Our trusty family Xterra (2wd) will soon become "my" truck when the wife gets a new ride, so it will see a lot of motorcycle hitch carrier duty (at least once a week, often more) and in the summer it will serve as the tow vehicle for our boat (roughly 3500lbs). The hitch carrier and dirt bike is probably 250-270 pounds. I think the springs are fine, as the truck does not show any excessive sag with the boat or carrier, but the stock shocks are DEFINITELY not controlling the load. What are the best options for new shocks? I have always had good luck with KYB products, and they have the gas-adjust model that is supposed to be an upgrade. A lot of folks seem to like Bilstein shocks. The only adjustable shock I see is the Rancho, but that's probably overkill for my application. What do you guys think?
Rear shock suggestions for a fair amount of tongue weight????
- Thread starter rpt50
- Start date
- Location
- Denver Adjacent
Budget? Bilstein 5100s. Money? Radflo.
- Location
- Ontario Canada
I would also suggest possibly using a helper spring attached to the leaf pack. I know growing made some for the secobd gen Xterra. These made a big difference when I was towing an RV before I did a complete leaf spring swap
It’s another option if you notice that the shocks aren’t helping the way you want them
It’s another option if you notice that the shocks aren’t helping the way you want them
- Location
- Covington, Va
When my X was stock, I added a set of Helwig EZ550 helper springs and a set of the Bilstein 4600s from the Pro4X Xterra. That made a huge difference in the rear of my X both towing and just hauling around a family of 5.
- Location
- Mebane, NC
Shock won't do anything for ya...that just keeps rebound in check. You'll either need helper springs, AAL, or new leafpack
What year is your X? Chances are good that the stock packs are going flat as they are. AAL & helpers are only bandaids that'll get ya a couple years before they start to go flat (of you're hauling often). Replacement packs are the best bet if you've got the $$
*Edit*
I should read thru the ENTIRE post LOL. Ya say that it's not sagging...bit sounds like it's bouncing a bit. Bilsteins are your best bang for the best ride quality
What year is your X? Chances are good that the stock packs are going flat as they are. AAL & helpers are only bandaids that'll get ya a couple years before they start to go flat (of you're hauling often). Replacement packs are the best bet if you've got the $$
*Edit*
I should read thru the ENTIRE post LOL. Ya say that it's not sagging...bit sounds like it's bouncing a bit. Bilsteins are your best bang for the best ride quality
Yes, I'm not experiencing much sag. It's more of a damping problem. Regarding the Bilstein, my understanding is that the 4600 and 5100 are largely the same, but the latter allows the addition of a mild lift. The KYB also gets great reviews, and they cost less. Not sure which one I will buy.
I have also been impressed with video of the Timbren rubber helper springs. That may really help maintaining clearance when I am using the hitch carrier over uneven terrain. Anyone have experience with them? It looks like they simply replace the bump stops and allow normal suspension movement for the first inch or so, but then stiffen things up as the suspension is compressed more.
Regarding the stock leaf springs, do you guys really think they could be sacking out? Yea the truck is 9 years old and and has nearly 150K miles, but 99% of that is my wife driving down the highway to work. I thought metallurgy had improved to the point where that was no longer an issue. I work with motorcycle suspension every week, and I seriously haven't heard anyone talk about sagging springs since the late 70s or maybe early 80s.
I have also been impressed with video of the Timbren rubber helper springs. That may really help maintaining clearance when I am using the hitch carrier over uneven terrain. Anyone have experience with them? It looks like they simply replace the bump stops and allow normal suspension movement for the first inch or so, but then stiffen things up as the suspension is compressed more.
Regarding the stock leaf springs, do you guys really think they could be sacking out? Yea the truck is 9 years old and and has nearly 150K miles, but 99% of that is my wife driving down the highway to work. I thought metallurgy had improved to the point where that was no longer an issue. I work with motorcycle suspension every week, and I seriously haven't heard anyone talk about sagging springs since the late 70s or maybe early 80s.
Last edited:
- Location
- Covington, Va
Correct on the 5100/4600 valving.
I have the Timbren springs now but when I was stock, even with the Helwigs, there wasn't enough room to get them in there. They would have been under constant compression.
Xterra rear springs have some issues. Most sag, some break leaves but none of them are great. Maybe a 1.5" AAL in the rear with new shocks and a set of 5100s set up two notches in the front would helpful. It would increase capacity in the rear, restore your handling and braking (because 150k miles wears shocks more than you think) and give the rear more room to travel and space for the Timbrens. If you plan on keeping the X, new shocks are never a bad idea.
Thanks for all the information! Perhaps a mild lift would be helpful, especially when I use the hitch carrier. It seems like the various AAL kits all add at least 1.5 inches. If I do that, how do I determine the proper shock? I know the Bilstein 5100 can accommodate some lift, but according the the website it's only 1 inch.
jsexton
Need Bigger Tires
- Location
- Lewis Center, OH
Get airbags. Best mod you can do for towing imo.
I tow a 4000 lb boat with my stock 2015. Back in the day I did a full suspension setup just for towing on my 07 (before I got into wheeling), air bags are better and a lot cheaper.
If you do decide to lift, use frontier rear bilstein 5100’s. They are bolt on and are good for up to 2” on an Xterra.
I tow a 4000 lb boat with my stock 2015. Back in the day I did a full suspension setup just for towing on my 07 (before I got into wheeling), air bags are better and a lot cheaper.
If you do decide to lift, use frontier rear bilstein 5100’s. They are bolt on and are good for up to 2” on an Xterra.
jsexton
Need Bigger Tires
- Location
- Lewis Center, OH
Just keep a small bike pump in the glovebox.
It holds air well. Might lose 1 psi a month at most. I adjust mine fairly often so they are usually right where I left them.
Edit: I bet it’s actually less than 1 psi a month loss.
jsexton
Need Bigger Tires
- Location
- Lewis Center, OH
I’m running
Firestone"Sport-Rite" Air Bag Helper Springs (NO-DRILL) [REAR] (2409)
I’m not sure they are making them anymore, but you might be able to find a company that still has them. Airlift makes airbags for the x too. I don’t have experience with that brand, but I can’t imagine they are much different.
Firestone"Sport-Rite" Air Bag Helper Springs (NO-DRILL) [REAR] (2409)
I’m not sure they are making them anymore, but you might be able to find a company that still has them. Airlift makes airbags for the x too. I don’t have experience with that brand, but I can’t imagine they are much different.
Update: It turns out that Firestone no longer makes the 2409 kit for the Xterra. Some kits bearing that model number are available from various vendors, but I am not so sure about buying discontinued items. Airlift makes a kit for the 4wd version, but even with a couple of phone calls no one could tell me if it would fit the 2wd version, nor did they appear willing to offer much support if I bought it and tried.
Michigan Truck Springs gave me a detailed comparison of Sumo Springs and Timbrens, and it seemed like the Timbrens would be the way to go due to frequent use of the hitch carrier. Parts are ordered. I will report back once it is installed.
Michigan Truck Springs gave me a detailed comparison of Sumo Springs and Timbrens, and it seemed like the Timbrens would be the way to go due to frequent use of the hitch carrier. Parts are ordered. I will report back once it is installed.