Edit: I bought Bilstein 4600 shocks and struts for the Xterra and I’m buying Bilstein 5100 adjustable shocks for the Tundra. As these are struts with captured springs, how much pressure are they under at the mounting bolts? Looking at videos and Alldata, it doesn’t seem like much but I don’t want to have issues. I know they’re not like the old non captured springs.

Alldata makes it look pretty simple on both vehicles.

Of course I use safety stands and chock blocks etc. Any additional cautions?

I’m in need of shocks and struts on the 2006 Nissan Xterra S 4x4.

I see Monroe has a quick strut that seems to be a direct bolt on, then the rear shocks to match.

Any others I should look at? I’d rather not mess with coil spring compressors and such and I’m not looking to lift the SUV any. Just replacement and if they are better than stock, that’s a bonus.

I can’t see that Bilstein sells an assembled strut or I’d probably go that route.

Normally, I’d have it done but the savings is 1/3 if not half not counting my time of course.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Riley,

I've had good luck with KYB shocks. I recently put a set of their Gas-A-Just shocks on my Expedition. KYB makes strut assemblies for your Xterra and there's a rebate going now.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/pa...mount+assembly,15174

https://www.rockauto.com/Image...-2018-FIB-Spring.pdf

Put Bilstein 4600's all around on the wifes 2005 Xterra 2wd.
I have the 5100 on the rear of my Titan 4x4.
All working well.

It appears that Rancho, KYB, and Moog all make strut spring assemblies.
If you are dead set on not using a spring compressor I would go in that order. I would not even bother with the Monroes.

Sounds like you are doing the work yourself.
You could remove the factory unit yourself, buy the Bilsteins and have a local shop load them for you. Actually may even cost less total than the full assembly.
Put using a spring compressor with the units off the vehicle is quite easy and most local parts stores rent them for free.

I am a big Bilstein fan for Trucks and SUVs. I would certainly go that route even if I paid someone to load my factory springs.
Only other I would use would be Fox or Icon but those are in a different world from what you are looking for.

Thanks!

I can get a spring compressor as I’ve not found anyplace that does piece work like this. I am doing the work myself for cost and the savings will go towards a scope for a new AR.

I’d like Bilsteins. The rear shocks are easy enough to take care of.

Being that for this application you have the strut assembly on a bench to use the compressor it is not a big deal.
Spring compressors with the springs still installed a bit more of a scary spot and I chain them to the frame or arm assembly.

I know you said you are not looking for a lift, neither was I but the xterra has very soft rear springs. For my 2012 Pro4X I went with Old Man Emu, they are well know in the Land rover community and their shocks and springs have been great for my truck, I went with their HD rear springs which does lift the rear by 2.5" or so and their standard front which lift it about 2".

I’ll be putting OME on my Toyota Tundra but this vehicle is a commuter not worth the cost.

quote:

Originally posted by Audioholic:
I've had good luck with KYB shocks. I recently put a set of their Gas-A-Just shocks on my Expedition. KYB makes strut assemblies for your Xterra and there's a rebate going now.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/pa...mount+assembly,15174

https://www.rockauto.com/Image...-2018-FIB-Spring.pdf

^^^^^^^^^ This is what I did the last two time. They had a rebate going on at the time and I received $60 back.

Those KYB are at the top of the list.

Put Bilsteins's on it and be done. They will last the life of the vehicle. Their monotube gas design is the latest iteration of technology for dampers. If you race and can't afford Penske's...you use Bilstein's. If necessary they can be rebuilt and revalved.

Otherwise, I like KYB's. I don't think Koni makes a damper for your vehicle but if they do that is a very made and well respected brand, although their technology is a bit outdated.

Ordered up the Bilstein 4600’s today and I’ll get them installed hopefully next week or two.

Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by T-Boy:
Put Bilsteins's on it and be done. They will last the life of the vehicle. Their monotube gas design is the latest iteration of technology for dampers. If you race and can't afford Penske's...you use Bilstein's. If necessary they can be rebuilt and revalved.

Otherwise, I like KYB's. I don't think Koni makes a damper for your vehicle but if they do that is a very made and well respected brand, although their technology is a bit outdated.

I had the factory Bilsteins on my 2012 pro4x and at least one was lealeaking when I swapped them for OME. The Old Man Emu have been great, not cheap but worth it. I did not want a lift either but it was the only way to cure the butt sag that occured with any weight in the back.

I have had them for 5+ years now and they are still going great.

Bump with questions about replacement.

All the brands mentioned are good to go except for Monroe. They are junk. I've done my fair share of replacements with Bilstien and KYB. KYB are Oem suppliers for Honda and a few other Japanese maker. The ride quality is stock.

My advice for using a manual compression spring compression tool is to have an impact gun to turn the nut. Some vise grips too keep the tool from sliding down the coil. This has happen to me a couple of time. I don't know why this happen sometime and not other times I've done this. I wrap a piece of leather around the coil before applying the.vise grip. This gives the pliers some friction and from marring the spring's finish so no rust will start in any scratches.

It’s been a busy year apparently!

Anyway, finally got the Bilstein 4600’s installed. I did them myself without a huge amount of trouble but it took a few hours longer than I’d like.

They ride much nicer even with the stock springs, the Xterra has about 85,000 mile on it. Probably needed shocks at 50,000 miles.

However, based on the strength of the Xterra coils I’ll probably hire the Tundra struts done but may go with a set of preloaded Bilsteins for a touch of level.

I'd add the in most vehicles the springs and associated seat are very cheap. If I had an older car/truck I'd just do those at the same time since getting the whole thing out is the PIA.