Independent Rear Suspension

TITAN-IUM · 10-10-2004, 03:10 PM

Got a question for anyone.
Since the Armarda has independent rear suspension, do you think it would be possibe to convert the Titan to independent suspension, and what would be the positive and negitive effects?

vector6 · 10-10-2004, 03:19 PM

anything is possible with the will to do it, a pocket full of money, and a garage full of tools..

but why would you want too?

PHOEBISIS · 10-10-2004, 08:01 PM

I didn't realise the Armada is independent rear-thought it was solid axle like the Titan.Live and learn.
It won't be possible to easily make the switch for a reasonable amount of money(say under $3000),unless you are very handy fabricating metal etc,and stealing parts!.It is always possible to switch stuff ,it just is absurdly expensive-say $10,000-$15000 to add independent rear to the Titan.
Factory built independent would be better than a solid rear axle in every respect-ride comfort,handling,cornering,ground clearance etc.Only possible downside is that it isn't as rugged if you plan to ram rocks with it like the slow speed offroaders do(fastest Baja vehicles are independent all around,but they try to avoid rocks).There might be some towing benefits to the solid also-could be ruggedness once again.So my vote is great idea,but way too expensive.Luck,Charlie

TITAN-IUM · 10-10-2004, 10:26 PM

I definitely agree that it would be an expensive swap, but it sure would be cool lookin to have a BAJA style Titan. I wonder if any of the mounting holes are already on the frame?

no-control · 10-13-2004, 12:02 PM

I've converted several Mustang Cobras(which have IRS) to stick axels. Stick is actually preferred in racing right now do to it beefyness and simplicity.

Converting a Titan can be done and most likely not that difficult. It would be hard to believe the the frame rails dont have the mounting points already there. It should be a bolt on affair. Similar to the Mustang. I would find it hard to believe that nissan wouldn't do it for the same platform. I would bet that most of the similar parts from an infinity SUV would also bolt into our trucks. The ride and handling would be better but I'd be willing to bet your not going to be towing 9000 lbs with that thing for very long.

Cost is mostly an issue of what your skill level is. I'm sure you could find a totalled Aramada in a junkyard and pull (or have pulled) the rear & Bolt it right up to the Titan's frame. For not much money. But if your unskilled and have to have a shop do it then yeah I can see it getting costly.

I find it hard to believe people are spending $2500+ for lifts.

rickp · 10-13-2004, 12:20 PM

just wait for the Infiniti version of the Titan. I'm sure it will have an independent rear if and when it comes out.

adjmcloon · 10-13-2004, 12:51 PM

Hey no-control,

Why would having independent rear suspension intefere with towing?

IMADOGMAN · 10-13-2004, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adjmcloon

Hey no-control,

Why would having independent rear suspension intefere with towing?

Armada has a 9100 lb Tow rating...

adjmcloon · 10-14-2004, 07:04 AM

Oh, yeah. I wouldn't tow 9500 with my Armada anyway..

It sure does pull my 6500# cargo trailer around with ease though!

no-control · 10-14-2004, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adjmcloon

Hey no-control,

Why would having independent rear suspension intefere with towing?

It doesn't interfere. But I wouldn't want to tow anything heavy with an IRS. It will tow it don't get me wrong. Otherwise it wouldn't be rated to tow! I just think the longevity isn't as good as a stick axle. IRS isn't as strong.

pciley · 10-19-2004, 10:05 PM

Due to differences in vehicle lengths, you would obviously need a CUSTOM drive shaft.

I would go for the QX56 rear end, it has air ride/auto leveling, etc. although that can be added aftermarket, just nice and clean for everything to be OEM or Nissan parts.

I like the fact that when the rear end articulates over obstacles, the IRS system would keep the entire width of the tires on the ground, rather than riding on an edge like solid axle.

ALSO the obvious ground-clearance advantage would be nice.

Just watching BAJA and SCORE races on TV makes IRS seem so desirable and advantageous.

I agree that it would cost "un chingo dinero" to do it right though. Maybe wait till the vehicle is out of warranty....?

Titan4x4Aggie · 10-23-2004, 07:59 AM

hummer has IRS. put the diff much higher (right next to the bed), and you would have like 14+" of ground clearance.

nice!

BlackSnake2001 · 10-23-2004, 10:32 AM

I'm with No-Control..

I've swapped to a Solid Axle in my Cobra and installed my IRS into my old GT Vert.. It was cake..

I don't know 100% about the Titan, but it's worth looking into for people that want to do it.