Nissan Patrol upgraded suspension

keiron · Senior Member

Nissan Patrol upgraded suspension

Cupie · Guru

Here we go ..

When you put weight on your tow ball (ball weight) it acts like a load on a lever with the fulcrum point being the rear suspension (springs or air bags). The result is that the front of the vehicle is levered up, taking steerage/breaking weight off the front wheels.

I can't see how strengthening the fulcrum (ie. stronger springs or airbags) solves this problem to any significant degree.

I await with great anticipation for all of the forum 'experts' to enlighten me.

Perhaps a quick read of the attached document might be of assistance ..

PeterD · Guru

keiron wrote:
1.. Just spoken with the Tech person from Nissan Australia about the best way to alter the rear suspension to replace the need for a WDH set-up.
2.. He was not if favour of WDH, as they do not make, and have not conducted ant tests on what their use may do to the vehicle.
3.. What he did recommend however was heavier coil springs be fitted to the rear, and that the existing struts would be OK as is. When I mentioned "Pedders Suspensions", he said they would be a good place to start.

1.. Suspension upgrades are only for those who overload their tugs. They do not attend to the weight transfer of weight from the front wheels to the rear wheels when you hitch the van. This diagram shows the weight transfer effect when the van is hitched and the then when the WDH is hooked up.

HR WDH display.jpg

2.. This head in the sand treatment by Nissan arose from their OEM tow bars falling off Pathfinders when WDH was used. Instead of fixing their tow bars they ran for cover and said you should not use WDH with their bars. However all is not lost. Hayman Reese (HR) manufacture bars for your vehicle and warrant their use with WDH.

3.. Pedders are a good place to go to. See this link. As you see they support the use of WDH. They can supply and install it for you.

Don't be put off by idiots who don't understand the application of WDH and promote band aid fixes.

TheHeaths · Guru

I am not a good enough technician to argue the benefits of a WDH against not using one. I do know that when I am using one, the van does ride better and the car is easier to control.

What I can say is this.

We have a 100 series L/C, and to tow the van, I beefed up the rear suspension with Heavy Duty springs and Shockers. I did that when we got the vehicle 2 years ago. At the same time I had helper air bags fitted to allow me to adjust for the weight of the van.

When we returned from our last trip in October last year, I had the HD springs removed, and went to mid range units. Why you may ask. The air bags were superfluous with the HD springs in the rear, as the springs were so strong, the airbags did not take any load. The vehicle was extremely harsh riding without a load on, and was not a pleasure to travel in.

I would always run with a softer suspension (not ridiculously so, but comfortable), and use a WDH to adjust when loaded.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

A dealer is hardly going to recommend another product they don't sell..
May as well go to Toyota and ask ?
If pipe is broken at home ? Do you call the electrician ?
Call the plumber.. Talk to reputable suspension company..

al · Senior Member

Hi KERION : I have a GQ patrol On advice from experts I upgraded my rear coils to heavy duty progressive coils and heavy duty shocks. The ride is soft when not carrying a load or towing, as more weight goes on rear the springs become more rigid. My van has 240 kilo tow ball weight is 20ft. long weighs 2.5 ton confirmed weigh bridge.
I dont use wdh found no use for it but to each there own. I have had this set up for about 5 years covered a lot of miles over different ground it works for me. hope this helps. Oh had front springs done at same time to match rear
cost $950 fitted don't for get that was 5 years ago.

AL