Isuzu d max 2012

Submitted: Friday, Feb 08, 2013 at 21:28
ThreadID: 100456 Views:8781 Replies:7 FollowUps:3
This Thread has been Archived
Asking owners of the 2012 - D Max. If you have any concerns about rear leaf springs , fitted to the 2012 model
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Top End Az - Friday, Feb 08, 2013 at 21:40

Friday, Feb 08, 2013 at 21:40
What in particular are your concerns ?
AnswerID: 504344

Reply By: Colleen F1 - Friday, Feb 08, 2013 at 21:48

Friday, Feb 08, 2013 at 21:48
Have just purchased one and while we are well under the load weight , the springs sit all most flat ,
AnswerID: 504345

Follow Up By: olcoolone - Friday, Feb 08, 2013 at 22:45

Friday, Feb 08, 2013 at 22:45
Leaf springs can be flat or inverted..... everyone thinks the springs are stuffed when this happens but they are not and will still work OK.

You bump stops are the limiting factor.

The problem with leaf springs in utes is comfort, load and handling..... near impossible to get all three so they settle on comfort and handling, the only way to get the load rating is to have springs that will invert.... if they didn't invert under load you would have a very harsh and unstable ride.

You have to remember the max load rating is a max load rating and the rating is not for constant weight...... constant weight may be 50-60% of the max weight.
0
FollowupID: 781135

Reply By: Ross M - Friday, Feb 08, 2013 at 23:52

Friday, Feb 08, 2013 at 23:52
Colleen F1
The previous model had a spec of 80 mm between the bump rubbers and the axle.
Your has the spring on top, but the distance from the bump pad and the rubber bump is what is the important bit.
With a load it will decrease, but how much distance you have left with the load is vital so you don't heavily bottom out the suspension.
As mentioned above, ride and comfort/control is designed in but usually at the expense of ride height when loaded.

Previous models have extremely poor, low performing shock absorbers which allow multiple rebound effects on the front wheels.
I hope the new one is better, couldn't be worse.

If you intend to use the vehicle with a towed weight behind it, the rear springs and possibly the shock absorbers too (at both ends) will have to be upgraded at some time.

Hopefully they are much better and this won't be an issue. New owners will have direct results to report.

Ross M
AnswerID: 504349

Reply By: Isuzumu - Saturday, Feb 09, 2013 at 08:07

Saturday, Feb 09, 2013 at 08:07
We found the original suspension is far from satisfactory the bump stops where shiny and you could feel every bump in the road, we now have a full replacement suspension and the ride and handling has improved 100%. A couple of photos of before and after.
AnswerID: 504360

Follow Up By: Member - Kevin S (QLD) - Saturday, Feb 09, 2013 at 17:04

Saturday, Feb 09, 2013 at 17:04
The new vehicle is looking very smart, Bruce. Are you counting the sleeps yet?
Cheers,
Kevin
Kevin
It is important to always maintain a sense of proportion

2019 Mitsubishi Cross

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 781207

Reply By: gbc - Saturday, Feb 09, 2013 at 09:25

Saturday, Feb 09, 2013 at 09:25
The cab chassis dmax/Colorado came factory standard with HD springs and and extended wheel base. The tub side versions have a comfort setup. We'd need to know which one you got first. Personally I hope they never drop the hd cab chassis from the lineup, but people keep getting the up spec tub versions then complain the springs aren't hard enough?
AnswerID: 504362

Follow Up By: Thinkin - Saturday, Feb 09, 2013 at 10:46

Saturday, Feb 09, 2013 at 10:46
Looks like the readers are'nt able to determine which model Dmax Colleen F1 is talking about, current model 2012 or superceded 2012.
Current model Dmax do not have option of different wheelbases, all are now 3095mm.
Alpero
0
FollowupID: 781163

Reply By: buick - Saturday, Feb 09, 2013 at 15:25

Saturday, Feb 09, 2013 at 15:25
Hi Colleen F1
I have a D Max 2012 (current model) Space Cab Trayback since July 2012. Although it is a fantastic vehicle I found that my springs were flat or worse with only half a load.
As with all similar vehicles of all brands they err on the comfort side and the springs are generally too soft.

I only had 100mm between rear springs and chassis,( not bump stop) instead of 150mm.
I contacted Westralia Springworks in Dowd St, Welshpool WA and told them my problem. They hot reset my springs 50mm and inserted an extra leaf. This resulted in the vehicle being the correct height when loaded but still comfortable to ride in.
The handling and the geometry of the vehicle had not changed and the vehicle could now carry a full load without the springs being flat.
While there I noticed many brand new similar vehicles of all brands having similar correction carried out before the owners took posession. This cost me $440.
If you are in another State contact a local Springworks and they should be able to help you. Check your wheel alignment after you have had the work done.

Buick
AnswerID: 504396

Reply By: Warren B - Saturday, Feb 09, 2013 at 19:14

Saturday, Feb 09, 2013 at 19:14
Hi colleen, although we have a 2011 D-max I though I would add our experience. we have had ours lifted 2" and have an ironman suspension (Bad choice ) In holiday mode the tub has Battery, Engel, toolbox, Genny, Chainsaw, and metal detectors x4. our van has a ball weight of 260kgs. I reluctantly use WDH so are currently looking into airbags. The reason we changed suspension was a mate had standard set up on his and it didn't like our van on the back at all, and givern where we take it we opted to upgrade the suspension.
Cheers Warren
AnswerID: 504413

Sponsored Links