Just got me an '02 Pathfinder 5spd and looking to beef up the suspension for heavier load carrying capacity to take clients off road on paragliding trips.
The roads we use aren't the roughest, but they do require 4L and with 5 passengers we are maxed out on the loads we carry.
I'm thinking of HD OME springs front and rear and new shocks and struts and tires.
I've got a mechanic who can install everything, but any recommendations of what to get and where to get them?
Thx
Raz
Westshore spring or island spring can set you up with the parts you need. For tires lots of us are running duratracs with a lot of success right now and they are on sale a Canadian tire for a good price. (Get their warranty!) hopefully Jas will be along shortly, he's probably got the most info on that vintage of pathy. I recognize your user name from somewhere else, are you a sportbike guy?
The Duratracs seem nice. Not sure how they fare in terms of highway noise and longevity compared to the BFG A/T which are relatively soft ply but very thick and durable on an SUV but not heavy trucks. I'll research them more.
Yes, I do ride sportbikes. I often go down to the states for track days.
Good choice on buying a pathfinder. For the type of driving you'll be doing it's a perfect vehicle.
I'd go with the set up you mentioned. Don't go anything bigger than 31s. You'll have to buy low offset wheels and spacers to fit anything bigger.
It's probably a silly question, but I know tire sizes differ by manufacturers slightly.
Would a 31" be 255/70/16, 265/70/16 or 265/75/16 if I went with the Duratracs or BFG A/T K02?
A 265/70/16 is very close to a 31/10.5.
Go with BFGs. Lee will tell you why :)
Not if you're looking at the ko2, they are 2 ply sidewalls too. In all fairness that's fine for 95% of the people out there, I should be running a proper off road bias ply tire...
Isn't the KO2 supposed to have a stronger sidewall than the KO?
I don't need anything super aggressive. Just good on gravel and dirt and rain and can carry a moderately heavier payload.
Thx
The ko2 has the new 2 ply "coreguard" sidewall while the ko has the old 3 ply. They claim the new ones 20% stronger but I haven't run a set. Either tire would be good for your application, my problems have been from running at 13 psi trying to get the biggest footprint and slicing the sidewall I was using as tread. Should be a non issue for you. Id give the duratracs the win for traction with the more open lug design and the ko2 the win for road noise.
Does anyone know if the pathfinder stock will carry 265/75/16 or is the biggest one can go for is 265/70/16?
Nissanpathfinders.net
All the answers can be found there.
Lots of good info.