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The NP300 Navara is the odd one out among dual cab utes. Most versions have coil springs at the back where every rival uses leaves. It rides better empty than the others. It also means the rear end is where most owners start modifying, because coils set up for comfort don't love a tray full of gear.
This guide is for the coil-rear D23 from 2015 on. Some of the parts also fit the Mercedes X-Class, which shares the platform.
1. Rear springs matched to your load
If your Navara sits low at the back with a canopy, drawers or a towball weight on it, the fix is springs rated for the weight you carry. With coils, you can't add a leaf or fit extended shackles the way you would on other utes.
ATI makes rear coils for the NP300 in three load ratings, each in a 50mm or 75mm lift: 0 to 150kg, 150 to 300kg and 300 to 500kg. Pick by the constant load in the tray. A spring that's too heavy for an empty ute rides harshly, and one that's too light sags again.
If you want the whole vehicle done at once, the ATI Trail Series lift kit pairs adjustable front struts with long travel rear shocks and springs.
2. Geometry parts after a lift
Because the rear axle is located by links and a panhard rod, lifting an NP300 moves more things than it does on a leaf-sprung ute.
- An adjustable panhard rod re-centres the rear axle, which shifts sideways as the body rises.
- Adjustable upper trailing arms let you correct the pinion angle on taller lifts.
- Adjustable upper control arms restore caster at the front if the alignment can't be brought into spec.
- A 45mm diff drop kit eases the front CV angles.
- An extended braided brake line kit if the hoses pull tight at full droop.
You won't need all of these at 2 inches. Our guide to what you actually need after a lift explains how to check each one.
3. A catch can
The 2.3 litre twin-turbo diesel sends oily crankcase vapour and exhaust gas back through its intake, like every modern diesel. A catch can takes the oil out. For the NP300 there's the ATI ProVent kit and the HPD billet catch can. See do you need a catch can? for how to choose.
4. Intercooler hoses and intercooler
Factory rubber intercooler hoses soften with heat and oil and can split under boost. ATI's wire-reinforced silicone hot and cold side hoses replace both. If the ute is tuned or tows, they're cheap insurance.
For engines that work hard, HPD makes a front mount intercooler kit for the NP300 that bolts on without cutting or drilling. On a stock ute doing normal duties, the hoses are enough.
5. A transmission cooler for towing
If your NP300 is an automatic and tows a van or works in sand, the HPD transcooler kit adds cooling capacity where the factory system runs out. Read do you need a transmission cooler? to see if it applies to you.
6. Small things
- An Ultimate9 EVC throttle controller for pedal response when towing or crawling.
- A fire extinguisher bracket made for the Navara cabin.
- Paracord grab handles, a tyre deflator and a recovery hitch.
For wheels, the Navara uses a 6x114.3 stud pattern, which most other utes don't. The ATI AT-01 comes in 6x114.3.
Common questions
Why does my NP300 sag at the back?
The factory rear coils are tuned for ride comfort with a light load. Add constant weight and they sit low. Springs rated for your load are the fix.
Which rear spring rating should I choose?
Go by the weight that's always in or on the tray, including a canopy and drawers. If you're between two ratings and tow often, most people go up.
Do these parts fit the D40 Navara?
Some front-end parts cover both the D40 and the D23. The D40 has a leaf-sprung rear, so the rear suspension parts are different. Check each title, and see our Navara parts collection.
Do they fit the leaf-sprung NP300?
The rear coil springs, panhard rod and trailing arms are for coil-rear models only. Some NP300 cab chassis variants have leaf springs and take different rear parts.
