How to best fix tubby ride?

[foxpro Member Find all posts View Profile Close foxpro]

Ok, I see, several factors to consider.
- 4wd does not drive like a 2wd. Fair enough, it is me who has to adjust to an extent.
- Roll and dive is somewhat inherent. Payload and lift will pronounce it. Suspension upgrade can counterbalance it to some extent.

From that and the fact that the vehicle will be used as a tourer I'm now looking at a suspension upgrade plus 2" lift.
So far I have prices (fitted) for:
Standard King Springs and Bilstein Shocks $1675
Tough Dogs (9 step adjustable) $1680
Ironman Foam cell $1700

Leaning towards Tough Dogs for adjustability atm. Any insights?

[Guest Close Guest]

Unless things have changed recently, the TD adjustable knobs have been known to get knocked off by flying stones.

The job of the coils is to carry weight. The job of the shocks is to dampen the movement of the suspension. When you are cornering and braking, there is weight transfer occurring. To try and reduce this, shocks of a higher damping rate will help. But we are driving a 4WD. It is not meant to corner flat like a low slung sedan. There will definitely be an improvement when changing to aftermarket suspension like the TJM, OME, Bilstein shocks coupled with the appropriate spring rate to carry the weight of the accessories.

If you are looking to add more accessories later in the form of a bullbar, winch, etc but wish to change the suspension now, then consider shocks like the Bilsteins where you can adjust the preload to accept more weight later on. This way, you don't have to change out the coils when you add more weight.

[Heath74 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Heath74]

Have had both billies and TDs I don't think you will go wrong with either.

[foxpro Member Find all posts View Profile Close foxpro]

Alright. 2:1 for Bilstein. Will go with them then.

[reggie426 Member Find all posts View Profile Close reggie426]

Get a quote for the adjustable Bilsteins, that's what is in my combo

[foxpro Member Find all posts View Profile Close foxpro]

This is not a DIY job for noobs, is it? I have the time and would like to learn.

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

Dobinsons combo.

That's a suspension company that does springs & shocks.
Great value for money, Aussie company & a bit cheaper too.

As a Price guide, i usually do the kit fitted for $1200.00, (special pp price) you could get it off Dobinsons Sydney, id expect about $1400.00.
Great service too!

You can fix the ride without a 50mm lift if you don't need lift. You just need new struts & shockers every 80k (they wear) also firmer springs, not necessarily higher.

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

This is not a DIY job for noobs, is it? I have the time and would like to learn.

Yes it's quite simple.

[Heath74 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Heath74]

Rear is a piece of cake, front is a little more complex.

[foxpro Member Find all posts View Profile Close foxpro]

Getting the hands dirty, now I'm starting to like it.

[404pug Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 404pug]

Heath 74. Don't know about the increased dive and roll with the raised suspension. I know that is the theory but the reality is just the opposite ie. much less roll and dive and much better handling. I have OME medium all round and Polyair bags in the rear.

[MDSimpson Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close MDSimpson]

DIY is easy, if you prepare.
The rears are dead simple, with the right tools. Jack, chassis stands etc. (use the bottle jack to lower the diff even further than it falls).
As for the fronts, I learnt the hard way, pay a little xtra to get the fully assembled units including a new top hat.

When I did my 120, the rear took me about 25 mins, including Polyairs, did these on my own.
Fronts took the best part of a day, and I had help.. Having the pre assembled units, I could of had it done in maybe two hours?

[Guest Close Guest]

DIY for the front can be easy too. http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...ade-for-Grande

[foxpro Member Find all posts View Profile Close foxpro]

DIY for the front can be easy too. http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...ade-for-Grande

Wow, that is some neat installation guide! Induces the necessary courage to pull this off.
Ok, list of requirements appears reasonable. Already grabbed a 2t trolley jack at Repco for $99 (1/2 special). 25kg unit. Appears solid. Not tried yet.
No torque wrench capable of 225NM. Will see.

[foxpro Member Find all posts View Profile Close foxpro]

As for the fronts, I learnt the hard way, pay a little xtra to get the fully assembled units including a new top hat.

Good advice but assembled kits appear rare and dear? I looked at climax suspension and they list the assembled kits for about $300 more than unassembled. That seems to defeat the purpose of DIY. For a few dollars more a garage would do the whole job. Maybe I'm missing something here.

Edit: My bad. Difference is $140. Was missing the included coil before.