suspension systems for four wheel drives

Hi Ross, thank you for the comments all valid and sound reason. the pathfinder we have has coil springs all the way round what I am after is for peoples recommendations good bad and average on the type of shock absorber we should use, our travel requirements are dirt road travel, hence the new van. I don't know much about shockies and from what I have been told so far there are several different ones to choose from, and to be quite honest a bit Daunting.
As we propose to do a lot of dirt road touring I need to get input as to the type of shocky to use, as we are very aware of the weight factors governing what we can and cant do, also I have been told that I should put a 40 mil lift under the vehicle to allow for extra travel in the suspension. Ross if you could explain that to me that would be greatly appreciated.
thank you for your input so far.

Hi, I would give Dobinsons Suspension a ring as they produce a good set up. Have used their setups in a few different vehs and never been dissapointed.

Sorry Broodie,
I overlooked the Pathfinder bit. Realizing it isn't a leaf spring D40.
Most spring makers have up rated coils to suit loads and so some info from them would be good to have as they make the springs which others sell, and so know what ratings they have, the shop books don't necessarily have that info.
As above Dobinsons are a good start for a suitable spring.
Seeing you are using a heavy ball weight van, the shocks will need to have that increased capability mentioned and so I would seek out Bilstein or Koni which can dissipate the heat developed within the shocks oil, when used in/with continual corrugations etc.

B or K will have a suitable shock in their listing to suit the increased ride height, ie, a longer shock extended length, and will cater for the mass it has to control.
The 40mm increased ride height will give both ends the ability to absorb and slow down the movement so there is no bottoming of the suspension at either end. (driven sensibly as you do). Bottoming is what kills chassis and axle/suspension components.

With the Bilstein or Koni they have a single tube design on most and they allow heat of the oil to be dissipated more effectively/easily than a twin tube design where the heat can't get out to the outer tube fast enough, hence thinning of oil and loss of shock control ability.
If B or K, you may require a shield on the tube of the shock so it doesn't cop a whack from a stone (on the rears) and dent the tube. That would make the shock damaged.

I fitted Bilsteins to my 2011 Dmax and the handling and steering acuity and control vastly improved.
The OE shocks at 5000km were almost useless at anything other than looking like shocks.
Probably Nissan hasn't fitted high quality shocks in the first place,ie enough for sales purposes on a test drive, but they won't have any additional control capability which you will require.

Hi Ray,
I am sorry it took so long to get back to you, my choices have come down to three, Pedders Track rider system, the Iron man tough dog suspension with gas and foam cell shockies, and the terrian tamer system, the old man emu has been discounted as being to expensive,$2,950 plus wheel alignment, although I do believe they have a good suspension system. I still need the quote to come in from Westralian suspensions yet, hope fully it will get here today.
Thank you very much for your input if you know of any others that I need to check out please let me know.;
thank you

Hi Sigmund, thank you for your input you are the fourth person to tell me to stay away from Dobinson, just a quick question did you fit the setup yourself or did you have it in stalled the other three did the installation themselves, they apparently ordered the gear and self in stalled, and this is the Quandry that I am having.
I am quite capeable of doing the installation myself as I do have all the equipment on hand to do it also I have a very big shed and all the lifting gear left over from my truck driving days, but from what I have been told if you put the wrong spring and shock in the wrong place you might as well not have done it, that is why I am asking the question.
I have read nothing but good reports on line from people that are very happy with Dobinson suspensions but I have also read conflicting reports about every system that I have been looking at, so the questions keep coming HELP. LOL

Broodie,
I went for Dobinson kits designed for the vehicle & starting with lift & load. Installed by my 4WD service guy. He's been very good in responding to the problems.The springs at the rear were way too stiff, even with 150+ kg added. Front rebound was RS as noted. That kit was replaced with a lift & comfort kit - that provided an acceptable spring rate under load at the rear but front rebound was still hopeless.

I then shelled out the difference to get Dobinson remote reservoir adjustable preload shocks at the front which work OK.

That experience left me wondering how well Dobinson know their stuff.

Thanks Sigmund
I shall have to look into it a bit further I'll let you know the outcome in the future

Good luck with it.

Struts have to do a lot of work under varying conditions, from light loads to heavy, smooth roads to corrugated dirt. The task of the shock is to control motion and turn it into heat. Many manufacturers cut corners and put cheap units on, that might be OK puttering around the urbs. Once you want to do more than that you can't expect a $120 shock to cut the mustard.

Shocks are also wear items. Oil, seals and bushes wear and need replacing in time. The more work they have to do the shorter this time is. Any shock can be rebuilt but it's not worth it with cheap units. I would expect to replace an OEM unit by 30-40,000 km if it's been used for towing, offroad or extensive dirt roads. Shocks can be checked on a dyno at a specialist suspension place.