[Bonzomark]

After reading through some posts it seems as though popular opinion is to remove the rear sway bar, most commonly stated that it could cause damage to the RR shock. Well guess what... I have a 2004 and SOMETHING happened this winter that blew my RR shock right off the lower mount. I'm trying to be awfully gentle until I can afford to fix it but... well, I'm just trying to be gentle. It also looks like I may have somehow lost the helper springs on both sides. Buffalo winters can be a real bear, y'know.

Anyway, two questions, please.
1) Why should the rear sway bar be removed? What kind of damage can it do and what fails to make that damage happen?
2) Assuming (praying) that the shock mount wasn't damaged, what hardware (bushings, washers, nuts) do I need to find to replace that which was lost?

If I can find the cash I'll be replacing the shocks but until I find the cash I have to make the best of what I have. Recommendations, other than "play the lottery"?

 

[Bonzomark]

Never mind... I got what I needed and MORE! But I would still like to know what mounting hardware I need to repair that RR lower shock mount, provided it's not damaged.

 

[DirtyJerseyJohnny]

Idk the sizes on 1st gen, but if you order them OEM shock it should give you the hardware. Might as well replace both too.

 

[BWXT]

A nut and two washers.

Also, if you are missing the helper springs, your leaf pack has been compromised and the vehicle is not driveable without the riks of a serious accident. Are you sure they are missing? I would get under there and take some pictures.

 

[Bonzomark]

Actually no, I'm not sure if they're gone. It may be that without the shock the spring pack has just settled and I'm not seeing the profile I expect to see. And yeah, I agree, that would be dangerous as hell having the rear axle be floating rather than secured in place.

Thanks guys!

 

[Snow Chaser]

Helper spring? Like... the overload leaf?

 

[Bonzomark]

Yes, Dylan, bottom in the stack.

 

[Snow Chaser]

Ummm....

You should definitely take some pictures. If your overloads are gone then your u-bolts are not properly clamping the springs and you're kinda screwed. If they are truly gone I would get them replaced as soon as possible.

Man if I had known you were missing those about a week ago I would have kept my old ones and sent them to you, I just got new leaf packs.

 

[Bonzomark]

Exactly! And that's me all over... a day late. Anyway, something's still snugged up. If the u-bolts were even the slightest bit loose then the axle should have skewed all over the first time I brake.

 

[Snow Chaser]

The question for the shock is kind of complex... if you just blew out the nut, then that's all you should need. I'm sure you could take the other one off and check what size it is. If you blew out the stud that the bottom shock mount sits on, you might need a new u-bolt plate.

..you owe me one, I just laid down in my driveway in a white tee shirt.

 

[Snow Chaser]

Exactly! And that's me all over... a day late. Anyway, something's still snugged up. If the u-bolts were even the slightest bit loose then the axle should have skewed all over the first time I brake.

Yeah, exactly. I have a feeling you would know.

 

[Bonzomark]

You mean... you can keep a white t-shirt clean??? HOW???

 

[Snow Chaser]

And if it is just the shock, I wouldn't be too worried, one of our members ran no rear shocks for a while... and I believe his only complaint was an uncomfortable ride.

 

[Snow Chaser]

You mean... you can keep a white t-shirt clean??? HOW???

It's tough... I actually just put it on like 20 minutes ago.

 

[RawkerStatus]

U can take it off. It doesn't feel much different then if u had it... plus.. everyones doing it... u don't wanna be cool like everyone? Lol and yea def need picks. U may have just lost the nut. I've seen it happen.

 

[BWXT]

Are you guys talking about shocks or T-shirts now? Haha

 

[Snow Chaser]

I mean... I was talking about t-shirts.

 

[weerez935]

You could get a calmini quick disconnect sway bar...The kit is only 80 bucks....and you could have the benefit of both removed and not removed at your own discretion

 

[Bonzomark]

Lots to look at for sure. Eventually I want to replace shocks on all 4, replace spring stacks (maybe), bushings/tie rod ends/questionable suspension parts all around, wheel bearings, try to find good aftermarket disk brakes all 4 corners, steel bumpers front and back, bash plates engine and trans, K&N Gen2 air intake, and low restriction exhaust, plus spiff wheels and some decent tires. And more as I think of it. Do I love my Xterra or what? It's the second in a row that I bought new. I'm not really fond of the "new" look.

 

[TJTJ]

You could get a calmini quick disconnect sway bar...The kit is only 80 bucks....and you could have the benefit of both removed and not removed at your own discretion

You could, but, it rattles, and, having the bar doesn't really HAVE a benefit, so, you're out ~ $80 for nothing.