Converting Your Nissan Armada's Rear Air Shocks to Coil Springs

Are you a Nissan Armada owner who is tired of dealing with a faulty rear air leveling system? Are you considering a Nissan Armada rear air shock conversion? If so, we have good news for you. Many Nissan Armada owners have successfully converted their air suspension to a reliable and cost-effective coil spring setup. In this complete guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of converting your rear air shocks to coil springs.

The installation process involves removing the air shocks and replacing them with the coil springs and shocks. Disconnecting the wiring harness at the air compressor can also prevent any warning lights on the dashboard. While we haven't performed this conversion ourselves, we have received positive feedback from numerous customers who have successfully completed it.

Please note that we are not responsible for any issues during the installation or post-conversion. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out, and we will do our best to assist you.

The Nissan Armada Rear Air Shock Problem

A Common Issue: Rear Air Shock Leak

It's a well-known fact among Nissan Armada owners that the vehicle's rear air shocks can develop leaks. This issue tends to arise due to the wear and tear of the air suspension system over time. The air shock system is designed to provide a smooth ride, but when a leak develops, it compromises the vehicle's stability and comfort.

When these leaks occur, the rear end of the vehicle sags, especially when loaded. This sagging not only affects the vehicle's aesthetics but also compromises its handling and passenger comfort. If you notice your Nissan Armada sitting lower than usual, especially in the back, it could be a sign that your rear air shocks are leaking.

Addressing the leak as soon as possible is crucial to prevent further damage to the suspension system. The common solution is to replace the leaking air shocks, but this can be a costly and recurring expense. For this reason, many Nissan Armada owners opt for a permanent fix: converting the rear air shocks to coil springs. This conversion not only addresses the leaking issue but also provides a more reliable and cost-effective suspension system.

Tackling the Sag: Why Your Nissan Needs a Fix

The sagging issue due to a leaking rear air shock is more than just a cosmetic problem. It significantly impacts the vehicle's handling and overall performance. The Nissan Armada is designed to provide a comfortable and smooth ride. However, a sagging rear end can cause a lopsided driving experience, which can be especially noticeable when cornering or driving over bumps.

Moreover, the sag can put additional stress on other components of the vehicle, such as tires and brakes, leading to accelerated wear and tear. This can result in additional costs for maintenance and repair over time.

Addressing the sag promptly is therefore essential for maintaining the safety and longevity of your Nissan Armada. While replacing the faulty air shocks is one option, it can be an expensive and repetitive process, considering that new air shocks may again develop leaks over time.

Many Nissan Armada owners find a more permanent and cost-effective solution in converting the air shocks to coil springs. This conversion not only eliminates the sagging problem but also enhances the vehicle’s stability and ride comfort. A coil spring setup is less complex, more durable, and requires less maintenance than an air shock system.

Conversion From Air Shocks to Coil Springs

What You Need for a Nissan Armada Rear Air Shock Conversion

To convert your Nissan Armada's rear air shocks to coil springs, you'll need a few specific items. Firstly, you'll need a pair of coil springs designed to replace the air shocks in your Nissan Armada. These springs are specifically engineered to fit your vehicle's suspension system and provide the same, if not better, ride comfort and stability as the original air shocks.

Alongside the coil springs, you'll also need a pair of shock absorbers. These work in conjunction with the springs to further enhance ride comfort by absorbing road shocks. Make sure to select shock absorbers compatible with your Nissan Armada's specifications and the coil springs you've chosen.

Lastly, you'll need a coil spring conversion kit. This kit generally includes all the necessary hardware and components required to replace your air shocks with coil springs. It also includes detailed instructions to guide you through the conversion process.

Before starting the conversion, ensure you have the appropriate tools for the job. Basic garage tools, including a wrench set, jack stands, and a hydraulic jack, are typically necessary. Remember, if you're not comfortable performing the conversion yourself, it's best to hire a professional mechanic.

The Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

The conversion process from air shocks to coil springs is straightforward if you have a basic understanding of your Nissan Armada's suspension system.

1. Start by safely lifting your vehicle using a hydraulic jack and securing it with jack stands. Ensure the car is stable before starting to work.
2. Remove the wheels to access the suspension system.
3. Locate the air shocks in the rear suspension. Detach the top and bottom of the air shock from the suspension system.
4. Carefully remove the air shock, ensuring not to damage any surrounding components.
5. Now, you're ready to install the coil spring. Make sure it is oriented correctly, and then position it in the place where the air shock was removed.
6. Install the new shock absorber in conjunction with the coil spring. Make sure both components are securely fastened.
7. Repeat the process on the other side.
8. Once both coil springs and shock absorbers are installed, replace the wheels.
9. Lower your vehicle carefully off the jack stands.

Remember, it's important to have your vehicle's alignment checked after changing the suspension setup. This ensures optimal performance and longevity of the new components. If you are not comfortable with this process, consider hiring a professional mechanic.

Removing the Warning Light: How and Why

After converting the rear air shocks to coil springs, you may notice a warning light on your Nissan Armada's dashboard. This light is triggered because the vehicle's computer system can no longer detect the air shocks. It's not a concern for the vehicle's performance, but it can be distracting.

To remove this warning light, you need to disconnect the wiring harness at the air compressor. This process involves locating the air compressor, typically found in the engine bay, and disconnecting the wiring harness attached to it. Once disconnected, the system will no longer try to detect the air shocks, and the warning light should disappear.

While this step isn't mandatory, it helps maintain the aesthetic of your dashboard without any distracting warning lights. Keep in mind that this process does not negatively impact the functionality of your new coil springs or any other components of the vehicle.

Remember, if you're not comfortable performing these steps, it's best to hire a professional. This is a simple process but needs to be done correctly to avoid any potential electrical issues.

The Outcome and Aftercare

Understanding Potential Issues Post-Conversion

After converting your Nissan Armada's rear air shocks to coil springs, it's important to understand potential issues that may arise post-conversion. Although coil springs are typically more reliable and less prone to failure than air shocks, no system is completely foolproof.

One potential issue could be a difference in ride quality. While most owners find the coil spring setup to be just as comfortable, if not more so, than the original air shocks, some may experience a slightly firmer ride. This is normal and often gets better as the springs break in.

Another potential issue could be incorrect installation. If not installed correctly, the coil springs can lead to poor vehicle handling or even damage to other components. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure proper installation, preferably by a professional mechanic.

Finally, remember to check the alignment of your vehicle after the conversion. Improper alignment can lead to uneven tire wear and poor handling. If any of these issues occur after the conversion, consult a professional mechanic to address them promptly. The key to a successful conversion is proper installation and regular maintenance.

Our Commitment to Quality Service

At Shockwarehouse, we're committed to providing quality products and services to all our customers. We understand that converting your Nissan Armada's rear air shocks to coil springs is a significant task, and we aim to make it as smooth as possible.

If you encounter any issues with the coil springs or shock absorbers you purchased from us, our return policy allows you to return the items within a specified period. Our customer service team is always on hand to assist with returns and to answer any questions you may have.

We also believe in the value of re-engagement. After your conversion, we encourage you to return to us for any further needs related to your vehicle’s suspension. Whether you need advice on maintaining your new coil spring setup or you're looking to upgrade other components of your suspension system, we're here to help.

Our goal is to build lasting relationships with our customers, offering expert advice and quality products to ensure your Nissan Armada runs smoothly for years to come. Trust us to be your reliable partner in providing solutions for your vehicle’s suspension needs.

Nissan Armada Air Suspension Conversion Parts

To get a complete set, Front and Rear shocks, to convert your Armada, select one of the packages below.

• Bilstein Front and Rear for Base, LE, SL, and Platinum 2WD sub-models.
• Bilstein Front and Rancho Rear for Base, LE, SL, and Platinum 2WD sub-models.
• Bilstein Front and Rear for SE/SV 4WD sub-models.
• Bilstein Front and Rancho Rear for SE/SV 4WD sub-models.

New Nissan Armada Air Spring Conversion Kit from Arnott

Arnott now offers a rear conversion kit for the 2004-2010 Nissan Armada. The kit includes springs and shocks. Replaces rear only.

C-3434 For the RWD Armada

C-3421 For the 4WD Armada

 

1-954-202-6229 Mon-Fri 9a-6p ET

swtech@shockwarehouse.com