Pathfinder/QX4 R50 Lift Kits Pt. 2 (Rear Suspension Explanation)
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- I explain how to lift the rear end of your R50 pathfinder or QX4 with new springs and shocks! Great for building your pathfinder up for off road or overland! I explain the different options, as well as how they affect the rear suspension. Great for information on Land Rover, Old Man Emu (OME), and other lift kit options!
*Important* If you have a prefacelift (96-99) R50, the 29" shocks will likely cause your coils to unseat at full flex, as pre facelift has closer shock mounts
*Note* Bilstein shocks are 26/16 , not 26/14
*Note* The suspension diagram that I was looking at confused me, a panhard bar would actually pull the axle towards the driver side if it was lifted too high.
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nissanpathfinders.net: PathyDude17
LR Spring Specs: www.nissanpathf...
www.red90.ca/ro...
AC Springs: www.4x4parts.c...
Land Rover Springs (Buy Britpart): www.lrdirect.c...
OME springs: amzn.to/37ueLCw
26" bilstein shocks: amzn.to/2Qiiq08
29" bilstein shocks (make sure you understand these require extensions, and if you have a pre facelift, (96-99), they may cause coils to unseat due to the shock mounts being closer).: amzn.to/2MOitPf
Rear Brake line (IF you have VDC- 2 rear flexible brake lines- I don't know the part number for that. This fits a single brake line setup and is the year/model that fit on mine): amzn.to/39wQsp9
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Tools That I use:
DeWalt tool set (closest available kit, mine is discontinued): amzn.to/2LDiV5i
What’s on my Pathfinder:
Front Auto Locker: Lokka.com , see my gears and lockers playlist for more info (link directly above)
Front Lift Springs (AC Coils): www.4x4parts.c...
Rear Lift Springs (Land Rover NRC9449’s): www.lrdirect.c...
Tires ~32” tall:
For 15” rims: amzn.to/3dGQCwa
For 16” rims: amzn.to/3dGk3yp
For 17” rims: amzn.to/2WZKIQX
Mile Marker Manual Hubs: amzn.to/2UQZiHE
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Front Bumper Spot Lights: amzn.to/2xxrKqm
Roof Rack Spot Lights: amzn.to/2wNsTd6
Rear Flood Lights: amzn.to/3bEzhlY
Rock Lights: amzn.to/2WWuKad
Sliders: amzn.to/2vZVlbm
Slider Mounts: amzn.to/2vXpFTY
Hi Lift: amzn.to/3dChbTg
Air compressor: amzn.to/2JsifeQ
Recovery Rope: amzn.to/3dAr9Vc
Bug Guard: amzn.to/3dAsiMu
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CB Radio: amzn.to/2Jq0tbX
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Shocks: amzn.to/2JtcNZ6
Extended Rear Brake Line (for non VDC): amzn.to/2UMNLct
Other Notable R50 Products:
Suspension:
OME 2928 (Front) Coils: amzn.to/2ymYP8L
Land Rover NRC9446’s: www.lrdirect.c...
Land Rover NRC9447’s: www.lrdirect.c...
Hubs (Make Sure They Fit Your Wheels!):
Warn Manual Hubs: amzn.to/2UtuGNy
Mile Marker Manual Hubs: amzn.to/2UQZiHE
Rugged Ridge Manual Hubs (These should fit any wheel!): amzn.to/2ygF6HG - Auta a dopravní prostředky
For a full playlist of my modification videos, go here: czcams.com/channels/XQrfhnybLbMyjHGTcriRCQ.htmlplaylists?view_as=subscriber
I’m gonna be kind of blunt, but here goes.
1. You’ve got an OEM factory spec 2WD R50 on your hands. Great! I hope it’s in good condition
2. You’re interested in all terrain driving and off roading trails. That’s awesome, it’s a great hobby!
Those things aren’t super compatible. 2WD isn’t a good base platform for off roading, so why not just admit that and sell the R50 for a 4WD one?
Besides adding a locker to the 2WD, there’s no combination of suspension or armor that will make it tangibly more capable, because at the end of the day you’re dealing with the lack of traction provided by the 2WD. Lifted or not, your articulation will be very similar (the geometry can actually gets a little worse when you lift the vehicle) and you’ll flex the vehicle out and spin tires with the OEM open diff or weak/old LSD. You’ll be stuck really quickly on any legitimate off road obstacles, and that’s even somewhat true on 4WD R50’s. It’s a waste of money to mess with the ground clearance and suspension when your base drivetrain can’t benefit from it. Even on lifted 4WD R50’s, the trade off of ground clearance and wonky suspension geometry is a mixed bag. Lockers and better tires and better gearing are a much larger performance boost.
You can lift a 2WD, but it seems like a bad idea to me. Lifts are for off road vehicles, off road vehicles are 4WD. That’s my $0.02.
If you’re dead set on the 2WD, just throw some nice AT 30” tires on it, that’s you’re best bet for boosting performance at a low cost (a couple hundred more than buying regular HT tires) because tires actually improve traction, lift kits don’t.
I’m not trying to be rude, this is just my insight from seeing and addressing the limits of a 4WD R50. From that experience, it seems the expectation of creating a capable 2WD R50 is a bad expectation. If you want to just go camping and down Forrest service roads, sure, have at it. If you’re gonna flex out the suspension doing off road trails, forget it.
If you have to lift it, I’d for sure use Land Rover springs, a 26” shock (like bilstein 33-185552), KYB struts, and then probably springs, just for the sake of the handling and load capacity
These videos at first were entertainment, then later turned into amazing informantion for me to use. Been loving the lift so far, and I thought the 9449 would be way too heavy for my liking, im happy i didnt get the 9447. Thanks so much for making these videos while you had your pathy
EDIT: i only had my truck on jackstands for 12 1/2 hrs, this info was great
These videos have been an excellent reference! Its great work. Thanks!
Thanks, I appreciate that! Let me know if there's any other topics I should try and cover
I told him he is basically the R50 Pathfinder Yoda. LOL
Hey Tyler, love your videos they are a lot of help! I just bought a 98 Pathfinder and rear suspension needs replacing so I ordered the Land Rover Springs 9449 and I am looking at the 26 inch Bilstein shocks you have in the link above, just want to be sure these fit to the prefacelift R50's with modification etc. and to be sure that the part number 33-185552 of the 5100 series in the link works for those Prefacelift as I know the shock mounting is different then yours after facelift.
Thanks
They essentially fit. Check out my video on rear shocks- since these bilsteins are universal shocks, you need to modify one of the bushings/bolts in order to get a perfect fit.
1999.5 R50 here. What springs do I need to get in the back if I don’t want to replace anything other parts, also I have an oem spare tire swing on the back, carry tools and tow a trailer sometimes so I need that extra towing weight. Also any suggestions on bump stops?
Good morning ! How are you ?
I have a Nissan Pathfinder R50 1996 car, I would like you to help me with the parts for the student as your cars are please!
If I wanted to stay as stock as possible would NRC9446 work well as a slight upgrade from the saggy springs that I have now? I do not want my ride height or compression to change. I feel like any weight in the back has it sagging. I just want it to go back to normal. Without comprising cushion. From the pics of the 9446 compared to Oem. It looks like the 9446 won't compress like oem would?
Finding a 1”/ OEM spring is tough. OEM replacements tend to sag again over time. You could go with OME (ARB 4x4) springs in the rear, those are a little spendy but only lift about 1-1.5” at most. Another option would be airlift load helpers. A 9446 is not realistically an OEM replacement. It’s gonna lift the vehicle at least 2-3”, and if you’re on saggy stock springs, you’ll see an even bigger gain in height.
Hey Tyler, I was wondering if I got the OME medium duty springs for the rear, if I would need to get longer shocks? Being that they only give a small 0.5-0.75" lift?
I am just looking at the most cost effective way to keep the vehicle leveled when I have all my camping gear loaded so I am hoping to retain my stock shocks.
Do you think the OME 2922 springs will do the trick for what I need it for? Will it be a significant difference from stock or should I just save up and hunt for a full set up?
Thanks for being so much help in the community as always!
Sounds like they’d be a good start, you will be able to retain your stock shocks in the rear.
Thank you!
I am wanting to do a 2" lift and I am looking at the AC springs for front and rear. You kept recommending the Landrover springs. Are there reasons not to get the rear AC springs? Cost?
Cost is the main reason. LR springs are like $100 cheaper.
I just want to replace the shocks, which ones are the 26”/14”
Buy two of these then: amzn.to/2Qiiq08
Hey I just ordered two 9449s. I recieved one on Friday and the other one came today. I was excited to put my new spings in but when I opened package it's a different spring. It's a 9448. The 9448 is half an inch taller. Obviously I don't want my pathfinder to be higher on one side. I'm going to be calling and having this corrected. Before ordering these I called the local land rover dealership to see about buying local and not having to wait for shipping. He explained that there is a 9448 and a 9449, one for drivers side and one for passenger side. So I ordered two 9449s, like suggested in your video, and they sent me one of each. When I call to have this corrected which would you suggest I go with? They appear to be the same diameters, coil size and same resistance when pushed on. Just one, the 9448 , is half an inch taller
Up to you- the 9448 will lift at least an inch higher than the 9449, as far as I know. They are the same spring rate (225 lbs). On my AC / 9449 setup, even with some decent weight in the rear (say, 2 12” subwoofers and a golf bag), I get about 1.25” of rake. Generally the 9449 is the go to between those two springs
Ok. Thank you. And thank you for your videos. I wish I would have started doing some research before buying and replacing parts for the pathfinder I just bought. It's a 2000 LE
Hey Tyler. great info as always. Thanks. Searching for the NRC's i found Rimmer bros offer the option of aftermarket or originals. The price difference is substantial. Does it make a difference in the fitting?
Rimmer bros….?
Just go on LR direct and get the Britpart coils. That’s what everyone uses, no complaints.
I definitely understand the spacer lift not changing the spring rates but what is the difference between the Land rover & Pathfinder springs other than there height?
Is the Land rover a much higher spring rate?
Cheers.
Yes, the Land Rover spring is a significantly higher spring rate
@@208Tyler Would you know the spring rates on a stock '04 Pathfinder front & back or where I could source that info?
Asking because there's a company here in AUS that does a complete 50mm lift kit though the spring rates are not the highest, Front=45kg
Back=100kg.
Thanks again.
I’ve come across the stock spring rates before, but they were on US units, I think it was somewhere on NPORA
Hi
I just wanted to know what happen if i put heavy duty shocks with OEM springs?
You’ll have better ride quality. It won’t lift the vehicle or increase weight capacity, just improve handling
When I look up the nrc9446 part # it shows it as drivers side front spring. Is that correct if I wanna use them in the back?
NRC9446 is a Land Rover coil spring. It fits a specific model Land Rover on the front axle, but it also happens to fit the R50 rear axle. A 9446 will fit the rear of your R50
@@208Tyler thanks for the answer!
Hey, could you help me choose a lift kit i want the front 2" and the rear slightly higher then the front like 2.5"
I have a bullbar infront and some gear in the back what shocks, coils should i get?
This video that you're commenting on, in supplementation to this video : czcams.com/video/d0weBe8J58s/video.html gives all the available lift heights for front and rear, as well as their load handling capacity, as well as what shocks and struts are popular (KYB struts and bilstein shocks are the most popular).
Thanks
For the 26” bilstein shocks do you need to do any modifications to make it fit? Saw another video guy had a 01 he had to put washers on both sides for it to fit right. Any info on that? Thanks love the videos!
Yes you must make modifications. You probably watched the video of one of my good friends. I also explain the problem here: czcams.com/video/HrAp3dmjL74/video.html
I have a bilstein with a 28 inch extend and 17 inch collapse. Planning to put nrc9449 springs. Do I need to extend those 3 components you mentioned?
If you have 28” shocks, you will want an extended center brake line in the rear.
Your sway bar will be the main limiter of down travel at that point.
Extending your bumpstops may be required to protect your shocks.
@@208Tyler can you send me a link for the bump stops and what can I do for the sway bar to modify it? Thanks…
Both are DIY solutions. No one makes extended bumpstops except maybe timbren? No one makes extended sway bar links
Get sumosprings instead of extended bump stops. It’s a better solution. I have a video on it on my page.
Hi Tyler, I have been watching all your videos on how to modify the R50 and it is very informative. I would like to order some springs for the rear of my 2004 R50. Is this the correct part number? NRC9447 | Coil Spring - Front Suspension - Passenger Side - Blue/Yellow | Def 90 (BritPart). I just want to make sure before ordering it online. Thank you so much.
NRC 9447 will fit the rear of your pathfinder, you need to order two springs.
Here’s more info/alternative part numbers: czcams.com/video/kFEzj9zXJFg/video.html
I have a 98 pathfinder looking to get the landrover 9447 springs what blistein shocks should I get. I'm not trying to change anything but height i live in the city and going for the look more than any type of wheeling in the woods. And should I get AC springs for the front. Looking back to hear from you. Great 📹
If you’re only going for the look all you need is a spacer lift. It’ll ride like s*** but it’ll look the exact same.
If you don’t need extra down travel, stock replacement shocks will technically do fine. If you still want aftermarket shocks, check out this video as a consult: czcams.com/video/HrAp3dmjL74/video.html
I suspect you’ll end up with bilstein 33-185552.
I don’t know, should you get AC springs? It doesn’t sound like you need the spring rate, and they’re a little on the stiff side for city driving.
Speaking of city driving
I’m looking at the 9449s for the load capacity it offers as I carry a fair amount tools - 100-150lbs any given day.
Most of the driving is nyc driving - which I basically equate the potholes and road quality to mild off roading. So I am trying to build my truck up as kind of a Hybrid for this purpose (off-road capable and city capable).
What factors would you consider if you were building up your r50 for this purpose?
@@yeshayakarp8598 It sounds like you don't go off-road, you just drive on poorly paved roads. In that case, the simplest option is taking a 9449 coil and cutting a coil. You keep the same spring rate, but it won't lift as high. This way you won't have to mess with the fronts. Replacing the front struts and the rear shocks with quality OEM replacements such as KYB will also improve ride quality.
I don't really see you getting any benefit from lifting the vehicle.
@@208Tyler yeah i understand that but i dont want a shitty ride. But i do camp. so whats a good setup for 2.5 lift with springs and shocks. Still vallue a good ride
Franklin Hollins OME front, 1” spacer, rear 9447 springs, stock struts and shocks
Your videos are super informative and appreciated. I'm hoping you can help me out. when deciding which lift to go with the rear, will the OME help with load or will I need to go with the land rover rear springs, and if so, will the 26/16 spring work with that (I really don't want to worry about having to extend lines)? I'm not doing any serious off roading, just have a bunch of camping gear and dogs?
OME springs will help, LR springs will “help” more, as they are taller and pretty stiff.
The 26/16 shocks will be a good pair, and won’t require extended anything
If I went with the 9447 or 9449 would I have to upgrade to a 26/14 shock?
No, you don’t HAVE to. Almost everyone does, so that you can regain some down travel in your suspension.
26/14 shocks would be nice, I’ve only seen 26/16 on R50’s
Thanks. I just wanted to make sure because the Bilsteins are on back order everywhere. I had only seen the 26/16 then I watched the video again and you had written 26/14 which is why changed that.
Gotchya!
Well freak. Time to rewatch that video and see where I screwed up :). I’ll have to put an editorial in the description
Hey thanks for all the information what kind of struts & shock do you recommend & where can I purchase them?
There’s a lot of shock and strut options, check out the shock and strut videos in this playlists, they all have links in the description:
czcams.com/play/PLwFqzip3ugwYg_VpseEGSB1pUn75Nl3kG.html
Does going with for example the LR 9449 have any increased effect on the maximum towing GVWR
I don’t have an actual answer, but I can say that the drivetrain probably also isn’t really gonna like moving above GVWR, even if the suspension is better than stock.
Also, being taller isn’t great for handling.
I have an ‘01 QX4. Do you know of any differences in the suspension?
Great question! In terms of lift kits and suspension, there are no differences between the two. The suspension of your QX4 will correlate to the suspension of the same year pathfinder.
This is probably a dumb question because you just explained it, but for clarification, which spring gives the largest lift height and weight resistance? I was going to order 9446s but I just want to make sure that’s the toughest option for a heavy load (as I’m about to put a heavier bumper on) that will maintain lift height.
This video is more thorough: czcams.com/video/kFEzj9zXJFg/video.html
If you understand the math and spring differences yourself, you can make an informed decision about each spring. The heaviest duty and highest lifting coil (9448) is actually not one I would recommend for anyone not on an SFD in the front, so you gotta pick something more mild usually.
@@208Tyler Appreciate it brother!
Are the land rover springs drop in or need fab work
They’re drop in. I have another, shorter video about them here: m.czcams.com/video/kFEzj9zXJFg/video.html
Hi, is that 26"/14" rear shock upgrade recommend on a 2" spacer lift?
It’s not absolutely necessary, but it’s up to you
@@208Tyler thanks for the reply, who makes a 26/14 direct bolt on for a 2004 model?
I might have misspoke in this video, but 26/14 isn’t an option. 26/16 is- it’s nearly a direct bolt on, I explain the issue in my “Rear Shocks” video
@@208Tyler there's a really good manufacture here in AUS called Tough Dog, they have a shock for it 26.142" - 15.787" have you heard of anyone needing extended bump stops with that collapse length?
Thanks again.
@@90sKid38BRL I have not. That sounds about like the specs for the Bilstein 33-185552 shocks
On your R50 you are running the 29” bilsteins, and you had to extend the brake line. I’m looking at a similar combination for the 29”s and the 9449s in the rear. Why did you choose 29” instead of 26”? And were there any other modifications you needed to do other than the extended brake line and spacers for shock mounting bolts? I have a 99 Facelift QX4 - thanks!
I chose it because I was under the impression that 26” was a little short for the 9449’s. In reality, I’m not sure that’s the case. If you add 29” shocks the sway bar becomes the main limiter of downtravel- I eventually broke my sway bar.
I added extended bumpstops, about 2-3” longer, in order to protect the shock from absorbing hard impacts at full compression.
@@208Tyler In hind-sight would you now go with 26" then? Or would you stick with the 29"? I am not as extreme a off-roader as you, just getting ready to rebuild my suspension and thought it would be good to add an additional 2" lift while I am replacing parts for larger tires. I appreciate your help with this on an older video!
The 26’s are less of a headache to run, I don’t see a problem with using them.
@@208Tyler Final question, you mentioned Rancho struts in your strut video, what do you think about the Rancho RS55391 24/15 9” stroke rear shocks? They are close to stock, but would they work with the 9449 coils? Or too tight - thanks so much for the help.
@@cooperfiedler2413 "work" is a subjective term. The shocks will bolt on to the vehicle, I have no idea how they will ride when combined with 9449's. They may max out going over bumps. Most people go with KYB for stock replacements.
thanks for the vid!
Of course! Glad it was helpful!
Do I have to order 2 9449's? For the reference of my qx4?because the set comes with 2 different size?
I would order 2 springs of the same part number from lrdirect.com . Anything else will cause issues
Thanks man!I really appreciate it!🤙🤙
Hey.. just wondering the same thing? I try to order a pair of rear NRC9449s, however in all the sites i've seen that sells that specific spring, it would say "NRC 9448/9449". That would essentially mean that's two different springs?? Or am I missing something here
Do you use the rear springs off the land rover or the front what does it make a difference
All R50 owners use one of these 4 part numbers: NRC # 9446, 9447, 9448, or 9449. They all were originally designed for the front end of Land Rover vehicles.
@@208Tyler what shocks did you use for the rear
@@archiedowney34 I Used 33-185569 bilstiens, in conjunction with an extended center brake line and taller bumpstops
Do you have a link for the extended bump stops?
No. It’s a custom type of add-on, and there’s lots of things that could work- other vehicles bump stops, body lift spacers, etc
@@208Tyler gotcha thanx
Are those land rover springs 80$ for a pair?
About. Prices might have changed since when I bought them two years ago
what you say at 5:30 makes no sense, you put a spacer in you're still going to be the size of the spacer heigher regardless if you keep the same spring or not, the spring is going to compress but the spacer wont so you will still have the height of the spacer
I understand what you’re getting at, and I’ll give you that.
Though I didn’t say it very precisely, I’ll tell you the idea that I was getting at:
If you get a spacer lift, you have done nothing to improve the way the vehicle handles weight. It will sag as many inches lower under weight than it did before, it’ll just sit higher than it did before at each point. Same change / delta in height between loaded and unloaded though
If you get a spring with a stiffer spring rate, the vehicle will sag less under load and still look very similar to how it does unloaded. I just got back from a camping trip where the trunk and back row were full of supplies. The rear end didn’t sag noticeably with 9449’s, the vehicle wasn’t even level front to rear. On crappy stock springs, that would be the case.
@@208Tyler Makes sense, but for someone on a budget that wants a bit more clearance for off roading spacers would be ideal no?
......no? Unless you’re trailering it, your still driving it to trails, so you want the springs for the ride quality and handling, and that also holds true to when you do get Offroad.... do you want to bottom out every time you hit a bump to fast?
Plus, rear spacers are maybe $50-80 (haven’t checked prices in a while). A good set of springs is $80. There’s so little difference in cost that I don’t see why not to go with springs in the rear. Front is a more complicated discussion, but more clearly, springs have the advantage off road
Where is a good place to buy land rover coils?
lrdirect.com
@@208Tyler Thanks Pathydude. Couple more questions. How is the clearance on your 32's in the front? I'm looking at a set of 275/70/17 which is less than a quarter in. taller in overall diameter. Are you running stock struts with your 2" AC coils?
Clearance relative to the fender liner? I need to trim again haha. It clears the front strut fine though, thanks to my 3.75 backspacing. Either way, adding 1/8” in tire relative to the fender liner or strut will be fine.
Ya, I’m on stock struts. KYB OEM equivalents
@@208Tyler getting some sag from the AC coils?
Well, they settle a just little over time, I don’t know if that counts as sag or just settling at proper height.
Hey, Thanks for the video. Lots of good info in this video. Im looking into installing the NRC9449 springs and the Bilstein 26" shocks with 16" collapse. Does the bump stop have to be extended? If so, which bump stops should I use?
Also, can safely run the NRC9449 without extended shocks?
No need to extend bumpstops on a 26” shock. I would not use stock shocks with NRC9449.
I have specific videos on shocks and the Land Rover coils if you’d like to watch those as well
Thanks
Glad it helped. This video is a little underdone.
For more detailed info on the Land Rover springs, check out this video: czcams.com/video/kFEzj9zXJFg/video.html