2017 Nissan Armada Rear Suspension Conversion Kit

The 2017 Nissan Armada, a robust and capable full-size SUV, is known for its towing capacity and comfortable ride. However, its factory rear suspension, while adequate for most situations, can sometimes leave owners wanting more, particularly when it comes to heavy towing, off-road performance, or simply achieving a specific ride height and handling characteristic. This is where rear suspension conversion kits come into play, offering a range of options to tailor the Armada's rear suspension to individual needs and preferences.

Understanding the 2017 Nissan Armada's Stock Rear Suspension

Before delving into the world of conversion kits, it's essential to understand the 2017 Armada's original rear suspension setup. It utilizes a fully independent, double-wishbone suspension. This design provides a good balance of ride comfort and handling, especially compared to older solid-axle designs. Key components include:

• Upper and Lower Control Arms: These control the wheel's vertical movement and position relative to the chassis.
• Coil Springs: These provide the primary suspension support, absorbing bumps and maintaining ride height.
• Shock Absorbers (Dampers): These control the rate at which the suspension compresses and rebounds, preventing excessive bouncing and ensuring a smooth ride.
• Stabilizer Bar (Sway Bar): This reduces body roll during cornering, improving handling stability.
• Air Assist (Optional): Some models may have an air assist system that helps level the vehicle when towing or carrying heavy loads.

While the independent suspension offers advantages, its limitations become apparent under specific circumstances. For example, the coil springs can sag under heavy loads, compromising ride quality and handling. The stock shock absorbers may not provide adequate damping for aggressive driving or off-road excursions. Furthermore, the factory ride height may not be ideal for some owners, leading to a desire for lift or lowering.

Types of Rear Suspension Conversion Kits for the 2017 Nissan Armada

Several types of rear suspension conversion kits are available for the 2017 Armada, each designed to address specific needs and preferences. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

1. Coil Spring Replacement Kits

These kits typically involve replacing the stock coil springs with heavier-duty or progressive-rate springs. Heavier-duty springs provide increased load-carrying capacity and reduce sag when towing or hauling. Progressive-rate springs offer a variable spring rate, providing a softer ride during normal driving and increased stiffness when encountering bumps or carrying loads.

Benefits:

• Increased load capacity
• Reduced sag when towing
• Improved handling stability
• Relatively simple installation

Considerations:

• Can result in a firmer ride
• May require upgraded shock absorbers

2. Shock Absorber Upgrade Kits

These kits focus on replacing the factory shock absorbers with higher-performance units. Options include:

• Monotube Shocks: Offer superior damping performance and heat dissipation compared to twin-tube shocks. Ideal for aggressive driving and off-road use.
• Adjustable Shocks: Allow for fine-tuning of damping characteristics to match driving conditions and personal preferences.
• Remote Reservoir Shocks: Feature a separate reservoir that increases oil capacity and improves cooling, making them suitable for demanding applications.

Benefits:

• Improved ride quality
• Enhanced handling and stability
• Better control during aggressive driving
• Increased damping performance

Considerations:

• Can be more expensive than basic replacement shocks
• Adjustable shocks require careful tuning

3. Air Suspension Conversion Kits

These kits replace the stock coil springs with air springs, providing adjustable ride height and load leveling capabilities. Air suspension systems use an air compressor to inflate or deflate the air springs, allowing the driver to raise or lower the vehicle as needed. They often include an electronic control unit (ECU) that automatically adjusts ride height based on load and driving conditions. Note: If your Armada already has factory air assist, this will be a more involved modification.

Benefits:

• Adjustable ride height
• Automatic load leveling
• Improved ride comfort
• Enhanced towing performance

Considerations:

• More complex installation
• Higher cost
• Requires maintenance of air compressor and lines
• Potential for air leaks

4. Complete Suspension System Kits

These kits offer a comprehensive upgrade to the rear suspension, typically including new control arms, springs, shocks, and sway bar. They are designed to provide a significant improvement in overall performance and handling.

Benefits:

• Optimized suspension geometry
• Improved handling and stability
• Enhanced ride quality
• Complete system upgrade

Considerations:

• Highest cost
• More complex installation
• May require professional installation

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rear Suspension Conversion Kit

Selecting the right rear suspension conversion kit for your 2017 Nissan Armada requires careful consideration of several factors:

• Intended Use: How do you primarily use your Armada? Is it mainly for daily driving, towing, off-roading, or a combination of these?
• Budget: Rear suspension conversion kits range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Determine your budget before starting your search.
• Installation Complexity: Are you comfortable performing the installation yourself, or will you need to hire a professional mechanic? Consider the complexity of the installation when choosing a kit.
• Ride Quality: How important is ride comfort to you? Some kits may provide improved handling at the expense of ride quality.
• Load Capacity: If you frequently tow or haul heavy loads, choose a kit that provides adequate load-carrying capacity.
• Lift/Lowering Requirements: Do you want to raise or lower your Armada's ride height? Choose a kit that allows for the desired ride height adjustment.
• Compatibility: Ensure that the kit is specifically designed for the 2017 Nissan Armada and compatible with your vehicle's trim level and options.

Installation Tips and Considerations

Installing a rear suspension conversion kit can range from a straightforward bolt-on procedure to a more complex undertaking requiring specialized tools and expertise. Here are some general installation tips and considerations:

• Read the Instructions Carefully: Before starting the installation, thoroughly read the instructions provided by the kit manufacturer.
• Gather the Necessary Tools: Ensure that you have all the tools required for the installation, including wrenches, sockets, torque wrench, jack stands, and possibly a spring compressor.
• Work Safely: Always use jack stands to support the vehicle when working underneath it. Disconnect the battery to prevent electrical shorts.
• Torque to Specification: Use a torque wrench to tighten all fasteners to the manufacturer's specified torque values.
• Consider Professional Installation: If you are not comfortable performing the installation yourself, or if the kit requires specialized tools or expertise, consider hiring a professional mechanic.
• Alignment: After installing a rear suspension conversion kit, it is highly recommended to have the vehicle's alignment checked and adjusted. This will ensure proper handling and prevent premature tire wear.
• Break-In Period: Some kits may require a break-in period for the components to settle. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for break-in procedures.

Real-World Examples

Here are a couple of real-world examples illustrating the benefits of rear suspension conversion kits for the 2017 Nissan Armada:

Example 1: The Avid Tower: Regularly tows a travel trailer. After installing a coil spring replacement kit with heavier-duty springs, he experienced significantly less sag when towing, resulting in improved handling and stability. He also upgraded to Bilstein shocks for better damping.

Example 2: The Weekend Warrior: Primarily uses his Armada for off-road adventures. He opted for a complete suspension system kit with adjustable shocks, allowing him to fine-tune the suspension for different terrains. This resulted in improved articulation and control on rough trails. He also used the air suspension option for leveling at campsites.

Conclusion

A rear suspension conversion kit can be a valuable upgrade for the 2017 Nissan Armada, allowing owners to tailor the suspension to their specific needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for increased load capacity, improved handling, adjustable ride height, or enhanced off-road performance, there's a kit available to meet your requirements. By carefully considering your intended use, budget, and installation capabilities, you can choose the right kit and transform your Armada into an even more capable and comfortable vehicle. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult with a qualified mechanic if you have any questions or concerns. Furthermore, always research reputable brands such as Bilstein, Fox, Icon, and Air Lift when searching for a conversion kit.