Springs get soft w/ wear & time, but wear can do it all on its own, so unless your backside has ridden in that truck it is difficult to critique a guy's decision on the springs.
Search for some used hard folding tonneau cover or a Roll-N-Lock, so you can put stuff in the bed, and protect it from rain and thieves. Also there's some bed extenders, that are great to extend the bed size, to put the bikes on the bed, since the double cab models, you can't fit a bike with the tailgate closed.
Yes do the front because if it works then I'll do it on mine, I too had chassis rotting. My mot was terminated half way through due to massive holes in the chassis so I ordered one from up north & the back end was welded up & it flew through the mot but I'd never buy another one. Rob
Good progress on this project. I think a bit more detail about removing the old and installing the new leaf springs would have made this video more informative - you said you ran into some trouble. It's these gotchas and how you work your way through them that is your most value-added content, imo. I enjoy viewing how you figure it out.
No, don’t change the front suspension unless the ride is bad,making noise etc. The front struts aftermarket usually Suck, unless you dole out more than a couple of bucks. Continue with your progress and the other bits.
Usually you just need to change the bushings on the rear leaf strings. Mybe you should also check some lift kits. And install some inner fender mud guards on the back. You can build your ones with rubber panels or molding plastic. It will help preventing rust on the chassi.
Yes, squeaks and rattles are a beating, but the only time I have ever pulled a dash I swore that once was certainly my limit, that job is the one that ruins the enjoyment of piddling w/ the truck making it no longer enjoyable.
I wouldn’t bother doing front suspension, however I would check all bushes etc and replace if needed, and also replace shockers only if leaking, would also recommend hammeriting the whole chassis just to tidy it all up
The Leafs on the Nissan Frontier in the states are weak . I have had two Crack. However rust has not been an issue. I live in the Finger Lakes region of New York and we get brutal winters. They also use salt on the roads in NY. Mine is a 2013 4.0 4+4 I replaced my spring with Old Man Emu leafs. Other then the leafs. She has lasted the note and so far has 150.000 Trouble free miles with not a spec of rust. Great little trucks.
Hi mate, the best thing to protect the chassi from the inside is to use a lot of cavity wax, i grow up in a body repair shop and we use that in all the car cavities, from doors to chassi, is like a soft grease that adheres to the surfaces creating a oxigen proof layer stoping and preventing any rust and is totaly water proof of course.
I would check the bushings in the front, but since you're on budget wouldn't replace all of the front suspension in advance. Good job again on the repairs!
i use dinitrol for all my chassis injection, you can buy the flexi spray pipe, the tip sprays a pattern to get into all areas, both my cosworth's that i injected are still rust free, also when i bought a new mk6 transit, i injected that and it never fails on rust to this day, there are blister and scabs, but thats where there's no treatment, my then new (05) nissan d40 was one of the best and worst trucks i bought, despite all its fault i really liked it, sadly rolled over in minus 15 degrees swerving an oncoming horse,
A step at a time. Change the shocks and see how she rides and leave some money for the brake pads, hoses. You can sell off the used leave springs for a few quid if they are not completely shot.
Well done! If you want to keep the truck for yourself yes you should do the front suspension. Its recommended to recheck the torque of the U Bolt nuts after couple miles - the polyurethane bushes usually comes with silicone grease to increase durability and remove any squeaky noise. I'm in the same process on my Jeep, I wish I did have the patience to record like you. Cheers
I don't think Frontiers built in the US had the same problem. I think it was only Navaras built in Spain. The Navaras built in Thailand seem to also be unaffected. I am guessing they source the frames from a manufacturer close to the assembly plant to minimize freight costs so US trucks probably have US sourced frames, Spanish trucks probably get from from Europe, and Thai built trucks get their frames some Asia somewhere. I also own a Frontier, btw.
As a mechanic, yes, change the front suspension too. It's a diesel, the body will fail before the engine. The only other issue would be brakes. Looks like a decent truck. Spend it and theres not reason why that shouldn't last 10 years.
Depends how you think it feels I suppose. Every td and harry will have their opinion but you are the one who has to drive it. I'd jump on that squeaky dash first personally, nothing more annoying! Very enjoyable series btw:)
Not sure about the suspension kit, seems too cheap, I wouldn't risk it. The frame rusts and brakes if you don't clean it. Every time you take your truck in mud, stick a hose into the frame afterwards and clean the whole vehicle.
Hey, sorry about this. Suggest you jack up the car, loosen the bolts and then lower the car onto the ground and then tighten and torque. Suspension bushings should only ever get torqued on level ground under load. You're risking squeaking noises and much faster than expected wear out of the bushes otherwise.
The frame rots from the inside out, painting that on won’t do much for it. As far as I rem it was an issue when making the chassis the bath that they dipped them in was not long enough and they put them in diagonally rather than flat and the inhibitors didn’t reach the inside of the rails properly
While your under there, and speaking from experience l would put new tank straps on. Check the mounting point of the rear strap as they rust up and break off the chassis. Worth checking saves dragging your tank down the road.
Mustie1 in New Hampshire, USA uses a ,ixture of Bar and Chain oil in place of undercoating and sprays it into all the hollows in the frame and on the exposed under carraige,... look into that and give it a try!
very good upload, theres a very good cheap upgrade for the Nissan Navara you could also do, you can get rear plastic arch liners and thats what the Navara needs its the crucial thing Nissan left out and they preserve the chassis very well, they can be purchased of E-Bay i think or search west yorkshire engines they sell them
You definitely got to change the struts in the front I wouldn't bother with the springs but definitely the struts I just did mine on my pathfinder and it made a world of difference
Oh man,,, I bought a Nissan Navara Outlaw brand new back in 2002,,, what a piece of kit,, Awesome machine,, owned it for 3 faultless years,, £20k including Vat,, It was lethal on back end,, especially on roundabouts,, even slight boot on throttle it stepped out... Great video 🚗💸🚗💸🚗
Its probably known but these rust issues with the chassis were unfortunately the Thai build models, I did read this some where, specially navara earlier than 2010 makes, I think from 2010 up they fix the rust issues, Spain built models I believe did not suffer the rust problems..from what I've read and heard.
First hand experience says "Yes" upgrade the front. On a safety not unless its a variable speed angle grinder the wire wheel is a NO. They are not rated for high speed and destroy themselves covering everything thing in metal fragments.
2005+ Frontiers come with rear discs in the US. Both on the C200k and M226 axles. I don't know everything that is different, but I would think at least master cylinder, proportioning valve and obviously the rear brakes. ABS could also be different. Different calibration perhaps because of the different in the brake hardware.
Look at you doing stuff to make the kiddos happy. Good on you. I’m not sure what your history is with trucks.... they tend to ride harsh and bumpy... especially in the rear where the seats are far less plush and is closer to the most rudimentary part of the suspension.
All Wright sausage check the bottom ball joints may slight bit of lift in the joint the bushes in that shockers tend to wear as well as the anti roll bar bushes. In a note the front arms of replaced you will need to have the camber and tracking aligned after due to eccentric nuts and bolts
I would try to find somebody who could steam clean the inside of those chassis rails then a week later spray the same hammerite paint throughout the inside of areas you have been dealing with. As to the front, I would look into the cost of a replacement set of bushes rather than a blanket changeout. The engine will go on for years and the body too but the rubber bits not so much. Thanks for the video !
I bought the same kit but including front which was £897 off ebay. Mine has rusted bolts & is not straight forward. Hopefully get it finished by tomorrow
The dreaded Rust Rot has hit my 2012 Nav on the rear chassis … currently on the hunt for a welder to hopefully get it back on the road after MOT failure.
Have you been surprised by the interest in the truck project? This is a car people feel more accessible. I've enjoyed the truck content. Seeing something coming to life and become an enjoyable and useful machine that you enjoy using is quite satisfying.
Change brakes in the front axle and tell us about the condition of the tires. Very important. The front suspension can be delayed since you use it as a daily for the family. It is not a sport's car.
@@Ratarossa I think you are a very skilled mechanic and without a lift the majority of work is very difficult. You said in a previous video that you would change front disk brakes since they are worn out. I think you can delay the cost of front suspension. Since you are on a budget. Also you have many projects in progress.
Love this series great vid... love the fact the kids are telling you to change the suspension 😂😂😂 as much as I love the series, can’t see the truck justifying more money with 200k miles on it 😬
Would you really blow the budget on front suspension? Would you be replacing entire control arms? Why not change lower arm bushes and anti-roll bar bushes, if that would make it better. Do you need to change everything now?
Hello yes front suspension next ,with that mileage, and the way the truck was treated , and the weight of the front end, then it's a yes from me . Sorry I'm spending your money here . Keep up the fantastic content. All the best .
Love the channel and love the diversity of jobs and projects. Thank you for helping keep me sane as Im tearing my hair out on lockdown..... Can I just point one thing out dude. Im not trying to correct you.... I used to say the same thing all the time during my apprenticeship and the trainer used to throw things at me😂......The springs are the "shock absorbers"...The other things are dampers. The springs absorb the shock....the dampers control it... Sorry dude😂😂😂
If it’s been used hard the rear suspension will have taken more of a pounding than the front being a pick up. Still 207000 is quite a lot of miles so a good inspection of the front and replace any items showing excess wear would be the way to go. A full overhaul might be overkill!
Do it. Your truck is looking great! Front shock/spring assemblies were only $300/pair for my 223k mile Tundra (Frontier parts are even cheaper here.). On mine, the shocks were original, one was seeping , and there was a little shimmy after small bumps in the road. New suspension parts were well worth the small investment. Why suffer with worn suspension and wait until things break?
Where's the link for the camera please?
sorry chris well reminded .... ill add it now !!!!
Yes front suspension and springs with bushes too is common thing to doo both.
I think these leaf springs dont need replacing unless they're broken in half; wire brush them and obviously replace the bushes at their ends.
Gplus sucks big incorrect, they sag and wear over time.
Springs get soft w/ wear & time, but wear can do it all on its own, so unless your backside has ridden in that truck it is difficult to critique a guy's decision on the springs.
Yes would like to see front suspension replaced.
I would definitely be doing the front suspension
Search for some used hard folding tonneau cover or a Roll-N-Lock, so you can put stuff in the bed, and protect it from rain and thieves. Also there's some
bed extenders, that are great to extend the bed size, to put the bikes on the bed, since the double cab models, you can't fit a bike with the tailgate closed.
Give the truck the attention it needs, should easily be available for about half of the remainder of the budget. Fantastic channel
Definitely change the front suspension to match the rear
Change the fronts as well, but check all the bushings. The weight of the truck can destroy the bushes quicker.
YES and who really sticks to a budget! 😂👍🔧
Front bushes only on less the shocks are leaking. Thanks for posting 👍
Yes do the front because if it works then I'll do it on mine, I too had chassis rotting. My mot was terminated half way through due to massive holes in the chassis so I ordered one from up north & the back end was welded up & it flew through the mot but I'd never buy another one. Rob
Front shocks and coils should be fine, I just check bushes as they are a cheap easy swap that make a huge difference.
Good progress on this project. I think a bit more detail about removing the old and installing the new leaf springs would have made this video more informative - you said you ran into some trouble. It's these gotchas and how you work your way through them that is your most value-added content, imo. I enjoy viewing how you figure it out.
Exactly.
front suspension sure, its technicly great for keeping daily family truck man.
Yeah, I think you should do it, I mean you are still within the budget and we need more lockdown content 😀
No, don’t change the front suspension unless the ride is bad,making noise etc. The front struts aftermarket usually Suck, unless you dole out more than a couple of bucks. Continue with your progress and the other bits.
Usually you just need to change the bushings on the rear leaf strings. Mybe you should also check some lift kits. And install some inner fender mud guards on the back. You can build your ones with rubber panels or molding plastic. It will help preventing rust on the chassi.
I’m actually on the hunt for a Nav myself, this video makes me want to do the same and have fun along the way...
👍🏼 from me
Yep, do it, change the front aswell!👍🏼
Hammerite paint is the best way to go, solid as and lasts the distance, great stuff.
I would go for the fronts too. It will make the truck handle so much better
Yes, redo the front suspension and fix the squeak/rattle in the dash.
Yes, squeaks and rattles are a beating, but the only time I have ever pulled a dash I swore that once was certainly my limit, that job is the one that ruins the enjoyment of piddling w/ the truck making it no longer enjoyable.
I wouldn’t bother doing front suspension, however I would check all bushes etc and replace if needed, and also replace shockers only if leaking, would also recommend hammeriting the whole chassis just to tidy it all up
Nice work, as always! Even if you do the front suspension, it's still a bargain.That's exactly the kind of truck I need as well!
The Leafs on the Nissan Frontier in the states are weak . I have had two Crack. However rust has not been an issue. I live in the Finger Lakes region of New York and we get brutal winters. They also use salt on the roads in NY. Mine is a 2013 4.0 4+4 I replaced my spring with Old Man Emu leafs. Other then the leafs. She has lasted the note and so far has 150.000 Trouble free miles with not a spec of rust. Great little trucks.
that's great to hear !!
yes you should replace the front never mind the budget safty first
Hi mate, the best thing to protect the chassi from the inside is to use a lot of cavity wax, i grow up in a body repair shop and we use that in all the car cavities, from doors to chassi, is like a soft grease that adheres to the surfaces creating a oxigen proof layer stoping and preventing any rust and is totaly water proof of course.
Do the front suspension, maybe not all needs replacing. Beginning to like the old truck more and more, keep it coming. Thanks
I would check the bushings in the front, but since you're on budget wouldn't replace all of the front suspension in advance.
Good job again on the repairs!
One of the best upgrades you can do to the nav's. Body lift is also really easy & makes a big difference for tyre clearance. Thanks for sharing!
When i had mine I changed all the suspension front and rear
i use dinitrol for all my chassis injection, you can buy the flexi spray pipe, the tip sprays a pattern to get into all areas, both my cosworth's that i injected are still rust free, also when i bought a new mk6 transit, i injected that and it never fails on rust to this day, there are blister and scabs, but thats where there's no treatment, my then new (05) nissan d40 was one of the best and worst trucks i bought, despite all its fault i really liked it, sadly rolled over in minus 15 degrees swerving an oncoming horse,
A step at a time. Change the shocks and see how she rides and leave some money for the brake pads, hoses. You can sell off the used leave springs for a few quid if they are not completely shot.
Well done! If you want to keep the truck for yourself yes you should do the front suspension. Its recommended to recheck the torque of the U Bolt nuts after couple miles - the polyurethane bushes usually comes with silicone grease to increase durability and remove any squeaky noise. I'm in the same process on my Jeep, I wish I did have the patience to record like you. Cheers
I own a Nissan Frontier and I had no idea the chassis had a rust and breakage dilemma. Thanks for the video!
I don't think Frontiers built in the US had the same problem. I think it was only Navaras built in Spain. The Navaras built in Thailand seem to also be unaffected. I am guessing they source the frames from a manufacturer close to the assembly plant to minimize freight costs so US trucks probably have US sourced frames, Spanish trucks probably get from from Europe, and Thai built trucks get their frames some Asia somewhere.
I also own a Frontier, btw.
Please do change the front suspension as well, well worth it at that mileage :)
As a mechanic, yes, change the front suspension too. It's a diesel, the body will fail before the engine. The only other issue would be brakes. Looks like a decent truck. Spend it and theres not reason why that shouldn't last 10 years.
Depends how you think it feels I suppose. Every td and harry will have their opinion but you are the one who has to drive it. I'd jump on that squeaky dash first personally, nothing more annoying! Very enjoyable series btw:)
Lol I noticed that too 😁
I would have thought so
Thanks for the ISO entertainment Scott - All the way fro New Zealand
Not sure about the suspension kit, seems too cheap, I wouldn't risk it. The frame rusts and brakes if you don't clean it. Every time you take your truck in mud, stick a hose into the frame afterwards and clean the whole vehicle.
Hey, sorry about this. Suggest you jack up the car, loosen the bolts and then lower the car onto the ground and then tighten and torque. Suspension bushings should only ever get torqued on level ground under load. You're risking squeaking noises and much faster than expected wear out of the bushes otherwise.
The frame rots from the inside out, painting that on won’t do much for it.
As far as I rem it was an issue when making the chassis the bath that they dipped them in was not long enough and they put them in diagonally rather than flat and the inhibitors didn’t reach the inside of the rails properly
Definitely check all the bushes are OK but if the springs and shocks are OK then I wouldn't do them on the front
I would say replace the bushings and links in the front only. If the shocks aren’t leaking than leave them alone.
While your under there, and speaking from experience l would put new tank straps on.
Check the mounting point of the rear strap as they rust up and break off the chassis.
Worth checking saves dragging your tank down the road.
Mustie1 in New Hampshire, USA uses a ,ixture of Bar and Chain oil in place of undercoating and sprays it into all the hollows in the frame and on the exposed under carraige,... look into that and give it a try!
Yes mate new front shockers and brakes and any worn bushes on the front and its drive like a new truck👍SORTED!
very good upload, theres a very good cheap upgrade for the Nissan Navara you could also do, you can get rear plastic arch liners and thats what the Navara needs its the crucial thing Nissan left out and they preserve the chassis very well, they can be purchased of E-Bay i think or search west yorkshire engines they sell them
Go for it, you've made a bio-hazard truck into a really nice utility vehicle!!
For the front end, just renew the tie rod ends and sway bar bushes, possibly the shocks too.
If the front feels a bit wonky make the change. I would expect that the front end would go before the rear so its likely needs a refresh.
You definitely got to change the struts in the front I wouldn't bother with the springs but definitely the struts I just did mine on my pathfinder and it made a world of difference
Oh man,,, I bought a Nissan Navara Outlaw brand new back in 2002,,, what a piece of kit,, Awesome machine,, owned it for 3 faultless years,, £20k including Vat,, It was lethal on back end,, especially on roundabouts,, even slight boot on throttle it stepped out... Great video 🚗💸🚗💸🚗
add wax inside , is the best anti corrosion
You cannot beat Waxoyl.
Braded brake hoses are a good idea if you can as well, I put them on my P38 Range Rover and it made a huge difference.
Its probably known but these rust issues with the chassis were unfortunately the Thai build models, I did read this some where, specially navara earlier than 2010 makes, I think from 2010 up they fix the rust issues, Spain built models I believe did not suffer the rust problems..from what I've read and heard.
change the front shocks first, and see how it is. that's a pretty easy job.
First hand experience says "Yes" upgrade the front.
On a safety not unless its a variable speed angle grinder the wire wheel is a NO. They are not rated for high speed and destroy themselves covering everything thing in metal fragments.
Surprised to see drums on the back of the navara. Thought about disc brake up grade. Enjoying your videos, keep safe.
2005+ Frontiers come with rear discs in the US. Both on the C200k and M226 axles. I don't know everything that is different, but I would think at least master cylinder, proportioning valve and obviously the rear brakes. ABS could also be different. Different calibration perhaps because of the different in the brake hardware.
Yes most definitely should do the front!
Look at you doing stuff to make the kiddos happy. Good on you. I’m not sure what your history is with trucks.... they tend to ride harsh and bumpy... especially in the rear where the seats are far less plush and is closer to the most rudimentary part of the suspension.
Pour a bit of engine oil in the chassis and it'll creep into the where you need it to go then some waxoil
Fluid Film is a good wax oil product to protect the undercarriage. I believe in England you guys use a product called Cosmoline or something like that
Arrrrgh! Sound normalisation, please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1AM, and just woke the neighbours up with the music @15:28
Yep, do the front. I just did all the front bushings on my 157k miles Cayenne - big improvement to handling and noise reduction.
Another yes for the front.
All Wright sausage check the bottom ball joints may slight bit of lift in the joint the bushes in that shockers tend to wear as well as the anti roll bar bushes. In a note the front arms of replaced you will need to have the camber and tracking aligned after due to eccentric nuts and bolts
I would try to find somebody who could steam clean the inside of those chassis rails then a week later spray the same hammerite paint throughout the inside of areas you have been dealing with. As to the front, I would look into the cost of a replacement set of bushes rather than a blanket changeout. The engine will go on for years and the body too but the rubber bits not so much. Thanks for the video !
I bought the same kit but including front which was £897 off ebay. Mine has rusted bolts & is not straight forward. Hopefully get it finished by tomorrow
Definitely have to do the front!.Add a rear sway bar too..
The dreaded Rust Rot has hit my 2012 Nav on the rear chassis … currently on the hunt for a welder to hopefully get it back on the road after MOT failure.
Have you been surprised by the interest in the truck project? This is a car people feel more accessible. I've enjoyed the truck content. Seeing something coming to life and become an enjoyable and useful machine that you enjoy using is quite satisfying.
If you're gonna keep it, may as well. Was wondering why you didn't go ahead with it this time. Thanks for keeping up with content. Y'all stay safe.
Nice build. Try to use a small remote mic on you. The sound gonna be better.
Change brakes in the front axle and tell us about the condition of the tires. Very important. The front suspension can be delayed since you use it as a daily for the family. It is not a sport's car.
brakes and tyres are all good, i will do brakes anyway as the discs are getting worn.
@@Ratarossa I think you are a very skilled mechanic and without a lift the majority of work is very difficult. You said in a previous video that you would change front disk brakes since they are worn out. I think you can delay the cost of front suspension. Since you are on a budget. Also you have many projects in progress.
Fox racing makes a complete suspension upgrade kit for the Nissan Frontier/Navarro. When I did mine it was a little over $600 dollars US.
Love this series great vid... love the fact the kids are telling you to change the suspension 😂😂😂 as much as I love the series, can’t see the truck justifying more money with 200k miles on it 😬
Lovely, how everything turned out to be. Then that references on the prices compare to ferraris lol
How about that gas cap...
Would you really blow the budget on front suspension? Would you be replacing entire control arms? Why not change lower arm bushes and anti-roll bar bushes, if that would make it better. Do you need to change everything now?
Absolutely loving this series
Good job mate :) you could try filling the rails with expanding PU foam to keep water and dirt out
Yeah I think you should do the front as well, especially if you can get them for another steal like the rears!
Yes change the front as well then it’s all new,and paint the rest of the chassis
I’m loving this project, need the front suspension doing as well. Need to see the Porsche too, keep this up please! 😀
I would just wait until you see/feel a problem with the front. Keep to the budget!
Make it the ultimate daily driver! So yes, please do whatever it takes to keep it running mint forever.
Yes definitely change the front suspension it will need doing. Love the channel, keep doing what your doing 👍🏽
you have the tools and the talent so I think you should replace the front too. love the videos.
Hello yes front suspension next ,with that mileage, and the way the truck was treated , and the weight of the front end, then it's a yes from me .
Sorry I'm spending your money here .
Keep up the fantastic content.
All the best .
Love the channel and love the diversity of jobs and projects. Thank you for helping keep me sane as Im tearing my hair out on lockdown.....
Can I just point one thing out dude. Im not trying to correct you.... I used to say the same thing all the time during my apprenticeship and the trainer used to throw things at me😂......The springs are the "shock absorbers"...The other things are dampers. The springs absorb the shock....the dampers control it... Sorry dude😂😂😂
If it’s been used hard the rear suspension will have taken more of a pounding than the front being a pick up. Still 207000 is quite a lot of miles so a good inspection of the front and replace any items showing excess wear would be the way to go. A full overhaul might be overkill!
Go for it , the truck deserves it , really enjoying this series 👍👍
Great work Scott and budget notwithstanding I’d upgrade the front suspension for safety alone as worth it - amazing transformation so far great work 👍
I am new to your channel. First saw you with that crazy man from Florida. Always looking forward to your next video. they are excellent.
Yep, do the front. I really don't mind how much you spend.... I feel no pain when your credit card bill arrives! Great content by the way!
Do it. Your truck is looking great! Front shock/spring assemblies were only $300/pair for my 223k mile Tundra (Frontier parts are even cheaper here.). On mine, the shocks were original, one was seeping , and there was a little shimmy after small bumps in the road. New suspension parts were well worth the small investment. Why suffer with worn suspension and wait until things break?
you have the tools and the talent so I think you should replace the front end too. love the videos
Do the front blow the budget by just over £200 then the car is safe