HJ61 adding coils worth it or not??

Submitted: Friday, Dec 21, 2007 at 15:55

ThreadID: 52745 Views:3410 Replies:5 FollowUps:1

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WA Joe

Have just purchased a 89 HJ61. We will be doing a fair bit of travelling on dirt roads so I was interested in adding coils to the existing surspension. Can anyone give me an opinion on this modification. I do not want to alter the existing height just want as good a ride that this model will give without spending huge dollars.
I did do a search in the archieves no luck.

Regards,
Joe

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Reply By: Cruiserman1961 (QLD) - Friday, Dec 21, 2007 at 16:28

Friday, Dec 21, 2007 at 16:28

Hi Joe,
i did have a HJ60 with added coils. It had a sticker on which said "Outback Suspension". The ride was marvelous on dirt roads and wasn't to hard unloaden either. The car was bought at an auction in Brisbane and belonged previously to the Department of Natural Resources. The suspension and a long range tank were already installed then. Don't know where you could source the kit but i'd certainly recommend it. The ride improvement compare to the stock model is amazing. Another option would be polyair bags i suppose but i have never had them yet.
Have a nice Christmas and enjoy your HJ61, they are excellent trucks!
Cheers, Udo

AnswerID: 277862

Reply By: Geepeem - Friday, Dec 21, 2007 at 17:35

Friday, Dec 21, 2007 at 17:35

HI Joe,

I have had a number of 60 series over the years. Another option (and perhaps cheaper) is to change the seat. My last HJ60 had a bostrum viking suspension seat (similar to what they use as drivers seats in buses and prime movers). It gave a fantastic ride - just like sitting in a lounge chair. However it did make the seat higher than normal - if you are a tall person it may not suit.
PS I also now have a HJ61 - a VX turbo diesel Sahara. They are a great unit. Enjoy,

Cheers
GPM

AnswerID: 277870

Follow Up By: WA Joe - Saturday, Dec 22, 2007 at 10:09

Saturday, Dec 22, 2007 at 10:09

Thanks GPM,
That would probably suit me but still leaves me with the grumpy passengers.

Regards,
Joe.

FollowupID: 541915

Reply By: Dave B (NSW) - Friday, Dec 21, 2007 at 23:35

Friday, Dec 21, 2007 at 23:35

I would think a good set of shockers would be worth looking into first.
I am looking at Boss airbags for my HJ 61 but more for levelling the car with the CT on.

I will ne interested on the responses too.

Dave

'Wouldn't be dead for quids'

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AnswerID: 277908

Reply By: Mark-n-Troods - Saturday, Dec 22, 2007 at 10:45

Saturday, Dec 22, 2007 at 10:45

Gday !!

I have HJ61 Suspension on my Overlander, and have just put parabollic springs on it and that has made a huge difference to the ride. ( just a bit more food for thiught)

Regards
Mark

AnswerID: 277951

Reply By: Tim HJ61 (WA) - Sunday, Dec 23, 2007 at 01:50

Sunday, Dec 23, 2007 at 01:50

Joe,

I've an HJ-61 and installed a set of new Pedders springs the day before I headed off for my first big trip and found 10mm clearance to the bump rubbers so needed something done urgently. They are 30% stronger than standard and when loaded, do a fine job. You'll love trekking off bitumen in your 61.

Yes they are a bit rough when travelling empty, but you've bought a vehicle that is more Kenworth than car so I suggest you just enjoy the experience and wait, like me, til you can afford something a lot more modern with all the inherent advantages of smoother ride.

Tim

AnswerID: 278033