http://www.4x4parts.com/public_html/shop/index.php3?page=shop/flypage&product_id=1339&category_id=941582554814df3bc73313cc25a8464b&ps_session=18214ce2a4e36e5f53cdc9d8ff85a218

I wanted an opinion on those struts. I called the dealership and they quoted me $225 for the struts and $250 in labor. I was thinking about purchasing these struts online and having a private mechanic put them on.

Thoughts? Suggestions? ANy help is appreciated.

1998 Pathfinder LE 4x4

You could borrow a spring compressor from a parts store and install them yourself....it's not a horrible job and it'll save ya some cash.

The Rancho struts should be good ones. Do note that it's for PF's with no lift.


1998 Frontier 4x4 with ALL the goodies!
2002 Xterra 4x4 still stock
Stop urban sprawl and advocate multi-use of public lands! It's YOUR pastime; get active and help save it!

How hard would you rank doing the struts compared to say spark plugs, fuel filters, oil changes, etc? If i'm not going to screw up my truck i'll try it. I imagine i'll just have to go in for an alignment then?

I've never done anything really beyond simple maintenance, but i'm a pretty fart smeller. I mean, smart fella.

I'll check out my haynes manual tonight. I remember reading somewhere that shocks aren't bad, but struts should be left to the pros.

1998 Pathfinder LE 4x4

Struts are a pretty involved job. If you are not familiar with the truck enough to do suspension work, I would suggest taking it somewhere to do the job. Replacing struts is much more difficult than replacing shocks.

You usually have to unbolt the brake calipers, unbolt the strut from the A arm, and undo the smaller bolts on the strut tower (do NOT remove the center bolt!!!!). Remove the strut assemble. Now use a spring compressor to compress the spring enough to relieve tension on the upper perch/hat. remove the center bolt from the strut w/ an air impact gun or electric impact wrench. carefully remove spring from strut assembly and set to the side.. There is so much spring tension on it that it'll blow a hole in a wall 20 ft away if the spring compressors come off it. Now, remove the gland nut from the top of the strut assembly. Remove old strut. Install new strut. Fill strut tube 1/2 full with oil. Reinstall everything reverse of removal. Torque every nut and bolt to spec as you put it back together.

Its a big job and is not for everyone. I've done so many struts personally that its a pretty quick & painless job, but because you are removing brake, steering, and other components, its not something you want to do w/o someone else thats familiar with it.


BEEFYJames Fabrication - Custom Fabricated for Use and Abuse
Nissan Terrano .. "Take a grip of Steering!"

I think the smart compromise would be to purchase some struts online or elsewhere and take them to my mechanic. He just wanted to get them from the dealership and it was $230 for both.

1) Do i just order the struts or do i have to get mounts or anything like that?

2) Will those struts in the link i posted above be just as good as the ones from teh dealership? If they're going to wear out in 15k miles then i really see no reason to buy them.

1998 Pathfinder LE 4x4

Here's a link for you.

Strut install

That's awesome. Thanks a lot!

1998 Pathfinder LE 4x4

I don't think it looks too bad really. I might try it myself.

The spring is the only part htat scares me.

1998 Pathfinder LE 4x4

Harbor Freight usually has spring compressors for about $10. DO NOT USE AIR TOOLS ON SPRING COMPRESSOR! My friend did it to mine and trashed them.


My driveway shot is better than yours

Dealer struts suck, or you wouldn't need to replace them already! Most dealer struts are only guaranteed for 12 months./12.000 miles....KYB struts do, in fact, have a lifetime free replacement warranty. Why use anything else? I just got a set that I ordered on-line delivered for $ 128.00.

Look up KYB Struts and you'll come across Summerland Auto Sports in Garden Grove, CA. Ask for Sam, he'll help you out. You need part numbers 335015 right and 335016 left for KYB GR2 struts.

To all of us who were unlucky enough to end up in the 96-2000 Pathfinder bracket, Dean Thayer @ www.xplorx4.net (or .com I can't recall) has been the single best source if information on fix-ups. Dean has built a fantastic web site loaded with info and pictures with step by step instructions for do-it-your selfers like me.
When I finish the house remodel I will put on my own struts rather than pay anyone $200.+

Honestly thinking about selling this thing and going back to Toyota's, simply because the add on options are almost unlimited.

I would like to talk to anyone out there who has experienced front end shimmy around 60 mph related to the steering tension mentioned in the Nissan Service Bulletins.

Thanks, Jim

I just looked it up, it's www.xplorx4.com