Symptoms
A truck that sits low or leans, harsh ride, cracked leaves, or shackles worn at the pins.
The fix, step by step
- Support the chassis and replace one axle at a time: unbolt the shock, loosen the U-bolts, remove the shackle and front pin, swap the spring pack and fit new bushes, U-bolts and shackles.
- Members point out that MQs use straight shackles and MKs stepped ones, that MK front shackle bolts are larger, and that diesel and petrol spring packs differ because of engine weight.
- Order springs to suit your engine and load.
- Avoid shackle extensions on road trucks, which can invert.
- A 2-in lift spring set with matching shocks is the usual upgrade.
Tools & part numbers
- Jacks and stands
- breaker bar
- penetrating oil
- grease gun
Where to buy the parts
Front Roadsafe leaf springs and shackles, Patrol MQ 160 1980–87SuperSpares ↗Amazon ↗
Nissan Patrol MQ suspension parts (search)Supercheap Auto ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Nissan Patrol 160 / MQ parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.