Parts for your 2004 Nissan Navara-Struts

2004 Nissan Navara (D22): This ute doesn’t use struts

For the 2004 Nissan Navara sold in Australia and New Zealand (D22 series), “struts” aren’t part of the suspension design. Instead, it runs independent double‑wishbone front suspension with torsion bars and separate shock absorbers, and a solid rear axle with leaf springs and separate shocks. That layout is confirmed in factory literature and workshop texts, including the Nissan D22 Navara/Frontier Factory Service Manual (Front Suspension/FA and Rear Suspension/RA sections), period Nissan Australia specification sheets for the D22, and mainstream suspension catalogues (e.g., KYB/Monroe listings) that specify shock absorbers rather than MacPherson struts for this model.

Why no struts on a 2004 Navara? A torsion‑bar double‑wishbone front end suits a workhorse ute: it’s tough, keeps ground clearance tidy, and copes well with off‑road use and accessories like bull bars or winches. The rear leaf‑spring/live‑axle setup is built for load carrying and towing. A MacPherson strut would add height and isn’t as common on body‑on‑frame utes of this era. It’s worth noting some later Navaras (like the D40 introduced after 2004) use a front coil‑over shock on double wishbones, some sellers casually call that a “strut”, but it still isn’t a MacPherson strut.

If someone’s hunting “2004 Navara struts”, what they actually need are shock absorbers. Up front, the shocks sit alongside the torsion bars within the double‑wishbone assembly, down the back, they pair with the leaf springs.

• When to replace shocks: look for oil weeping, uneven tyre wear, poor stability over corrugations, extra bounce after speed humps, or clunks from worn bushes.
• Service tips: replace shocks in axle pairs, torque all fasteners at normal ride height, and inspect upper/lower control arm bushes, ball joints, sway‑bar links, and rear spring bushes while you’re there.
• Alignment: any change to front ride height (including torsion bar adjustments) affects camber/toe, so get a wheel alignment after front suspension work.

Technical sources referenced: Nissan Navara (D22) Factory Service Manual – Front and Rear Suspension sections, Nissan Australia D22 specification sheets (2004 model year), KYB and Monroe AU/NZ shock absorber catalogues for D22 applications.

Popular questions

Does a 2004 Nissan Navara have struts?
No. The 2004 D22 uses torsion‑bar double wishbones with separate front shocks and a leaf‑spring rear axle with separate shocks. That layout is detailed in the Nissan D22 factory service manual and 2004 spec sheets, and reflected in major shock catalogues listing shocks, not struts, for this model.

What should be replaced instead of struts on a 2004 Navara?
Shock absorbers. While you’re in there, it’s smart to check upper/lower control arm bushes, ball joints, sway‑bar links, steering tie‑rod ends, and rear spring bushes/U‑bolts. Replace shocks in pairs and book a wheel alignment if front ride height or suspension geometry’s been touched.

How long do the shocks last on a 2004 Navara?
It depends on use. On mixed bitumen and light loads, many see 80,000–120,000 km. Heavy towing, outback tracks, or corrugations can shorten that. Watch for leaks, fade over repeated bumps, nose‑dive under brakes, or a choppy ride—signs it’s time for fresh shocks.