Does anyone out there know the difference between the QX56's suspension and that of the Armada? Supposedly the QX is a bit softer (I've never ridden in one) but from the Infiniti and Nissan websites they are spec'ed out both as independent double wishbone with stabilizer bar front and rear.

Maybe some softer shocks, and a beefier stabilizer bar? I find my Armada to be a bit on the jerky side (left to right) and it would be nice if I could soften it up a bit, or just get the few parts needed to upgrade to the QX ride.

I'd bet they tweaked the spring rates and the shock absorbers and that's it.

As an aside, this is where some other luxury SUVs ran into rollover problems a few years back - the baseline models did fine, but with the cushier suspension they were prone to roll when tossed around a slalom course, etc.

You will loose handling with a softer ride. Personally, I'd like a firmer one than I currently have for some better cornering.

I've driven in both and I can't tell the difference. I have a QX4 so I thought of going with the 56...after riding in the Armada I couldn't see spending over 8k more for the same truck.

The QX56 I drove felt smoother but the Infiniti sales guy said that the only reason it feels smoother is because there is an extra 90+ lbs of sound deadening insulation on the QX56 that the Armada doesn't have. He also said the suspension and chassis are identical.

Probably makes sense.

The QX56 I drove felt smoother but the Infiniti sales guy said that the only reason it feels smoother is because there is an extra 90+ lbs of sound deadening insulation on the QX56 that the Armada doesn't have. He also said the suspension and chassis are identical.

Probably makes sense.
Could be true. The QX is heavier. Has all the LE stuff and additional stuff. The QX in 4x4 is 400 lbs heavier than an SE 4x2, but only 27 lbs more than mine. :bonvoyage

I own an 04 Qx and i must say the suspension is stiff enough as is, also test drove both armada and Qx the main reason why i didnt go with the Armada was the leather and interior detailing and the road/engine noise also i preferred the Infiniti's front end over the mada's.

I own an 04 Qx and i must say the suspension is stiff enough as is, also test drove both armada and Qx the main reason why i didnt go with the Armada was the leather and interior detailing and the road/engine noise also i preferred the Infiniti's front end over the mada's.
All valid reasons for choosing the QX. Mechanically they are the same. I made a list of differnces in the thread about comparison shopping. The QX only gives you a higher grade of leather, wood dash, HID headlights on a different front end, an extra layer of soundproofing, an analog clock, and smart cruise. Other stuff includes other aestetics like LED taillights, chrome side molding, fender flares, etc. Bottomline, you are paying for a little higher level of luxury. It was a tough choice for me as I love HIDs, the wood dash, and leather of the QX but it just wasn't enough to justify the extra $8k for me. ;)

I actually bought the Armada vs. the QX56 because of the front end. I think the Armada front end is much nicer. Specially the headlights and grill.

I wanted the QX56 with the Armada front end. Can't mod the front end, so I got the Armada.

^^^ same! loll