stephen mills replied:

Who told you you need to upgrade your suspension??

Maybe you only think this, but nevertheless why is it not suitable as is?
steve

ExplorOz Team replied:

John,We had a troopie and had excellent reliable travel for over 2 years of solid outback 4WDing. Most of the site content on ExplorOz.com has come from using our troopie. Anyway, we took the vehicle without fussing to much on suspension upto Cape York. During this trip we left our trailer in Cairns and did the trip in the vehicle only - Well the first thing that we did when we returned to Cairns 4 weeks later was to replace the enitre suspension system. I believe that the car had the standard spring packs with OME shocks. The major problem with the standard springs and our vehicle weight was that as soon as we encounted any holes in the road (bulldust covered, rain channels etc) the car bottomed out on the stopper rubbers and then proceeded to launch itself sideways up the road - No we do not travel at high speed. Most of the problems were encounted at 80km/hr on the major roads. At this time we fitted a set of 9 spring rear packs which were re-manufactured from the original springs. Both front and rear leaf packs were replaced, we opted to keep the OME shocks (lasted 3 more months). The net result was about 50mm extra clearance, a little stiffer (the only negative)and significant gains in safety. We then proceeded to travel for 2 more years continiously with this vehicle and had no problems on any road that we encounted.We fitted springs from Wilkinsons Springs however, the exact requirements are best gauged by off-road suspension experts. We would strongly suggest that you seek out a quality suspension expert and have a system configured to suit the your weight and driving requirements.Good Luck.If you are in Perth then go and see WA Suspensions in Osbourne Park - This is not a plug they are truely excellent.

Jim Robinson replied:

Assuming your vehicle has not done a great deal in its life thus far it is probably not necessary to upgrade your suspension, but this question can only be answered by you. I was one of a party of two who did the Canning in 1999 with 2 1988 troopys and both towing Track trailers. One had original suspension although well serviced during its life regarding bushes and had greasable pins, and the other with the same arrangement but new front (Ultimate) springs prior to the trip. Both vehicles had no suspension problems and indeed not even a flat tyre between them and the trailers for the whole trip which went for 12500km. Its your call regarding the suspension modifications.