and like them.  I have only done a little heavy towing with them so can't report on cracking the leafs.  The rest of your set-up sounds great. 
 When you get your stuff, do a mod day!!!  Nobody here likes to see money burned on so called "professional" labor  
My place is always open (Fallbrook) if you don't mind the drive.  Good luck.

[jvr]

I got 2" lift spring and 1.5 Shackle from  prg take my rv with no problem  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

[Odinson]

Install complete and trailer acquired! Thanks for the help & advice everyone

Replacing Key Suspension Parts: Any Tips?

Replacing Key Suspension Parts: Any Tips?

[steve c]

Looks good!

Cut those u-bolts. 

[Celt]

Looks good!

Cut those u-bolts. 

Eh, just leave that up to the rocks. They have a fine way of making the necessary modifications.

[RBduffer]

Well done Joey, I really like those OME springs.  You can always add the air bags later if you feel the need.

[RikRong]

Looks good!

Cut those u-bolts. 

That, or flip 'em.


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