suspension

Jonny, problem one - "i dont carry heavy loads on the back" but "am planning on some big trips next year". Big trips will mean heavy loads. So, unless you plan to upgrade the suspension again for the big trips, you'd better puchase with that in mind now.

As for the girlfriend's wish for an extra 2" - maaate, don't they all?Be good, or be quick.
Rohan (Sydney)

So Jonny,
Are you wanting springs and shocks, or just shocks?? I am gathering that cause you want a lift, you wanna do the springs. A two inch lift shouldn't pose a problem with the front end (independant), but be sure to get the front whels aligned afterwards. When talking springs, I don't beleive that one brand stands out from the pack, so, to make it easy, I would probably go for an Old Man Emu, or TJM Series 2000 springs. They will have delt with thousands of simalar vehicles with simalar requirements. However, when shopping for shocks, I firmly beleive that money can buy you happiness, so spend as much as (sensibly) possible. I highly recomend Koni's. My brother has a set on his GQ, and he reckons they are the duck's gut's. They are adjustable, and fully rebuildable, and from what my brother say's, seem to never fade. I have been told that the OME and Series 2000 shocks are just rebadged Monroe Gas Ryder, which my brother had previously fitted to his vehicle, and from what I have been told, they arn't anything to write home about. As the above reply indicated, you can't have everything, so if you are only doing a little touring, you will be carrying heavier loads, so if you still wnted a softer ride around town, you could look at Poly Air Bags to solve your sag problems when loaded, but this will push the overall price up a little. The best peice of advice I could give you though, is to shop around.
Good Luck. Tristjo.

DO a search of forum key word suspension you will find more info than you can handle.Regards Bob
Wish i was still here / Gulf in July

Koni shocks with King springs. I have them and would NOT use anything else.

Johny.
The shocker manufacturers don't make special runs for low volume vehicles, The shockes they supply are repackaged front WB holden back is comodore with a ring instead of a stud. the rear springs use the factory main leaf with Xc falcon leaves with the centre bolt hole opened out to 10 mm. You can do the hole job and get your 2'' lift for about $ 200. Eric.

Hi Jonny,

Ive been lurking on the forum learning a lot from everyone out there so its about time I posted something...

I would call some mechanics and workshops that specialise in offroad/4wd. Ask the _mechanic_ what he has fitted to his vehicle. By all means call the "heavy marketing" shops and get their opinons too... but watch those silver toungues....

Ultimately you need to decide what you think will suit _your_ needs best and the intended use of the vehicle and type of driving you plan to do.

Things I found:

* Koni are the best but command a high price but they are rebuildable (at some expense)
* OME are a "marketing success" but many seem happy with them. btw I could have got a staff discount through my brother and I still didn't buy them....
* Rancho offer adjustment (but IMO seems like a gimmick) recently have also read of quite a few being replaced under warranty.

My mechanic does a lot of suspension and fits all the brands and witnesses first hand what comes back..... he has found that WestCoast springs (which he orders to suit the application) and Gabirel shock absorbers are a hard combination to beat for reliability and value. Thats what he put on his truck and he's done 400k with no hassles... so I got him to put them on mine. The gabriels (Blue Ryder) are USA made shocks with a 41mm bore so they should take a lot punishment before they fade compared with the smaller OME 35mm bore. 2 inch lift for my Maverick/GQ was around $1000 incl all parts and fitting. btw I think supercheap even sell the Blue Ryders now.

Good luck in your decison...