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Rear Bottoming Out/ New SL?

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syndicate

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Discussion Starter · #1 · (Edited)
Is it just me or does it feel like stock Xterras bottom out in the rear very easily?

I went over a speed bump today with about 60lbs in the cargo area and WHAM, bottomed out...

wtf


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I want a good SL that would fall in the ~$500 range or less.
What should I get?
There's about 40 options on AC and I have no idea what to look for.
Help please!

Me: S 4x4
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A

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#4 ·
I also bottom out when hitting small bumps, so no, it's not just you - I think we've all noticed it and it has been mentioned tons of times. The rear is just way too soft.

My next mod is going to be new springs in the back. I'll probably end up ordering from Alcan and, if I can wait until I have the money for new UCA's and spacers for the front, I'll be ordering the new leaf packs with a couple inches of lift - so I can have around 4.5" all around. The springs in the X are horrible - mine are nearly flat with the truck empty, and they ARE flat when I have some cargo. Plus, they are so noisy, people stare at me in parking lots because of the squeaks - and I've tried cleaning them, but it just won't go away...I hate it.
 
Rastaman

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#5 ·
Mine did the same thing. I fixed it by adding a leaf to the rear spring pack. Any 2.5" wide leaf with the right curvature will work. You don't have to get a kit (even thought is more convenient). I added a 2 1/2 foot long leaf between the last and penultimate leafs. This raised the back end about 1.5". Then, since the rear was much higher I made my own custom UHMW front coil spacers. This raised the front about .5". With this minuscule lift I didn't have to get an alighment or cam bolts or anything. So without really modifying anything I got a stiffer rear end and a level ride. Oh and the best thing didn't drop the big $ (I'm still making payments).

This is IMO a valid solution for the bottoming out thing.
 
lifeinthesouth

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#10 ·
Does anyone have a suggestion on a Suspension Lift that would fall into the aprox. $500 range?
Click to expand...
More travel for $500... not gonna happen on the front but easy for the rear. The AC AAL, Calmini AAL or the Deaver mini pack along with longer shocks (bil's, rancho, pro-comp) and longer brake lines can be had from around $250-$375. The AC coils are probably about your best bet(within budget) for the front as they will utilize the full length of the front shock and won't create contact between UCA and coil bucket... and would set you back $4-500 for the full front and rear set-up.
You could gain some travel up front by using a 2" lift spacer and the TC UCA's but then that would run you about $700 just for the front.

If I were to limit myself to $500 I would do this:
Front: AC coils--$140
Rear: Deaver 2.5" mini-pack--$175
Rancho rs9000--$150
brake lines--$70

Grand Total: $535

This is just one of many possibilites and may not suit everyone. Hope it helps.
 
usmc xterra

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#12 ·
Syndicate, you bring that chick in the avatar over and I'll buy and install your Timbrens! Deal is she stays when you go for a test drive.
Hummmm, How did I smash that gas line?

I think I have to say this....
when removing your rear shackles if you do the lift or springs, do use my tip on removal in DAYSTAR suspension. The one where you use a strap to pull them out after you take the nuts off. (Pictures in write up on how to) I get a lot of people who PM and say they wish they did after they jack their shackles up.

No matter how high ya go the timbrens will work, you can add spacers to the top of them to get em back to within an inch of the stop. MC
 
X

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#15 ·
Rastaman said:
Mine did the same thing. I fixed it by adding a leaf to the rear spring pack. Any 2.5" wide leaf with the right curvature will work. You don't have to get a kit (even thought is more convenient). I added a 2 1/2 foot long leaf between the last and penultimate leafs. This raised the back end about 1.5". Then, since the rear was much higher I made my own custom UHMW front coil spacers. This raised the front about .5". With this minuscule lift I didn't have to get an alighment or cam bolts or anything. So without really modifying anything I got a stiffer rear end and a level ride. Oh and the best thing didn't drop the big $ (I'm still making payments).

This is IMO a valid solution for the bottoming out thing.
Click to expand...
Can you provide more details... parts, etc..
 
L

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#16 ·
So is bottoming out a stock X bad? Or is it just a PITA and annoying?

I read all I can read about the Timbren mod but i don't think I would want it touching at all times.

My hasn't bottomed out in the week I have had it but if you all have had probelms I am sure I will.
 
JIMBO

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#17 ·
:clown: --Well mine hasn't bottomed out since I got in in Dec-05'--

--However I still don't have that many miles on it, but I've carried about 400lbs in the cargo area--

--now, that ain't much, but I don't have any reason other than camping/fishing--etc:

-- :geek: --JIMBO
 
BGXterra

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#19 ·
same here... mine is an 05 and never had the bottoming out problem... I carry heavy loads too. I wonder if they did anything different for the 05's
 
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