I have an 2009 FD1 4x4 5spd manual with about 78,000kms, my rear struts are toast. We've carried lots of weight likely beyond the recommended amount and that has likely aided in killing the struts.
We also have a rear mounted bike rack and when we have four bikes and people in the car it sags very badly with the weight on the stock suspension.
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There are not many options for replacements. Any of the options are either going to be that same as stock or lift. I've long since given up on thinking that a lift is right for the Patriot, after seeing Hecklers problems with lifting and going bigger tires I don't want to go down that path.
I've come across the options of Koni inserts, or as they are sometimes called Cut-A-Strut. You use your original strut housing and insert a high quality adjustable Koni insert into it.
A good tutorial on how it's done.
Another being done on a lifted Pathfinder.
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I am considering this to replace and upgrade my struts. The second issue is dealing with the added weight that we have with the bikes and people. For this I plan to add a coil over sleeve, this will open up a vast range of spring options.
![Image]()
The threaded sleeve sits down onto the lower spring perch and used the threaded collar as the new perch for the spring. Most guys buy these kits with generic lowering springs, but you can get a huge variety of spring weights and lengths from spots like Summit racing.
Now I need to find the specs on our struts so that I can match up the closest insert. Then decide on springs.
I figured I'd share what I learned as I had not see this posted on here as an option to upgrade suspension. This could be used to lift the Pat, or drop it, also allow larger tires for you guys that are limited by the spring perch. My plan is to maintain stock height at the top setting and likely settle on running it lowered about 1.5 inches.
We also have a rear mounted bike rack and when we have four bikes and people in the car it sags very badly with the weight on the stock suspension.
There are not many options for replacements. Any of the options are either going to be that same as stock or lift. I've long since given up on thinking that a lift is right for the Patriot, after seeing Hecklers problems with lifting and going bigger tires I don't want to go down that path.
I've come across the options of Koni inserts, or as they are sometimes called Cut-A-Strut. You use your original strut housing and insert a high quality adjustable Koni insert into it.
A good tutorial on how it's done.
Another being done on a lifted Pathfinder.
I am considering this to replace and upgrade my struts. The second issue is dealing with the added weight that we have with the bikes and people. For this I plan to add a coil over sleeve, this will open up a vast range of spring options.
The threaded sleeve sits down onto the lower spring perch and used the threaded collar as the new perch for the spring. Most guys buy these kits with generic lowering springs, but you can get a huge variety of spring weights and lengths from spots like Summit racing.
Now I need to find the specs on our struts so that I can match up the closest insert. Then decide on springs.
I figured I'd share what I learned as I had not see this posted on here as an option to upgrade suspension. This could be used to lift the Pat, or drop it, also allow larger tires for you guys that are limited by the spring perch. My plan is to maintain stock height at the top setting and likely settle on running it lowered about 1.5 inches.
