Suspension Enhancement and Transmission Cooler For a 2020 Nissan Frontier Pro4X

Question:

Hello, Ill be using my 2020 Nissan Frontier Pro4X to haul a 4,000lb travel trailer around 5k lbs fully loaded this summer. Im going to be adding a small suspension lift add-a-leaf on the rear and I want to install the Firestone 2558 air springs. It looks like Ill also need the 2536 spacers to account for the 1.5inch lift from the additional leaf spring. Is that correct? I also use the truck for some moderate off-roading, so Im curious if youd recommend air spring cradles to smooth out the unloaded ride. Im also curious to hear what youd recommend to ensure a healthy transmission system while towing that close to the 6,000lb tow capacity. The 2020 is the first year that Nissan put the 3.8L engine and 9-speed transmission in the Frontier, so I couldnt find much info regarding the newer drivetrain. Is there a transmission temp gauge and/or secondary transmission cooler that youd recommend? Thanks!

asked by: Matthew

Expert Reply:

Since the add-a-leaf kit you will be adding to your 2020 Nissan Frontier Pro 4X sits below the mounts for the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs # F2558 you may not need the Lift Spacers # F2536. The best way to verify if you will need the spacers is with the upper and lower brackets for the air bags installed. The air bags are designed to have a 6" space between the mounts and you will only need the Spacers if you have between 6-1/2" and 7-1/2" between the brackets.

Since you are only needing the suspension enhancement while towing your travel trailer a Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37060ET will be a better solution. This will allow you to level your suspension while towing and also provide sway control for the trailer to keep it tracking straight on the highway. This particular system is rated for trailers under 6,000lbs with a tongue weight of 200-600lbs and it comes with a 2" hitch ball. We do have a 2-5/16" Ball # EQ91-00-6100 if your coupler is the larger size. A 1-7/8" 12pt Thin Walled Socket # ALL643216 is needed to install either hitch ball. This will also help to eliminate any damage that could come of the air bags since you will be off-roading it.

The Derale Atomic-Cool Remote Transmission Cooler Kit w/ Fan # D13950 is the transmission cooler I recommend adding to your Frontier. The cooler has a built in thermostat that will activate the fan when the transmission fluid gets above 180 degrees Fahrenheit. This is extremely helpful off-road since you are often traveling slower speeds.