Wheelerdog replied:

the arb place dealt with basically recommended what i needed based on the information i provided them. ie what i was carrying and what equipment was bolted on.

I had a suspension kit fitted last thursday and it is terrific, I took it up the bridabellas on sunday and gave it a fair flogging and they are great.

I have heavy springs in the front with firm shocks they advised to always use firm shocks in the front to reduce body roll.

In the rear i went for medium springs with comfort shocks. i don't have a rear bar or wheel carrier and i was glad they recommended the rear set up as i was looking ad getting heavy duty to carry the occasional heavy load. i think there kg rating are basically for attached fixtures rather than what is being carried. i could be wrong on that. ie rear bar, wheel carrier and _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx may way a certain amount so a 150kg plus spring would be needed.

my advice would be to tell them here is what i have this is what i want to do and let them come up with a recommendation. It puts it back on them if the set up is incorrect.

It worked for me i couldn't be happier.

Member - Roachie (SA) replied:

G'day Shawn,
Your rig sounds about the same as mine at the rear end.....
I'd be getting the heaviest springs and the firm shockers if I were you. I would also think that if you bought the Polyairs and asked them to fit them inside the coils as they do the job, they should have too much of a complaint about that. Otherwise you'll have to have the springs pulled out to fit the Polyairs later anyway and more labour. You could do the other bit (plumbing up the air lines etc) yourself, so long as they put the bags in with the air lines firmly attached. It's funny, cos I got my airbags fitted by Nash Off Road in Canberra a few years ago and they are a ARB dealer. Go figure!!
Just to sow a seed of doubt in your mind.....are you sure you want to go with the OME in the 1st place? I've seen a few reports on here that they're not all they're cracked up to be; but I guess every product has it's detractors.
Good luck.

flappan replied:

Here's my opinion .

What does your vehicle do when its not out 4wding ? Is it used everyday , or does it just sit and wait for the weekends to arrive.

For my use , ie , Mums taxi duties , I'm looking at Medium Progressive front and back with firm Shocks. That would allow reasonable Taxi duties without shaking your teeth out , but retain a decent offroad stance. I would also be fitting Polyairs to tow our CT. Pump these up to suit.

Bearing in mind , I doubt Polyairs would be real good for Heavy offroad work , but for most purposes would work well.

Member - Brett H (QLD) replied:

I have nothing hi tech but know from experience that in order for the springs to work they need to be loaded up. If you can't or don't carry enough liad be prepared for a rough ride.

The photo to the lower left shows me crossing the Pentecost River on the GRR. The std Troopy with 300000km on the clock with original suspension and evenly loaded to the hilt made it across towing the camper and boat. I had to pull an empty 100 series our of the river. He had heavy duty suspension with not enough weight to articulate the axles. He couldn't work out why he got stuck.

I think we have been brainwashed into buying this stuff , often unnecessarily, due to the persistent advertising by the 4wd accessory retailers who nearly ALWAYS tell us the OEM stuff won't cut it:p They , like most of us are capitalists and their ultimate business goal is to buy as low as they can and sell as high as they can.

Most purchasers of heavy duty suspension , I suspect , are seeking greater clearance rather than far heavier spring rates.

Ask this question. To what rate are these springs rated? If and When you get the answer ask for the data to support the claim.

I haven't come across a dealer anywhare who can support their product with data. Without wanting to sound cynical(sp) I think it is probable that a lot of aftermarket springs are made heavy and to sell rather than for an specific application.

Just my thooughts. Don't flogg me.

Member - Andrew(WA) replied:

Here's my view.

I've been having a similar dilema with the "what is best for me" question.

Currently in my GU, I have the factory standard suspension but with PolyAirs in the back (Fitted and purchased from ARB)!!!

I have never liked the standard ride from the factory stuff finding on road to have a stiff feel while off road it was a bit under done. I think it is a bad marriage of shockie and spring

Anyway, I fitted the air bags just prior to a big trip last year towing a 1.5 ton van 20,000km's. My opinion of the poly's is they were the best money I spent toward preparation of the vehicle giving me a level ride at the 30PSi max rated inflation. They never let me down and the arse end never bottomed out (which you do get over cattle grids and alike) with normal set up.

Off road without the van I used around 20psi in the poly's and this helps to stop the body roll.

So, what ill be looking for in my new springs will be a more comfortable ride all round and just using the poly's when and if I need them.

I'm far from an expert, but I think just about everyone recons that whichever aftermarket set up 'they' go for, its is always a better ride than before.

I'll be going for the best ride quality 'on road' then leaving the rest up to the poly airs when required.

Member - Paul replied:

why would the taxman have to pay for your suspension upgrade? Do you not have enough money to pay for it yourself? I am sure I, and other readers (tax payers) would not like to pay for your suspension upgrade while our own suspension goes un-upgraded. Perhaps the taman should look more closely at where his money is going.

Michael_FNQ replied:

If you do not carry two wheels all the time and do not have a rear long ranger tank then the OME 200kg minimum load coils will work great.
If you have two wheels all the time, leave the fridge in the back and also leave all the gear in the roller _Affordable_Storage_Drawers.aspx then ask for the GU ute 200kg coils they are heavier than the wagons and will ride great as long as you leave the weight in the vehicle. If you use these coil then you would not need polyair bags.
Definately use the heavy rear shocks.

Regardless, do not lose too much sleep over the selection, just take your vehicle in with is normal load and make sure it leaves with atleast a 25mm rake front to rear and with the height you want. Front should come up 50-60mm and the rear 60-100mm (with all your current weight it must be rear down currently) from where it is now. Once the guys at ARB see the vehicle they can select the correct coil.

Truckster (Vic) replied:

If you are only travelling once or twice a yr, then set it up for what you do most of.

Few dudes in my club now run 2 sets of springs and shocks, yes its a perfect world.. 2 hours to change all 4 shocks and springs (on a GU). They do one major 6-12 week trip a yr, and then the rest of yr drive to work. If they had the touring setup (setup for trailer, and all the storage, dual tires, 200ltrs+ fuel etc) all yr round it would handle like a pig be as rough and firm as steel bars.

It could be worth checking out, both sets of suspension also last longer.

Shawn replied:

Thanks for the info/opinions fellas

Paul - better you pay for it out of your tax than me - hehehe

Roachie - you mongrel, I've spoken to a Koni/Kings specialist here in Sydney and waiting on a price. Will compare them with OME/ARB who are just down the road

Cheers
Shawn

Shawn replied:

Went for the ARB deal.
Ordered it this afternoon and booked wagon in next week for 2 days of fitment.
Let ARB rep tell me what I needed and was happy with that.
Got 50mm lift with:
Firm Nitro Chargers all round
Medium OME springs up front and constant 200s on rear
OME steering stabiliser
Caster kit
Kaymar twin wheel carrier and
145 ltr Long Ranger fuel tank
should be good, fingers crossed.
Cheers
Shawn