The Airbag Man Air Suspension Helper Kit fits Nissan Patrol GQ (1988-1997) and GU (1997-2016) leaf spring rear ute and cab chassis models, adding a pair of heavy-duty rubber air bags either side of the leaf pack for adjustable load support. Air pressure is varied from empty (unloaded ride) through to full (maximum accessory load) via a valve at the rear of the chassis, correcting sag caused by tow bars, canopies and camper trays without altering your standard leaf spring rate. Pair it with our leaf spring range if your factory leaves are fatigued or need replacing. In stock in Australia now, backed by a manufacturer warranty and fitment support from our team.
Browse all compatible suspension parts for your Gu using our parts finder.
| Make | Model | Series | Years | Body |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan | Patrol | GQ | 1988-1997 | Ute / Cab Chassis, leaf spring rear |
| Nissan | Patrol | GU | 1997-2016 | Ute / Cab Chassis, leaf spring rear |
Not sure if this fits your vehicle? Contact our suspension experts or check our FAQ page.
Because this is a helper kit rather than a full spring replacement, you don't need to select a spring rate - the air bags supplement your existing leaf springs and are adjusted with air pressure rather than a fixed rating. If you're carrying a genuinely heavy constant load - a permanent tray, slide-on camper or dual water tanks - talk to us about pairing this kit with uprated leaf springs rather than relying on air pressure alone. Common accessories that push GQ/GU utes towards needing this kit include tow bars, canopies, bull bars, winches and long-range fuel tanks.
Fitment is a bolt-in job most experienced DIY installers can complete with basic hand tools, though we recommend a suspension workshop if you're not confident working around leaf springs and brake lines. Wheel alignment isn't typically required after fitting an airbag helper kit alone, but if you've also changed springs or ride height, get the alignment checked. Allow a short bed-in period after fitting and re-check air pressure and fittings after your first loaded trip. These vehicles use a solid front axle on coil springs, located by radius arms and a panhard rod rather than IFS control arms, so geometry correction at lift height comes from caster-correction radius arm bushes or adjustable radius arms plus an adjustable panhard rod.
Airbag Man is an Australian manufacturer with over 25 years building airbag suspension for leaf spring and coil spring 4WDs, utes and vans. Kits are designed and warranted for local towing and touring conditions, not just adapted from overseas parts catalogues. You can view the full Airbag Man range to see helper kits for other Nissan, Toyota and Isuzu models.
This kit suits GQ/GU Patrol ute and cab chassis owners who tow caravans or trailers regularly, tradespeople running a permanent tray with tools and equipment, and tourers carrying camper trailers or slide-on units. If your rear end sags under load and headlights point at oncoming traffic, this airbag suspension kit is built to fix exactly that.
In stock now with fast Australia-wide dispatch and fitment support from our Patrol specialists - browse our full lift kit range if you're also looking to lift the front end.
New to Patrol suspension? Read our guide to common Patrol suspension problems and how to fix them.
Yes, this Airbag Man Helper Kit is built for Nissan Patrol GQ (1988-1997) and GU (1997-2016) ute and cab chassis models with a leaf spring rear end. It's not designed for wagon models with coil rear suspension - those use a different Airbag Man kit. If you're unsure which rear suspension your Patrol has, our team can confirm fitment from your rego or chassis details before you order.
This is a load-leveling helper kit, not a static lift kit, so ride height isn't fixed - it changes with air pressure. Run the bags empty for your normal unloaded ride height, then add air as you load up with a tow bar, canopy or camper to bring the rear back level. It works alongside your existing leaf springs rather than replacing them.
You get two Airbag Man heavy-duty rubber air bags, upper and lower mounting brackets, U-bolts and mounting hardware, air line with schrader valves, and full fitting instructions. A compressor and pressure gauge are not included and are sold separately, since many owners already run an onboard compressor for tyres.
Yes, correcting rear sag under a caravan or trailer tow ball load is exactly what this kit is designed for. Adding air pressure before you hook up restores level ride height, keeps headlight aim correct, and improves stability behind a loaded tow vehicle. Many GQ/GU owners run this alongside their factory leaf springs specifically for towing trips.
This vehicle runs a solid front axle on coil springs, located by radius arms and a panhard rod, so there are no upper or lower control arms to upgrade like an IFS vehicle. At around 2" of lift most vehicles run the kit as supplied; taller lifts benefit from caster correction (offset radius arm bushes or adjustable radius arms) to restore steering self-centring, plus an adjustable panhard rod to re-centre the axle. Our team can advise what your lift height and build need.
Fitting this airbag helper kit alone typically doesn't change front-end geometry, so a full wheel alignment usually isn't required. If you've also changed leaf springs, shocks, or ride height elsewhere on the vehicle at the same time, get an alignment check done as standard practice. Always check tow ball height and rear ride height once loaded to confirm the setup is correct.
This kit doesn't involve selecting a spring rate, since it's an air-adjustable helper system that works with your existing leaf springs. If your leaf springs themselves are worn or under-rated for a permanent heavy load, we can help you select a suitable replacement from our leaf spring range to pair with this kit.
Because this kit doesn't raise static ride height like a lift kit, it won't create the extra tyre clearance a taller lift would. If you're planning larger tyres, you'll need a genuine lift kit or raised leaf springs for clearance, and this airbag kit can still be run alongside that setup for load support.
This Airbag Man kit is covered by the manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Our team can confirm the exact warranty term and process for your Patrol before you order, and we handle warranty support locally rather than needing to deal with an overseas supplier.
Yes, run the air bags empty or at low pressure for daily unloaded driving and the ride stays close to standard. Add air pressure only when you're towing or carrying a heavy load, then deflate again for the commute home. This flexibility is the main advantage over a fixed heavier leaf spring for GQ/GU owners who don't tow every day.
Help other 4WDSuspension users shop smarter by writing reviews for products you have purchased.
Add your favourites to cart
Log into or create your Afterpay account, with instant approval decision
Your purchase will be split into 4 payments, payable every 2 weeks
All you need to apply is to have a debit or credit card, to be over 18 years of age, and to be a resident of country offering Afterpay
Late fees and additional eligibility criteria apply. The first payment may be due at the time of purchase
For complete terms visit afterpay.com/terms
