A comman thing on alot of Patrols is collapsed leaf springs, I have three Patrols with this problem. When loaded correctly the clearance between your axel and the bump stop should be 1.81" if it is less your springs are in bad shape. On one of my Patrols this measurement is less than 1/2" so the springs are shot. When restoring the suspension on your Patrol you have a few choices....
First, you can get the Ironman 2.5" lift kit, I hear this is a great kit but will not be stock in look or ride. The kit runs $1100....it is fairly complete.
Second, Richard at Motorcare can get an aftermarket spring that is a copy of the stock leafs, he can get them in both standard and HD formats. This is a good choice if you are looking to keep it stock, springs run about $225-250 each USA dollars plus shipping. You will have to have these shipped by boat though unless you want to pay huge shipping costs, shipping by boat will still be expensive.
Third, you can get stock springs from Nissan but currently not from Nissan of America. The stock springs are available just not in the USA...cost is over $300 a spring but this is the best choice when going for an all original resto. Hopefully soon these will be available in standard and HD form direct from Nissan via Japan.
Fourth, several other companies in Australia sell aftremarket leaf springs, all are lift kits ranging from 2"-4" lift. You will have to dig to find them but they are out there....I am unsure of cost but would expect them to be around the same cost as the Ironman.
Lastly, bushings, shocks and the rest of your suspension can be rebuilt using used parts (bad if full resto) or just match them up with things for other vehicles. Some things are still available from Nissan but in limited quanities such as shock bushings and some are not like rebound stopper rubber.
Hope this helps some of you trying to resto the suspension on your Patrol....like I said flat leafs are pretty comman on our old Patrols.
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