GU Suspension
Submitted: Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 11:12
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RussellV
Hi All - This may have been covered somewhat but.. The shockies on my GU wagon are up for renewal. I was considering replacing them with Bilsteins all round and poly air bags in the rear for the big trips and leaving the coil springs as standard. Is this a wise move or are there better options (bearing in mind that I do not have a bottomless pit of funds to spare)? I am aware that a lack of lift in the
suspension may limit where I can get to but you'd be surprised where careful driving and standard
suspension goes!
Thanks in advance!
Reply By: flappan - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 11:24
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 11:24
You are certainly at top end of the market with Bilstein Shocks. thats you choice though.
As for springs. Your adding air bags. You do a LOT of towing , a little towing ???
When I do my GU , I tow a Camper trailer. I'm going to use medium springs (probably progressive), and also add Air Bags , cause the only time
mine gets really loaded , is when towing. I want a decent ride for Mums Taxi duties. In my opinion , the heavy duty springs are too harsh , unless a reasonable load is onboard all the time (drawers , fridge, gear etc)
AnswerID:
81711
Follow Up By: RussellV - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 11:50
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 11:50
Probably towing in the future but not at the moment. I usually try and avoid towing as its more to look after and go wrong out in the rough!Medium springs sound the way to go - are the standard ones medium or soft?
Cheers
FollowupID:
340900
Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 11:28
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 11:28
OME LTRs over bilsteins but they are $400ish each.
There are heaps of good value shocks that are way less than bilsteins and LTRs
OME Nitrochargers, Konis, would be the first 2 in mind.
AnswerID:
81713
Follow Up By: RussellV - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 11:53
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 11:53
Hi Truckster
Any reason for LTRs over billies? I haven't used LTRs but I have used billies and have confidence in their ability, not to say LTRs are not as good, they may be better.
Cheers
FollowupID:
340901
Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 17:16
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 17:16
I know a bloke that did some testing with them, and
yea,
well worth it..
FollowupID:
340951
Reply By: Member - Melissa - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 11:30
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 11:30
Hi Russell,
We have OEM
suspension on our GU except we've fitted Coilrite airbags for a bit of assistance when we have the campertrailer on and/or a bit of a load in the back. So far, we've found them to be absolutely marvellous. Agree with you that careful driving goes a long way towards obviating the need for a
suspension lift, particularly in our case as these days our 4WDriving is generally limited to what is required to get us from point A to point B, rather than 4WDriving as a hobby in itself.
:o) Melissa
AnswerID:
81714
Follow Up By: RussellV - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 11:55
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 11:55
Hi Melissa
Sounds like you do much the same sort of driving we do! We use the 4wd to access the remote areas then hike in! Is there any reason why you went for coilrite over polyair?? I have only heard of polyair in my limited experience.
Cheers
FollowupID:
340903
Follow Up By: Member - Melissa - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 12:05
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 12:05
Hi Russell,
In the end it came down to $$$. I'd asked around here and on another
forum about airbags and whilst most people seem to go with Polairs, those that had Coilrites also gave positive feedback. When we were shopping around for airbags, our local TJM came up with a good price for a set of Coilrites so we went with them. Interestingly, this TJM was no longer selling Polairs, moving instead to Coilrites. They reckoned they were just as good but easier to fit as the air lines just push into self-locking fittings rather than Polairs which have to be screwed in. Not a big deal I don't suppose but in the end we came to the conclusion that there isn't much to pick between the two brands.
:o) Melissa
FollowupID:
340905
Reply By: ferris - Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 12:14
Tuesday, Oct 26, 2004 at 12:14
Hi RussellV,
Have a read backthru some of the threads, as there is a mention of GU's equipped with air bags breaking rear spring mounts in harsh conditions. Apparently the airbags don't allow the spring to 'give' as much as they should. In my GU, I upgraded to a medium spring, and heavy duty shockers, with a 2 inch lift, which settled in about 30mm higher than original. The ride is good, except when low on fuel, she bounces around a bit then. I do a fair bit of towing, but most of the time, it's Mum's taxi. We're happy with the setup.
Ferris
AnswerID:
81723