Upgrading Suspension for Improved Off-Road Performance

[Grealwas1994]

I'm considering upgrading the suspension on my Nissan Patrol to enhance its off-road capabilities. Specifically, I'm interested in improving ride comfort and handling during extended trips. Has anyone here installed aftermarket suspension systems like the Boss or Dobinsons kits? I'd appreciate insights on ride quality, durability, and any installation tips.

[mudnut]

What year and model.

[timbo2410]

If it helps .. I went down the ironman 2 inch lift springs with foam shocks for my 2013 Y61 wagon. Never, ever had a good ride with them. Changed out to Toughdog 2 inch lift springs and kept the foam shocks from Ironman and the difference is night and day. You can get standard height springs from Toughdog as well. For everyday driving dont get a set of hard springs as it's too harsh .. especially if your of the older generation or are driving long distance. If you tow 0.5% of the year then fit a couple of airbags inside the coil ... I have never looked back. Loads of travel/flex, comfort on corrugations and can take a good load in the wagon without compromise.

[PeeBee]

Make sure you install spring hat stiffeners to avoid the issue of tearing or bending the support bracket off the chassis. There are a number of variants around to select from, some bolt in, some quite complicated, some brace the coil hats together by a cross car channel and you can also buy weld in systems. You should do this if you consider using the in-coil airbags as the cantilever loads are greater when they are inflated. I have tried both this type and the inflatable bags from Airbag man. The inflatable donuts operate between the chassis rail and the diff, so the load is better accommodated, however you need to check tire clearances as well as they can balloon out significantly under compression. Having tried a number of different makes and combinations I resorted in simply getting the right coils for the load however see the merit in the levelling up ability of the airbags. I used firestone with the kevlar outer sleeves.