Suspension 75 series 1999 Troopy

Submitted: Tuesday, Mar 05, 2013 at 17:24

ThreadID: 100914 Views:5110 Replies:9 FollowUps:9

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Chantelle J1

Hi all,

I know this question has been asked many times and I've had a look through the Archives, however I'm looking for some specific advice. I'm considering whether to redo my suspension. Here's the background info:

It's 1999 75 Series Troopy with a bull bar, aluminium roof rack and a fridge in the back. Other than that it's pretty standard. It has the original suspension and when I bought it just over 2 years ago it had done 170 000 km. It was originally an SES vehicle in Perth, then was owned by a guy in Derby WA who did some beach stuff with it, nothing too serious. When I got it mechanically checked before I bought it, the guy said the suspension was getting pretty worn. It's now done 220 000km with no problems. However, it's getting pretty creaky in the front and needs new shackle bushes (approx $120). I don't plan on adding a winch to it, but may add drawers in the back at some stage. I may also get a camper trailer in the future.

I'm taking it from Victoria to a Sanctuary 350km NW of Alice Springs and then onto the Canning Stock Route up to Well 12.

I just got a quote from a guy at the local ARB for just under $3000! fitted for a new OME leaf spring suspension kit, front and rear, 400kg (medium duty) rated. He said that's custom-fitted to suit the vehicle and takes into account the accessories on my vehicle and where I plan to take it. This seems pretty extravagant to me.

My question is given my vehicle's history and where I plan to take it, is new suspension recommended? If so, can people recommend some good suspension places in Victoria anywhere between Melbourne and East Gippsland. I plan on ringing around and getting some more quotes, just need to know where to start. I don't mind paying for decent products, as I will be taking this remote. I just don't want to get ripped off!

Thanks in advance everyone.

Chantelle

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Reply By: Member - Joe n Mel n kids (FNQ - Tuesday, Mar 05, 2013 at 17:48

Reply By: Member - Brian A (QLD) - Tuesday, Mar 05, 2013 at 18:00

Reply By: Member - John and Val - Tuesday, Mar 05, 2013 at 18:16

Tuesday, Mar 05, 2013 at 18:16

Chantelle,

Our Troopy is much older than yours and has done at least double your km. Like you, leaf springs all round. If I were in your position I would replace the bushes - no question about that - you NEED them! The advice you've got from the ARB distributor would be enough to ensure that I never go back there again.

Before embarking on your proposed trip, I'd have front and rear wheel bearings repacked with grease and ensure that the front hub assemblies are checked for wear. Much more important than replacing springs! For a big trip, I'd leave home having had a full all over lubrication - engine, diffs, gearbox and transfer case, and the tail shafts greased. It would be worth talking to a local 4WD club who should be able to point you to known good 4WD mechanics; you might even have a knowledgeable club member offer to cast a skilled eye over your vehicle!

Unless there is obvious failure, I would NOT replace shock absorbers, as some might encourage you to do. (Having leaf springs rather than coils, the springs do much of the work that would otherwise need to be done by the shocks.)

Important where you're going - you must know when to drop your tyre pressures and carry a good pressure gauge and a compressor to reinflate. On gravel we drop pressure by about 20% and on sand about 50% below bitumen pressures. This gives much better traction and a much smoother ride - better for the vehicle and for yourself. You MUST reduce speed when running at reduced pressures.

HTH

Cheers

John

J and V
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AnswerID: 506116

Follow Up By: Rockape - Tuesday, Mar 05, 2013 at 18:54

Tuesday, Mar 05, 2013 at 18:54

Very sound advise.

FollowupID: 783079

Follow Up By: Chantelle J1 - Tuesday, Mar 05, 2013 at 22:39

Tuesday, Mar 05, 2013 at 22:39

Cheers John. Good advice. I was definitely going to replace the bushes. I'll think hard before doing anything else with the suspension unless it really needs it. Driving advice will also save me some trouble in the desert. Much appreciated.

FollowupID: 783089

Follow Up By: Member - John and Val - Wednesday, Mar 06, 2013 at 08:26

Wednesday, Mar 06, 2013 at 08:26

Forgot to mention - Our Troopy's springs and shocks were all original until the leader of a challenging remote trip insisted that all participants renew their shocks. Unnecessary really, but for peace and quiet... (If you do ever replace yours, keep the old ones as spares.) The springs were all originals too until Troopy broke a rear one on the Canning and we fitted a new pair, keeping the survivor as a spare.

I strongly believe in thorough maintenance but "if it's not broke, don't fix it"

Cheers

John

J and V
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
- Albert Einstein

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Follow Up By: edwin - Wednesday, Mar 06, 2013 at 13:48

Wednesday, Mar 06, 2013 at 13:48

I have to agree with John and Allan B here, very good advice.Have the full service done inc oils and belts(save old belts as spares), make sure you get confirmation that the timing belt has been replaced before(IMPORTANT)
I spent some time as a mechanic up in Seisia(cape york)and have seen most things tested, tortured and broken up there, have your suspension checked by some one independant and reputable, if the springs are worn or sagged,replace them otherwise just do the bushes. take a couple of spare ubolts as have seen a few of them break and if not caught in time could be disasterous.A very common fault we had was the front swivel hub bearings collapsing causing the wheel to fall inward and if unlucky damaging the swivel housing and stub assembly(a lot of people forget about these hub bearings).save your money on springs and have the hubs overhauled ,as a bonus the front wheel bearings will form part of this process. (keep the oldies as spares if replaced) but get a quote first including parts,anywhere from 4-7 hours labour,depends on whose doing it as can vary greatly. cheaper to supply your own parts,but dont tell them that until you get the quote as sometimes the quote will be inflated if they dont supply you the parts,can get o/haul kits off ebay just make sure all bearings are japanese not chinese. ps- dont forget to take a few spare primary and secondary fuel filters with you. you may not know how to change them if you get bad fuel but someone around you will or ask your mechanic to show you how.
have a great trip
ed