Winch

Thanks Tim.

Tim
Read that you have IFS and done suspension work to it can you let us know what you done and what is damage with cost and any problems so far ?.

thanks mark

Mark,

I got the 100s IFS suspension 'kit' done by Darren McRAE at ATS4x4 in Geelong, Vic. Darren worked up the package some time ago. Macquarrie 4x4 started using Darren's kit and a NSW supplier and fitter - I think this may have now changed.

The package consists of the diff drop kit to reduce stresses to the CV's due to increased angles associated with the lift. Heavier torsion bars and HD rear springs take care of the weight - with Bilstein shocks all round.

Darren also offers the ARB lower arm fix - but instead of drilling and tapping the arms as suggested by ARB he gets an engineer in and has them welded on. IMHO this must be better as there are no bolt holes and any short coming in the factory weld may be fixed at the same time. There was some discussion as to the legality of drill/tapping suspension components on another forum.

The finished product doesn't give 'mega-lift' however I feel it actually improves handling with more direct feel to the steering. The ride hasn't suffered at all but I do travel fairly well loaded all the time.

With the camper hooked up the rear height reduces by no more than 10-15mm. I didn't worry about air-bags due to this.

Darren's design has been proven many times over as he is the prefered fitter of suspension packages for the LCOOL members who often go to far flung places with corrugations etc out in the centre.

I can't rate the package highly enough - more than happy.

I gained about 75mm at the rear and about 40 at the front. I have front and rear bars, fridge, drawers and recovery gear all the time. All up, probably carrying about 350-400kgs full time.

A4WDM did an article about six months ago on the Maquarrie Suspension package - as said earlier this is Darren's package I have. Darren will forward the whole package to a fitter near you if required.

As usual - no affiliation - just bloody happy. :-)

Sorry Mark,

Got a bit carried away on my soap box - geez, I'm still impressed :-)

Cost was about $2300 - but don't quote me on that - I don't choose to remember figures that well - plausible deniability with SWMBO........

tim,

thanks a lot this helps me heaps at least now i know how to go about it

thanks a lot
mark

No prob's - happy to help out.

Craig,

More than happy with the suspension upgrade - and the service - went for the heavy duty rear springs - don't need airbags with the camper in tow now - no sag!

Steering feels more direct too. I would recommend it to anyone - also got the arms welded with the ARB bracket - no issues there either.

Just make sure the bash plate is reset hard up against the radiator. ;(

Richard,

I know what you mean - I didn't get this done and never have had a problem with crossings up to grill + bow wave. Before our trip last week - fair bit of rain down this way - I decided to fabricate a piece of 3mm x50mm angle. I drilled the respective three holes and fitted this above the spacers on the bash guards. The leading edge of the angle hangs down and blocks the gap between the plates. Quite a few crossings later and everythings ok. Total cost about $7.50

Time will tell - hopefully....

Thanks Mark..I'll take a look. Regards Craig

Hi Cruiser,
No work done yet. I noticed that Mark has had some upgrades very similar to what I am considering. I'll probably make my decision within the next few weeks. I have just ordered a Safari snorkel, Black Widow drawers, dual battery and rear work light. Will also most likely get the winch installed at the same time. Just have to wait for a couple of more pays to go into the bank account before ordering the suspension.

I too have a boat, but from what I can gather unless you have a heavy tow ball weight air bags should not be required with the upgraded springs.
Regards
Craig

Roger
gone to aldi veb side cannot find the winch? what is the address or link?.

thanks
mark

Yeah. They were in the Heidelberg, Vic. store today, and on their web site last night, along with compressors. But you're right, they're not on their site tonight !! Maybe they made a blue, as the sale was listed for 14th June

Went back to Aldi again today, and they've still got the winches for $599.00. 4,300 Kg. capacity. and remote controller. No idea of the brand or quality though. Dozens of them in boxes stacked up.

Forget the placky bag, just power the winch in & out 4 or 5 metres every couple of months to keep the cogs lubricated & solinoids free. More winches seem fail due to not be used particually the Warn low mounts as they simply aren't waterproof.
Cheers Craig.......
Ramsey 9500lb

My Magnum 9000 is in its third year and looks like new. It has had to work a couple of times including once where I used it to pull the roo bar back off the car after a triple wammy 'roo hit.

I can't fault it and took it off my old fourby and put it onto the Landy.

Cheers

Russ.