2000 R50 - complete front susp. coil spring failure

[latency]

Long time lurker, never poster. Changes today! I am the original owner of a 2000 R50 LE that we have owned since 2000, just about 130K on the ODO. It is our third vehicle, and is mostly relegated to weekend pulling work (ATV's, motorcycles), and simple commutes to the airport. I use my car or our VAN for all of out other daily driver needs.

This week, at about 5 am, when I was headed to the airport, I heard some noise coming from the front drivers side suspension. I could not see anything in the dark when I got to the airport, but when I got back I found the following:



Complete spring failure. What you cannot see is the 4 or so inches of coil spring that litterally rusted all the way through. Now...this truck has NEVER been off-road...mostly just gravel road access, parking on grass. This thing has been babied all its life....

So, living in Ohio, we were notified on the strut tower recall from Nissan (due to salt and possible rust issues) -- mine checked out 'fine' -- but I am concerned that this is a bigger issue that Nissan has overlooked? Anyway, I am thankful that I was the one driving and not my wife with our kids in the truck. Has anyone experienced this? I plan to call the dealer tomorrow...

Option 1:
No question, replace both sprints, all shocks -- may as well do a lift while in there -- suggestions?

Option 2:
I have been eyeing the Tundra for a while now, and this may be the push I need to make the change. This failure may be the nail in the coffin for the R50 -- I am not all that interestested in spending more on a truck I may want to replace in under 9 months.

 

[Slicky72]

That kind of failure would have little to do with how the truck was used . If you had offroaded it a bunch you would be more likely to see it sag than break. I suspect it is due to a corrosion problem. Any other pictures of the undercarriage of your truck so we can get an idea of overall condition?

 

[Allof75]

Wow, that's highly unfortunate. Definitely bring it to Nissan's attention, as I think with some of the severely rusted examples, they've even bought them back.

But otherwise, lift, and I've heard excellent things about the Old Man Emu lift- get the rear MDs and the front HDs and it'll sit level and ride smooth. Throw in some KYB GR-2 front struts (or OME, but 2x the price) and Bilstein longer rears and that's the perfect setup IMO.

You said it could be the "nail in the coffin" for the Pathy, what else has gone wrong? If this is the first incident, you are probably better off just hanging onto it $$ speaking, and that way, should you jump deeper into the off-road crowd, you won't feel too bad scratching it a bit. If you've owned it since new,there is no way you could find another used vehicle with a better known service record. And if you're thinking of buying a new tundra, any domestic is a step above. (I highly suggest the Ram, and the F150s a nice set of wheels too)

Hope it helps! Good luck!

 

[Rebelord]

Wow! That is the first time I have seen that happen on a R50 myself. Good thing you were able to safely get off the road.

As for replacing everything. It will cost some money. But obviously not as much as purchasing a new vehicle. Which there are several options to go with that may fit your needs. I would also replace the strut mounts and bearings up front with everything else. The extra ~$80 for piece of mind. As for the mounts and bearings. Most on NPORA say go with OEM stuff. Seems that KYB mounts (which are the most common aftermarket ones), tend to break easily. I havent heard much about Monroe replacements. A good place for OEM stuff would be CourtesyParts.com.

For shock and strut replacements. Options are OEM, OEM replacement (Monroe, Gabriel, store brands) or KYB. KYB by far seems to be the most common and favorite. For the KYB's the Excel-G/GR-2 line has be combined into one series now. For rear shocks, we have more options. KYB, Rancho, Pro Comp, Bilstien etc. There is also Old Man Emu struts and shocks. But the prices are higher. However those that do have them have nothing but positive reviews for them. (Some speculate they may be re-valved Bilstiens.) A source for good prices is: Shockwarehouse.com You can get a full set of KYBs or ~$225 shipped.

Springs: You can get MOOG replacements from Napa, RockAuto.com for anywhere from $50 each spring to $80 a pair etc or a tad more. Aftermarket wise, I know of 3 sets available for the R50. Old Man Emu, IronMan, AC (4x4parts.com).
OME give ~1.7" lift, $168 pair. Ironman springs give ~1.5" lift, $120 pair. AC springs give 2" lift, $380 all 4.

From the review I have read, the OME and Ironman springs give the lift and have a similar ride to stock. The AC springs give the full 2" lift, but give a much stiffer ride.

I hope this information helps you. I brought this information over from Nissan Pathfinder Off Road Association - NPORA NissanPathfinders.net

Rebelord

 

[Co-opski]

Fix it cheap and sell it get the Tundra you want.
That is the one thing about living in the rust belt, rust never sleeps. It could happen to a 13 year old tundra down the road also.