XGS suspension from TJM

Hey Tim,

Price sounds about right with them doing the work, and I do think it is a good modification to make as your car like mine sits a bit too low in the standard format.

Just one thing to be mindful of is that if you wind up the front torsion bars, you will most likely sacrifice ride quality. I have seen this done before and you will feel a lot more bumps than you probably do now. A lot of places actually replace the torsion bars with stroger ones than the standard factory models in the hope of giving you the lift you need when wound up but also providing a reasonable ride.

The only other pointer I can give is to ensure that your wheels are all correctly aligned once the work is done.

I am doing the same to my 2000 Frontera and have elected to replace the torsion bars as well.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

I would ask them who manufactures the kit on the pretext that you want to know if they are from a quality springmaker.
If TJM can buy the springs from a springmaker then so can anyone else.
I know my local TJM deals in 3-4 brands of springs.

Had XGS and Series 2000 on the GQ when I first upgraded it... due to the cheap price. Suprisingly good... but rode very firm.

They are now on another GQ now, thats done the cape 2 times, and not failed yet.

If its your only choice, then go with it.

Tim.
A bit of advice from an old hand.
You are a bit embarased by the vehicle when you compared it to other vehicles.
When you ordered it you told us you knew the limitations and were going to live with them. When I read that I though 'theres a smart man' now you are disapointing me. The mods you are proposing will not make any significant difference to the vehicle when compared to the others, but the the ride and general handling of the vehicle will suffer. The end result will be an increase in frustration which may leed to a change in vehicles, if this happens you will lose the grand pluss the resale value will be greatly reduced, the total frustration will be increased, so decide to play in a differant sand pit or trade while the vehicle is still worth something. Just a friendly tip. Eric.

Tim,
King Springs make raised coils for the Gerrycan (ooops, Terracan!). A set of these would cost around $300. Add a set of OME shocks for around $140ea and your right on the money. Do your shocks actually need replacing? The standard ones will cope with the small lift no problems. IMHO the XGS heavy duty shocks would be too hard for every day use. Crank the torsion bars by about 1", get a wheel alignment and your done. On some vehicles with IFS, trimming the bump stops can help give a bit more wheel articulation after raising the front.
John

Tim

We had a XGS package from TJM (shocks, springs & steering damper) fitted to our 80 series Landcruiser about a month ago and for the money ($1095) its definitely worth it. They are a quality brand behind OME. So far we havent had any probs. Its raised our vehicle by 7cm at the front and 8cm at the back (we opted for slight heavier springs on the back for towing) They take a while to settle in and we have noticed the difference already even on bitumen.

Andrea&Dean

I would have to agree with the trade-in thing.....to a point.

I am at the point where my Rodeo isn't quite getting me to some places I want to go (due to clearance and front wheel travel mainly I think) However I am planning on going to Europe for 1-2 years in about 2 years time. I have had the vehicle for 3yrs 8months now. I would like to trade up to a 3.0 diesel Patrol but cannot see the sense in doing so now as I will be selling my fourbie when I go. So with that said I think that getting raised rear springs and doing the torsion bar wind and ball joint flip will allow me to get just that bit further down the track to keep me happy until I can get that Patrol (or whatever catches my eye when I return). I want a locker for the front too which will do wonders for the vehicle.

Although perhaps Terracan Tim is suffering from the new 4x4 owner syndrome. As when you first set out to buy a 4x4 lots of us think "I don't want to go too far. A (insert 4x4 here) will do me."

Problem with this is it is only a matter of time before you DO want to go further and find your vehicle restricts you.

When I first started I was going to get a Vitara but thought a ute would be more practical and for long trips a short wheelbase would suck anyway when you have to carry so much gear.

However now I am at that stage with the Rodeo :-(

But I can live with it for another two years I'm sure. I just need to winch more often then I would like.

I hope I have helped in some way or form (sure!?!?!?!?!?)

Utemad

Tim
Have fiited the TJM springs and xgs shocks to my May 2004 Highlander along with torsion bar lift of about 30mm, which I am now reconsidering reducing a little. Springs fitted were progressive and I thought that they would be linear following article in 4x4 Aust sometime ago. TJM home office in Brisbane informed me that progressive springs are all they have listed. Rear ride height was indeed initially increased by about 40mm but after towing 14' caravan for 4000k this appears to have reduced, but after week without van maybe increasing again. Initial impression was that 'nervouness' in car's handling was removed as noticed even by wife and car was a little bit firmer-not a bad thing-- whilst pretty happy I do have a minor concern in that it bottomed at rear a couple of times with me and four female passengers on a couple of the bumpier bitumen roads around the Tweed area and without the van and tools etc removed--will be talking again to TJM in ACT re this and apparent sag in rear that is persisting when unladen.
Note that Lovell's have torsion bars and rear springs(3 configurations) listed in their online catalogue.
For towing and maintaining levels twixt car and van am considering polyairs like most other coil sprung 4x4's .
regards
dingbat

XGS shocks are rebranded. That means they can be bought cheaper somewhere else. I can't remember the name of the manufacturer however, they are red (not Koni). The springs are made at Kings works.

Tim
Good morning, have a look at the Lovell's site as their springs for the Terracan rear come in 3 configurations of raised, std and heavy duty raised, perhaps one of these along with a hayman reese type load distribution system and maybe some polyairs would solve any sagging problem when the boat is attached, I will keep you posted on the TJM springs and their response. Sagging rear ends are a problem most standard coil sprung 4x4's have with towing and in some cases heavy duty weight distribution gear solves it, but I dont want to go to that expense to tow a relatively small and light van so am persevering with minor suspesion changes.
regards
dingbat