Payload Talk: how can you improve it?

[bigreen505]

I think you need to do a little looking to see where your Frontier parts come from. As a hint, Nissan tends to "save money" by raiding the parts bin of their other trucks rather than making something new -- economies of scale. The most readily available parts bin for them to raid when it comes to truck mechanicals is the Patrol. If your R&P gears have the same spline count as the Patrol, it is probably the same axle. If not, see what else it might be from, but I would bet money it is not a one-off for the Frontier.

You also need to know what your weakest link is, and unfortunately that comes only from experience. On the Pathfinder it was the front end. The back was borrowed from the Patrol, but the front came from a 4-cylinder pickup. It was up task, but nothing more, compared to the rear that was beyond gross overkill.

My recommendation is to upgrade the suspension because Nissan in notorious for skimping there (SPRINGS!!!) and just keep an eye on everything else. Have you noticed that the interior is kind of cheap for what they charge for the trucks? They put the money in the mechanicals.

 

[teotwaki]

Excellent thread!

I have been used to the payload of my full sized Ford Bronco and now with the 4Runner it is a different game. I've upgraded the front suspension to Downey coilovers that have taller & beefier springs with Bilsteins. On the rear I installed custom Deaver coils that are taller and are 30% over stock on the load rating. I currently have longer travel Doetsch tech MV-10 shocks in back but am looking at Bilstein 5100's.

 

[stevet47]

I haven't read all the posts in this thread, so this has probably already been said, but as far as the 05+ Frontier's are concerned there isn't as much to worry about as some other vehicles.

Fully boxed frame: Same design as Titan, way overbuilt for a midsize truck.

Engine: VQ40 is a VQ35 derivative, which is well known for its durability. Plus, 265hp/284tq is more than enough to haul whatever you can load.

Transmission: 5spd automatic is the same transmission as the Titan, so again, it is overbuilt for the truck.

Rear Axle: Narrowed Titan axle. Titan's have experienced problems with them, but larger capacity finned-aluminum pans have seemed to help significantly. I'd say this axle is strong enough in stock for for an 'overloaded' truck. With a larger capacity pan, there should be no concerns.

Front Axle: R180A axle is known to have some issues. The aluminum case can flex under torsional stress, binding the gears, and subsequently cracking the case. The level of concern for failure here would depend on how much serious offroading you do. But, with custom CV shafts, the stronger R200A from the Titan is a direct bolt-in.

Brakes: Early (04-05) Titans had serious brake issues, when the Frontier came out Nissan did us up right and gave us beefier brakes than the Titan. Upgraded pads should be all that is needed, but Stillen also sells drilled/sloted rotors and SS braided lines aswell.

Front Springs: Tons of options here, but if you want to keep the stock springs, I'd recommend swapping in the Bilstein Titan strut body, it is the same style as on the Nismo Frontier, but larger diameter, with better dampening characteristics.

Rear Springs: Stockers are almost flat, so overloading will definitely reak havoc on the stock springs. Alcan makes full-replacement packs, which they can design in any lift height, and load capacity you specify. I wouldn't waste money with add-a-leafs here. As far as the shocks go, there are a few options, Bilstein 5125's would probably be a good bet. Or if you are looking for a specific valving Greg at PRG should be able to valve Radflo shocks however you want.

 

[lowenbrau]

I'm adding airbags to mine. Its nice to be able to adjust the capacity based on load. Having spent some time traveling to places where the english word "overload" can't be translated I've witnessed the fact that there is quite a bit of additional capacity engineered into a vehicle. Did you know that a Land Cruiser FJ60 can carry 38 men and their shovels and picks to a dam constuction site every day for over a year. They do it in Sierra Leone!

Here are some nice overloaded examples

http://www.ezprezzo.com/crazypics/overloaded.html

 

[articulate]

I'm adding airbags to mine.

Yep, I've been considering this same thing, too. Concerned about limiting axle articulation (down travel) or the potential to kill the bags when the axle moves downward. Thoughts?

Nice thread to revive from the depths....

 

[lowenbrau]

Yep, I've been considering this same thing, too. Concerned about limiting axle articulation (down travel) or the potential to kill the bags when the axle moves downward. Thoughts?

Nice thread to revive from the depths....

If you make the top mount hinge away from the frame you'll be fine. It basically looks like a ping pong paddle with the end of the handle connected to a crossmember via a bushing.

 

[fisher205]

Great! any pictures or drawings? Thanks - Brad