I recently test-drove a 2007 Xterra "off-road", and the handling on-road seemed rather soft and unresponsive compared to my '03 Pathfinder.

I'm sure I'm not alone in wanting a vehicle that will spend 95% of its time on pavement, and only need serious off-road capability once in a while.

I know the OEM tires are designed for off-road, and there is a lot to be gained from replacement there, but are there any suspension upgrades / tweaks that would also significantly improve handling? Would replacing the stock Bils help much?

Please don't flame me for asking a question that's rather similar to one callerys asked regarding his '06 a few months ago!

TIA

A lot of people have found that stiffer shocks do help sharpen the ride and control, and of course, street tires, rather than AT's, are better on the road.

Timbren bumpstops have also been used successfully, as they are longer, but softer...so that the truck leans on them sooner/gets some suspension support in turns, etc., w/o jarring stop impact hard compounds give.

You could get a spare set of tires for street duty/play duty...and swap them on as needed.