S suspension bottoming out - need suggestions

Hi there, I'm brand new here and new to Xterra's. I bought a 2015 Xterra S 4x4 a few months ago and have noticed the suspension, especially rear suspension is very mushy. The rear suspension bottoms out with any decent sized bump, even on pavement. Does anyone have any suggestions on the best remedy?

Sounds like you need new shocks. Whether you go with stock replacements or if you are looking to upgrade, depends on what you want to do with your truck. Just remember you get what you pay for.

Bushnut said:

Sounds like you need new shocks. Whether you go with stock replacements or if you are looking to upgrade, depends on what you want to do with your truck. Just remember you get what you pay for.

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Thanks for your comment. My understanding of shocks (admittedly limited) is their purpose is to mainly control rebound, not control the initial shock. Is this incorrect? However, I do plan to purchase shocks, either Rancho, which I have used in the past, or Bilstein, which I have never used before. I was wondering if my springs need replacement or supplementing.

The stock leaf springs are mushy from the get. You have a few options.

1. Helper springs. No added lift. Added load capacity.
2. Timbren bump stops. Does nothing aside from not feeling the harshness
3. Add a leaf. Adds lift and weight capacity.
4. Replace leaf pack. General springs make a good stock and hd replacement pack. If you're looking for lift and articulation, Alcan is the way to go.

Springs hold the weight of the vehicle, shocks control motion. If a vehicle is “bouncy” chances are that the shocks aren’t to working at their best.
The rear springs on the X (both gens) are on the soft side in order to give a truck a car like ride. This is ok if you never load your vehicle but if you tend to haul lots of junk or tow a trailer it can be a pain. As it causes the back end to sag. The post above has some good options.
As far as brands of shocks go...that’s a conversation that could start a bar fight.

Bushnut said:

As far as brands of shocks go...that’s a conversation that could start a bar fight.

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Ha!