structural rigidity

Greatwhite said:

Thanks a lot for all the replies

92TB so to my understanding Nissan modified the chassis? If so would you happen to know exactly the modifications made between '04 and '05 models?

Also, besides the air conditioning trouble and the brake trouble have any of you encountered any other problems? and are theses two problems resolved in the upcoming '06 model?

Sorry for all the questions, but I just want to be sure Im buying the right vehicle.

Thanks so much for all your input, Justin

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No, chassis is the same. They modified what they put on it to kill the squeeks and rattles. Most of them were caused by plastic not being padded or secured properly. They added sound proofing, changed switches and connection points between squeeky parts to kill the squeeks. Mine is squeek and rattle free 7 months later. I haven't experienced AC problems and I'm in FL so I can't comment but they do have a TSB and from what I understand fix the problem. Brakes are now being repaired as parts become available. Should be finished with the brake upgrade/repair within a few months. All problems are resolved with new vehicles. '05 solved the rattles and squeeks. They also added sound proofing. Mine is now quieter than my G35 sedan. In May '05 on all Armadas include the new brakes. As for AC, I don't know the date, but if there is a TSB, you know they included it in the line. :thumbup:

Motor Trend probably just tested one of the early production runs in the '04 model year. All companies have those kind of little things in the first year of a new model run.

I have an '04 made in December 03. It had one little squeak in the center of the dash above the radio. It was just like TB said - not enough insulation between the plastic and some wires. I just popped the bezel and put some insulation and solved the problem. Never took it back to the dealer. No other squeaks, rattles or anything like that.

And any SUV which is a separate body on ladder frame design is going to have some flex because the body is mounted to that frame with rubber or poly bushings. It makes for a very much stronger vehicle for towing, off-roading or carrying a lot of cargo. And stiffening the frame (fully boxed) makes it more likely to have the potential for some squeaks because the frame is so rigid. Ford is having problems with its fully boxed F-150's making a "vibration" for the same reason.

But, Nissan seems to have responsibly addressed those early issues and Ford is still searching for a cure to the vibration.

But this fully boxed truck frame is very important if you are looking for an SUV which will tow.

BTW, I do not mean any offense in this statement, but now that you mention the also long since fixed brake problem that most of us never had, I'm curious. We have sometimes had problems with people registering who do not really own Armadas and are not really looking to buy one, but are really "trolls" from other sites. They prefer other brands and post "complaints" just to discourage people from making their own free choices. I'm sure you are not a troll, that your intentions are honorable, that you are just seeking straight and accurate information and would love to own an Armada.

My suggestion: Just test drive one, or two or three. I think you will be really impressed. Put your right foot into the throttle really deeply, assess the perfect marriage of the engine and tranny and the smoothness of the drive train and you'll be hooked. I was.

I did find the Motor Trend article that mentioned the rattles and doors banging against strikers. This was a very early model if not a preproduction tester. But here's the first paragraph:

"Under the hood is the best engine/transmission duo in the full-size segment. The published 305 horsepower of the Armada's all-aluminum DOHC 5.6-liter V-8 feels more like 350. Much credit goes to the standard five-speed automatic that serves up buttery-smooth shifts and gives the Armada a lower first gear and smaller steps between gears than the four-speed boxes in most of the other rigs. The well-placed cogs mean the Armada is less likely to get caught flat-footed. Throttle response is awesome, with mountains of torque and a great-sounding exhaust rumble just a toe-tap away. It's as if the Armada came straight from the factory with an aftermarket- tuner's touch and a big bag of whoopass. In our testing, the Nissan charged from rest to 60 mph nearly a full second quicker than the next fastest competitor, the Dodge Durango. Even in towing capacity, the Armada is tops at 9100 pounds."

Greatwhite:

You are welcome to come drive my 21,000 mile '04 and search for those rattles or noises, to check out the original untouched disc brake pads and rotors, to feel the efficiency of the unserviced air conditioning here in the 95+ degree South Mississippi heat, and to help me hook up my equipment trailer and tow an 8,000 lb. load.

I believe you will find:

1. No rattles or noises (unless that wonderful V-8 exhaust tone bothers you).

2. Impressive stopping power with no judder or vibration.

3. COLD air conditioning.

4. Amazing towing capability rivaling 3/4 ton diesel rigs.

And when we unhook the trailer, we'll plug in the G-Tech Pro accelerometer, take it out on a nice deserted straight road and you can watch me lay down a series of 0-60 and quarter mile runs that cannot be touched by any other full-sized almost 6,000 lb. 4x4 SUV on the market.

I guess I just got a good one????????

Nope. Just average for an Armada.

Buy one and you'll see what we are talking about.