Tyre search over, suspension hunt begins.

Where are they easily and cheaply sourced from?

Koni front part no 30-1565 $219.80 ea retail
Koni rear part no 30-1566 $216.87 ea retail
Koni have a standard price across the boards. You may be able to screw somebody down but I go by their set prices.

Thanks Jason, but that was kind of my question. Do we discount Pedders for a reason or because they are simply not a 4wd shop? They quoted a further $600 EACH for torsion bar replacements, so doesn't particularly appear to be cheap. Makes a total replacement of around $2400.

Just asking

D-Jack

D-Jack,

Took the day off and looked around at more suspension shops. While I was out I had Redcliff Springs in QLD wind the torsion bars up to help with the extra weight I have on the front, it's helped raise it by about 25mm which is back to were it was before the extra's went on(It's only a short term fix).

While I was there he suggusted an EFS up-grade, which would suit my requirements. The cost was arond $1600 (fitted). They suggusted it was good value for money and compaired well agianst OME kits. They also said alot of the clubs around the area are very happy with the EFS systems and had no suspension trouble on a Cape trip last year(food for thought).

I asked the question about Pedders etc. They said the back up and network of Pedders was pretty good (simular to OME and EFS) . He did not mention that they had heard of any compliants about them (they don't normally sell Pedders).

I guess it comes down to who is going to most helpfull with fitting and after sales service in the areas we are going to travel. Redcliff Springs said if you ring up from where ever you may be they will get the parts of what ever brand I choose. They did mention that EFS do have a dealer in Weipa.

I will most likely end up with EFS arfter today's discussions with half a dozen different blokes and some friends in clubs.

Regards,

Jason

Thanks for that, something to toss up when speaking to the salesmen. As far as the springs, I do want to replace the rears. I only tow a 800 kg camper and with correct weight distribibution rear end doesn't sag much at all. I feel that by raising with polyairs it will make too firmer ride in the rear. I also want a 40mm lift in the front, don't think the polyairs are capable of a good 50mm lift without changing springs. thanks for the thought though.

D-Jack

D-Jack,

Sounds like you are more interested in a lift, in which case springs are cheap so why not?. My actual experience says that with polyairs at minimal inflation (5psi, full soft) you will still get around a 40mm rise out of the standard springs (unladen). The relative weakness of the Jack is the limited upward travel of the rear suspension which results in premature intervention of the bump stops, particularly with a load on. Lifted and slightly higher rate springs will assist with this and so will polyairs fitted inside the standard springs. IMHO it comes down to load characteristics. Constant load=Springs win. Variable load=Polyairs win. At the risk of telling you something you already know, front end travel is fixed. If you add 40mm lift, you take away 40mm down travel. There is a Calmini kit available which repalces the upper wishbone that can increase overall travel if you want to go the extra mile. Further on shocks, if the budget won't stretch the the Billys or Koni's, foam cell are a better option than gas due to fade resistance (more an issue with T/Bar IFS than Spring/Beam or Leaf/Beam) but thay can be harsh which is why the speed variable valving of the Billy is ideal. Almost anything will do in the rear.

Gerhard,

How do you find the Rancho's for corrogation fade?

Not questioning the product but bear in mind that lifts involved in extreme 4wd's often limit the number of shocks actually available to suit that application.

Hi D Jack.

Just come back from the Vic High Country. Our intention was to camp at Mayford Friday Night, but the track was closed (Even though I rang Vic Parks before we left and was assured it was open.)

So we enjoyed Blue Rag Track Friday afternoon in brilliant sunshine, went down the other side to the river, turned back and went down Basalt Knob North track, down Ritchies track and camped overnight at the little river.

Saturday continued down Basalt Knob track to Talbotville, along Crooked River Road, up Randall's Track, Down Conway track, along Wonangatta Rd, down Scrubby Creek track and camped near Collins Hut.

Today we continued along Scrubby Creek track, Black Range track, Reedy Creek Track, Freestone creek Rd back to the blacktop and home.

The Jack was carrying quite a load of gear, tent, generator, fuel, camping table, wash up table, chairs, food, drinkies, water, gas bottles, etc, and I had no problem with shocker fade. The tracks we covered included steep, rocky, potholed, rutted sections and the shocks got a pretty good workout.

Hope that helps. Next time I will probably get the RS9000 because my usage has become more rough trails than when the boys at Rancho suggested the RS5000 - I think if I discussed it with them again they would suggest the 9000.

Gerhard