[AlbatrossCafe]

I've had Radflos for almost my entire ownership of my Xterra - first in advanced travel 2.0s, and then in Titan swap 2.5s. In the rear they are fine, but I've always never felt like I've had a really good riding machine in the front. I've rebuilt the front 2 or 3 times, and now the bearings in the bottom a bit wobbly again. I think I'm ready to try something else.

Has anyone gone from Radflos to the (newer) Nisstec MKII coilovers? Any notable impressions?

N-MKII-2.5-TS-Nisstec MKII 2.5 TItan Swap Coilovers

nissteclifts-com.3dcartstores.com

 

[CThoreal]

I want to make this swap from Radflo to MKll also. My front end is due for an overhaul and Id have a hard time dropping more money on Radflo stuff. I dont like my rear Radflos either.

 

[87iroc]

Following...as I'm heading to a Titan swap in next couple years. Really eying the MKIIs. I know people say 'they can't be rebuilt'...but I'm not seeing that as a huge deal.

 

[AlbatrossCafe]

Following...as I'm heading to a Titan swap in next couple years. Really eying the MKIIs. I know people say 'they can't be rebuilt'...but I'm not seeing that as a huge deal.

I wonder if that still holds true for the new version.

I'll say it could be a big deal. My radflos started leaking oil twice. Each was after about 15k miles. That means they need to be taken apart and rebuilt. Rebuild is about $150-$200 with shipping included. If I have leaky $1100 MKII's that I have to replace every 15k that is gonna be a big problem. I don't offroad as much as I used to, and now I have limit straps in the front so I'm thinking I might be able to get away with it.

 

[87iroc]

I wonder if that still holds true for the new version.

I'll say it could be a big deal. My radflos started leaking oil twice. Each was after about 15k miles. That means they need to be taken apart and rebuilt. Rebuild is about $150-$200 with shipping included. If I have leaky $1100 MKII's that I have to replace every 15k that is gonna be a big problem. I don't offroad as much as I used to, and now I have limit straps in the front so I'm thinking I might be able to get away with it.

That's fair. I'm thinking they should last at least 50k before an issue if not 100k...so that's my frame of reference. Since Radflo's can be rebuilt I wonder if they do things that limit life since its so easy to rebiuld.

 

[AlbatrossCafe]

That's fair. I'm thinking they should last at least 50k before an issue if not 100k...so that's my frame of reference. Since Radflo's can be rebuilt I wonder if they do things that limit life since its so easy to rebiuld.

FYI - talked to Nisstec and the MKII's are fully rebuildable too!

 

[reno_overlanding]

FYI - talked to Nisstec and the MKII's are fully rebuildable too!

Correct fully rebuildable since they are made by a reputable company Alca in Canada. I just put them on my 14P4X and they are ride very nice compared to my previous rad flos that were 2.0

 

[AlbatrossCafe]

My impulsive and impatient self just ordered a set

4-8 week lead time - I'll update this thread once I get 'em on!

 

[87iroc]

I’ll buy some Titan swap ones at some point. Figure shocks and upper arms biggest cost hurdle

 

[SonomaX]

I was also hoping someone had a comparison on here but didn't see anything. Went the MKII way mainly due to availability and a suspicion that they would be on par if not better than radflos. Happy so far but haven't wheeled them hard yet.

Btw Nisstec followed through with their estimated delivery time. For some reason they are still having trouble delivering my rear extended brake lines though. Will have to call them again about that.

 

[Motivatedsolid]

I have the Nisstec MKII's and finally got around to getting them on after my life has eased up a bit. The guys at Nisstec specifically made the MKII's around the failures of the radflos for the Xterra, so you won't have that bearing at the bottom failing on you so often with the MKII's.

Even though a majority of my ride time has been with the stock bumper, the 650lb springs ride nicely and much better than my previous Bilstein's I had prior to my t-swap. Once I get my hefty bumper on I can only assume it gets better (i'm picking it up from the shop today!) They're a great value imo and you cannot go wrong by switching over.

 

[AlbatrossCafe]

I have the Nisstec MKII's and finally got around to getting them on after my life has eased up a bit. The guys at Nisstec specifically made the MKII's around the failures of the radflos for the Xterra, so you won't have that bearing at the bottom failing on you so often with the MKII's.

Even though a majority of my ride time has been with the stock bumper, the 650lb springs ride nicely and much better than my previous Bilstein's I had prior to my t-swap. Once I get my hefty bumper on I can only assume it gets better (i'm picking it up from the shop today!) They're a great value imo and you cannot go wrong by switching over.

I know about the Radflo clunk issue, but I wonder what else was included? Either way, that is good to hear. I don't think they can be any worse... not that my Radflos are terrible, but I remember helping a friend install a $1000 budget front/rear lift kit on his Tacoma a few years ago and that thing instantly rode better than my $2400 Radflo package. I was mad lol

 

[Ssanders224]

I'm in this boat as well.
Considering going from Rad extended to MKII extended. I've never liked my Radflos. I've commented around here quite a few times about them over the years. Frankly, I feel like X owners that like their Rads either have confirmation bias or just aren't analytical at all in regards to ride/noise. They clunk, they ride terribly, and my last rebuild cost me $325. However, they have always been the only way to truly exploit all the available travel in the front end, without T swapping.

If the MKll's ride quietly, and are a direct swap length wise for Radflo "extended travel's".... I'll likely pull the trigger on some soon.

 

[AlbatrossCafe]

If the MKll's ride quietly, and are a direct swap length wise for Radflo "extended travel's".... I'll likely pull the trigger on some soon.

I agree with all your sentiments. When I started my X (~6 years ago) we had 3 real options - Bilstein, OME, and Radflo. There was "King" and "Swayaway" but were unreliable to get. Radflo was viewed as the more premium option between the 3, so many chose it. I think we just didn't have any good competition lol.

I'm getting the T-swap version, but I'll find out soon enough how the MKII's compare!

 

[Ssanders224]

I agree with all your sentiments. When I started my X (~6 years ago) we had 3 real options - Bilstein, OME, and Radflo. There was "King" and "Swayaway" but were unreliable to get. Radflo was viewed as the more premium option between the 3, so many chose it. I think we just didn't have any good competition lol.

I'm getting the T-swap version, but I'll find out soon enough how the MKII's compare!

I'll be interested to see what you think. I may wait and let you be the guinea pig, ha!
I know others have used them, but I haven't heard an honest take from anyone that has been through years of the Radflo gauntlet and now made the sway to MK's.

I know on the extended versions, you go from a 3/4" shaft on the Rads to a 5/8" shaft on the MK's. How much that matters? Idk. I'm not very hard on my X, so probably a non-issue. Just an observation.

 

[glaporta17]

Just came across this thread and thought I'd share a few pics. I just picked up the truck from Nisstec about 3 days ago. MKII installed on 2012 S trim. Loving everything about the suspension as of now. Haven't had a chance to get it on the trails yet, but it rides very well on the highway

 

[Ssanders224]

Just came across this thread and thought I'd share a few pics. I just picked up the truck from Nisstec about 3 days ago. MKII installed on 2012 S trim. Loving everything about the suspension as of now. Haven't had a chance to get it on the trails yet, but it rides very well on the highway

View attachment 145758
View attachment 145757

Have you had other shocks on the front?

What is your front setup currently (other than the coilovers)?

 

[Keevohh]

I'm coming from OME's in the front, so don't have experience with radflos. I will say the mk2s have been a huge improvement in ride both on and off road. Accidentally got some air time and was incredible impressed on how they handled my heavy Xterra. Looking to soon order them for the rear.

and no clunks or noises after ~3k miles.

 

[AlbatrossCafe]

I'm coming from OME's in the front, so don't have experience with radflos. I will say the mk2s have been a huge improvement in ride both on and off road. Accidentally got some air time and was incredible impressed on how they handled my heavy Xterra. Looking to soon order them for the rear.

and no clunks or noises after ~3k miles.

oh interesting.... I had no idea they were even made for the rear!

 

[Keevohh]

oh interesting.... I had no idea they were even made for the rear!

Yep! Just placed my order. They came out to $370 after tax and shipping for 3-4in rear height, really not too bad. You have to call nisstec to order them.