difference in MQ/MK suspension

[Finly Owner]

I have copied this from 4WD1.com

If you own a 1980's model leaf-sprung Nissan Patrol wagon or SWB, chances are that you're calling it an 'MQ'.

There's confusion for Nissan owners as to whether their 4WD is an MQ Patrol, or its 2nd series variant 'MK'model. So here are the facts:

MQ Patrols have round headlights are were build between 6/1980 and 10/1983.

MK Patrols have square headlights are were build between 11/1983 and 12/1987.

Why does this matter? When it comes to the fitment of aftermarket suspension, the design of the front shackles and front spring eyes, differs between the two models. Most suspension companies consolidate the application, only making the front leafs for the later model MK. If you own an MQ, and you buy a suspension kit, you get the springs for the later MK, supplied together with the matching front shackles and bushes from the MK model, in which then all is good.

What is different about the front shackles and bushes between the two models? The earlier MQ has shackles with straight-wall side-plates. Instead of a tradional rubber or urethane bushes, they use a special metal or brass type busing.

On the MK Patrol, the front shackle side-plates are stepped at the bottom (bowed out), basically like an upside-down y-shape. The bush on the top shackle pin is a metal type, and the bush at the bottom of the shackle (that sits in the spring eye) is a rubber or urethane type.

With the vintage of these Patrols, and the potential for chops and changes to the front end by (a) the fitment of a different grille and headlight kit (say after a smash or panel-beating job) and (b) the possibility of the suspension being previously modified or (c) an MQ/MK aftermarket suspension kit - how can you be sure what to order when it comes to suspension parts (replacement type or otherwise?)

Remember:

• MQ was build 6/1980-10/1983
• MK was build 11/-1983-12/1987

AND - CHECK THE FRONT SHACKLE DESIGN.

• MQ has straight-wall side-plates
• MK has stepped or bowed side-plates

If you are purchasing a new suspension kit, make sure the shackles will match the new springs.
If you are ordering new bushes, or new shackles for your earlier MQ Patrol, double-check the front shackle design so you know whether to order original MQ ones or the later MK type.




Tim