[danielarand]

Hello,
I have a 2018 Nissan Armada SV with 78000+ miles on it. I'm trying to stabilize the ride quality, it had a bouncy ride....kind of wallows going down the road. I know there's not much available in the aftermarket for the rear suspension due to the factory air ride, and I've installed a set of Firestone Coil-rite air bags in the rear coils hoping it would help...it did not. I'm beginning to think it's the front I should be looking at, and with almost 79,000 miles maybe it's time for shock/spring upgrades. I've got to do something....my passengers are getting seasick. Any suggestions?

 

[nealinator]

This is the only thing I see popping up doing some quick looking.

Amazon.com: Monroe Shocks & Struts OESpectrum 73048 Suspension Strut : Automotive

Buy Monroe Shocks & Struts OESpectrum 73048 Suspension Strut: Struts - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

I put in 2020 because that is what I have. Should be the same.

2020 NISSAN ARMADA 5.6L V8 Shock / Strut Mount | RockAuto

RockAuto ships auto parts and body parts from over 300 manufacturers to customers' doors worldwide, all at warehouse prices. Easy to use parts catalog.

www.rockauto.com

Interested if someone else knows of other options. I am at 63k but so far the ride feels fine. It rolls more than my 2010 Sierra, but takes the bumps so much better. Its a trade off for sure.

 

[n8dogg]

Sounds like worn out shocks. The previous Gen Armadas had the same problem...well, it's not really a problem, it's just plain ol wear and tear that requires occasional maintenance. The factory air shocks may very well still work fine for ride height adjustments, but internally they still have a traditional shock absorber that wears out just like any other standard shock.

 

[nealinator]

After driving mine this am and analyzing what it happening, I think I may need front shocks. I get a shutter in the steering wheel but not on the brake pedal. I had thought I needed pads and rotors, but not feeling it in the pedal means it is probably suspension. And it also dives when braking and the front lifts a good bit when you first hit the gas...so most likely they are worn.

 

[primoV8]

Here you go guys:

Shocks - better ride

Good evening all. Hope everyone is well. Allan here. I have just recently purchased a 2018 Armada Platinum and I do find the ride a little on the " bouncy " side. I know I had read through a few postings and one gentleman had said to install Bilstein shocks. Now I have looked into these shocks...

www.clubarmada.com

I'll also add since doing that DIY/upgrade mod years ago, to date, I've put close to 60K miles on them and still rides great.

 

[danielarand]

Yeah, the more I read about it, the more it sounds like worn parts considering the age and mileage.

I just ordered a Strutmasters Rear Conversion Kit to eliminate any future issues.

Now I'm searching for Front Strut assemblies....again not a whole lot available.

I did find this available from GSP North America Item # mpn4678096690....anyone have experience with these?

 

[primoV8]

Good luck with that strutmasters kit. They use rebranded Monroe or even lesser quality shocks and definitely not an improvement over the OE rear air leveling suspension. There is a reason why they have to resort to using an additional set of coils on the rear shocks. To compensate for the lower quality parts that results in a terrible ride.

 

[danielarand]

....and you base your posting on personal experience or you just don't like Monroe products?

 

[primoV8]

No personal experience as I would never use subpar products from strutmasters. I've seen their kits first hand from people I know personally and have regretted spending their money on them. Awhile back, a forum member even posted the Monroe shocks they were using on the first gen kits. Nothing wrong with Monroe as a last minute, only choice OE replacement, but strutmasters and arnott rebrands them and marks up the cost as well.

 

[danielarand]

No personal experience as I would never use subpar products from strutmasters. I've seen their kits first hand from people I know personally and have regretted spending their money on them. Awhile back, a forum member even posted the Monroe shocks they were using on the first gen kits. Nothing wrong with Monroe as a last minute, only choice OE replacement, but strutmasters and arnott rebrands them and marks up the cost as well.

Thanks for your input, I'll let you know how I make out.

 

[nealinator]

Do either of you get the front end lifting when you first accelerate or diving when braking? I am trying to judge whether it is more normal on a super soft and plush suspension and shock set up or if mine are worn. I did a quickie bounce test and they seemed to dampen the bounce fine. But I am curious if the lifting when you first accelerate is normal. Of course, how much can be somewhat subjective I suppose. My main vehicle is a 2010 Sierra and it rides more stiff, I feel every bump and there is little lift or dive with acceleration or braking. I love how smooth and soft the Armada is, and dont want to throw over $500 at it for front shocks/struts if it does not need them.

 

[n8dogg]

Do either of you get the front end lifting when you first accelerate or diving when braking? I am trying to judge whether it is more normal on a super soft and plush suspension and shock set up or if mine are worn. I did a quickie bounce test and they seemed to dampen the bounce fine. But I am curious if the lifting when you first accelerate is normal. Of course, how much can be somewhat subjective I suppose. My main vehicle is a 2010 Sierra and it rides more stiff, I feel every bump and there is little lift or dive with acceleration or braking. I love how smooth and soft the Armada is, and dont want to throw over $500 at it for front shocks/struts if it does not need them.

I experienced this on my '13. I tried the bounce test and had pretty much the same effect you described. But I suspect that the weight of the Armada, under acceleration or braking induced all kinds of forces we cant do with a simple bounce test resulting in that lifting and diving. I first replaced my front shocks first as I was avoiding touching the rear air shocks. The front shocks helped, but turns out the rear shocks really were my biggest culprit.

 

[markismail]

Hello,
I have a 2018 Nissan Armada SV with 78000+ miles on it. I'm trying to stabilize the ride quality, it had a bouncy ride....kind of wallows going down the road. I know there's not much available in the aftermarket for the rear suspension due to the factory air ride, and I've installed a set of Firestone Coil-rite air bags in the rear coils hoping it would help...it did not. I'm beginning to think it's the front I should be looking at, and with almost 79,000 miles maybe it's time for shock/spring upgrades. I've got to do something....my passengers are getting seasick. Any suggestions?

vps in germany​

The previous Gen Armadas had the same problem...well, it's not really a problem, it's just plain ol wear and tear that requires occasional maintenance.

 

[danielarand]

I'll post the results after I install the rear air ride elimination kit on Wednesday. If there's no or little improvement, then it's time for a new and different vehicle....

 

[rand8442]

I'll post the results after I install the rear air ride elimination kit on Wednesday. If there's no or little improvement, then it's time for a new and different vehicle....

UPDATE: I installed the Strutmasters kit a couple weeks ago, and I'm happy to say all the poor ride quality and handling issues I was experiencing are gone. This vehicle rides and handles like it should, and even the vehicle's ride height is now correct. The Strutmasters kit consisted of quality components, and performs as quoted by the company. I've logged several hundred miles since installation, and couldn't be happier. I think I'll now keep my 2018 Armada for a while. A great Holiday Season to all!