1995 Nissan D21 Hardbody Rehab
November 6, 2019 1:13 PM Subscribe
I am rehabilitating a 1995 Nissan D21 Hardbody. One thing it needs is new leaf springs. Some questions ...
- I've heard that coil springs are better than leaf springs. Is it possible to get coil springs for this model?
- Since the springs will be replaced one way or the other, I was thinking about a lift kit, both for clearance and 'cause it looks cool. What can be done?
- I was told the lift kits can be hard on the transmission because it causes the drive shafts to be at an angle. Is this a concern?
Yes I am aware that a lift kit doesn't lift the axles, but after the lift one can then get bigger tires.
Comments about whether it would be financially smarter to buy another truck instead of fixing this one are not necessary.
- I've heard that coil springs are better than leaf springs. Is it possible to get coil springs for this model?
- Since the springs will be replaced one way or the other, I was thinking about a lift kit, both for clearance and 'cause it looks cool. What can be done?
- I was told the lift kits can be hard on the transmission because it causes the drive shafts to be at an angle. Is this a concern?
Yes I am aware that a lift kit doesn't lift the axles, but after the lift one can then get bigger tires.
Comments about whether it would be financially smarter to buy another truck instead of fixing this one are not necessary.
If it wasn't available with coils from the factory, it will cost cubic dollars to convert. Even if it was available but not installed on your vehicle, it could be a motherfucker.
Replace the leafs. Get ones with a bit more arch to do the lift. Driveline angle problems will be minimal until you start doing stupid lifts.
posted by notsnot at 2:30 PM on November 6, 2019
Replace the leafs. Get ones with a bit more arch to do the lift. Driveline angle problems will be minimal until you start doing stupid lifts.
posted by notsnot at 2:30 PM on November 6, 2019
Do some homework. On a specialist forum. This is not the forum you are looking for.
I would be surprised if there weren't conversion kits, up to you to assess the price you are willing to pay. Coils are generally preferable to leaf springs, but people on a specialist forum will be able to offer advice based on what you tell them about your intended uses. 'Lifting' the vehicle will lift its CoG and therefore adversely affect handling, be prepared.
posted by GeeEmm at 2:34 PM on November 7, 2019
I would be surprised if there weren't conversion kits, up to you to assess the price you are willing to pay. Coils are generally preferable to leaf springs, but people on a specialist forum will be able to offer advice based on what you tell them about your intended uses. 'Lifting' the vehicle will lift its CoG and therefore adversely affect handling, be prepared.
posted by GeeEmm at 2:34 PM on November 7, 2019
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1) Coil and leaf springs are highly unlikely to be interchangable. If you have leaf springs, you get new leaf springs.
2) A mild lift kit would probably include new springs + new shocks. The springs will be less flat and the shocks need to be longer. Your ride will be rougher but unlikely to be too big a deal for a small lift.
3) Eh, probably not unless you are lifting a lot.
You need more specifics and a forum for your vehicle probably has a lot more actionable info.
posted by jclarkin at 1:27 PM on November 6, 2019