Shockies for the 80 series

Hi Nick & Glenda

I can only comment on Tough Dog as a steering damper, and it seems to work well. As for shockies, I use Old Man Emu on my 80 and have had a good run with them. Been on some awful roads, and across the Simpson Desert twice, and had no problems. Only issue is the position of the rear shocks, in front of the axle. Toyota engineers had a brain freeze on that one, as the shocks cop a lot of stone damage in that position. I've solved the problem by putting a piece of straight radiator hose the same length as the fully compressed shock over the lower tube (just make sure it's not tight on the upper tube when it compresses!!) The rubber stops the stone damage completely.

As you say, comfy travels.

PS if you want a smooth ride on rough roads, try lower tyre pressures - works a treat, and despite the rubbish some people spout about tyre damage, it's better for your suspension, your vehicle, and your back. And I lose far less tyres now I run lower pressures on the rough stuff.

Cheers
John

"still not quite what we need"

what do you need? and why were they not up to scratch?
Might make it easier to get an objective (rather than subjective) answer?

I recently had a set of Blue Max shockies put on my 80 Series by the guys at Coastal 4x4 in Jandekot. They are a decent shockie and the guys there were really good to deal with and know their stuff. If you give them a call I am sure they will help you.

No affiliation other than a happy customer :-))

You could also try www.offroad80s.com which is a new site for 80 Series owners.

Karl

Hi

I have the Tough Dog Ralphs and love them, they are adjustable and I have the incab kit. They have done corner country in NSW and a couple of other trips in western NSW also Cape York as well as the Vic High country. Also lots of black stuff and fully loaded with them set on firm the cruiser sits flat, not bad for a 5" lift with 35" tyres, of road they tend to last longer than the other vehicles that I have travelled with.

Have fun

Craig

We have 2'' lift in the front 3'' in the back and use King Springs and Ultima Big Bore Shocks. $770 fitted and have done an outstanding job with a massive load on our trip last yr.

When its loaded (and the same with towing I spose) it evens the car out and has a great ride....

looked at getting tough dog but went this way instead for reasons that i cannt remember....!

Laura

Hi Nick and Glenda,
We had Rancho 9000's. Great ride but they failed after three years whilst on a trip up the Oodnadatta track. We had them replaced in Alice by Country Diesel who advised that virtually the only shocks that don't come back for warrantly claims are Monroe's. Old Man Emu are good too and are made by Monroe. OME's valving is different and they carry a price premium due to name/marketing budget. We had rubber fitted to protect the shocks and it sure works. One last thing. I suggest you go for twin tube shocks like those recommended above for greater cooling. Ranchos are single tube Tough Dog could be re-branded Ranchos?
Cheers

Ralph

Have not used Billstein, but any mono tube gas (cooler running) on the front is a good idea in my view (I've used mono Koni's on the front of the Jack and they have been very good over long distance corrugations). Even though heat is an issue, twin tubes on the back seem the go, to withstand stone attack (XGS was my choice for the rear) - those Ralphs are huge !!

Have had most of the brands over the years and my 80 sits and rides niceley on Bilsteins. Wouldn't part with them for another brand.

Thanks to all of you for your help. We certainly look after tyre pressures and speed and all the other safety things. After all, there is a lot more country still out there to explore. We'll be off again soon with the new shockies and let's hope we meet some of you out there somewhere.
Cheers