NP Pajero Suspension

Submitted: Sunday, Mar 30, 2008 at 23:25

ThreadID: 56098 Views:5879 Replies:5 FollowUps:5

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Ross NP

Have been reading through the archives and it appears that the King/Bilstein combination is highly recommended for an upgrade to an NP DiD Pajero. I have fitted TJM sump and transmission guards and a Milford cargo barrier, and plan on adding an ARB steel winch bar and possibly a rear shelf or drawer system together with a 40L Engel or Waco in the future. We are also planning to purchase a "dirt road" van of around 1800-1900KG ATM. I would like a lift of around 40mm. Are the Kings available in different spring rates for a Pajero? Will the ride quality still be acceptable when we are not towing or loaded up for camping. Can anyone recommend a supplier/fitter of the Kings/Bilsteins in Brisbane with the expertise to match the spring rate to my particular vehicle with it's accessories and expected payload?

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Reply By: Member - Vince B (NSW) - Monday, Mar 31, 2008 at 08:52

Monday, Mar 31, 2008 at 08:52

Hi Ross.
I have the same suspemsion on my NP.
The king springs are:KCFR 34HD & KCRS 35. I didn't go for the extra heavy duty springs.
The ride quality is great & last July I towed the camper to the Corner Country.No problems at all in off road conditions.
I have changed campers & will now fit air bags to compensate for the extra ball weight.
I had the suspension fitted at South Tweed Autos.
Ring me on 07.55245413 if you have any further questions.
Regards.
Vince

AnswerID: 295743

Reply By: MrBitchi (QLD) - Monday, Mar 31, 2008 at 08:55

Monday, Mar 31, 2008 at 08:55

Mate.
Kings make 3 different springs for the front (standard, heavy duty and extra heavy duty) and two for the rear (standard and heavy duty).
The extra heavy duty would be the go for the front with a winch bar, along with the heavy duty rears. This is what I have and I find the ride excellent, both when loaded and empty. Is much firmer than standard but that's the way I like it.
The raised height is 50mm.
City Suspension on the south side will fit them for you.

AnswerID: 295744

Reply By: Ross NP - Monday, Mar 31, 2008 at 09:24

Monday, Mar 31, 2008 at 09:24

Thanks Vince & John. Its helpful to get the right advice from someone who has first hand experience.
Regards Ross

AnswerID: 295752

Reply By: Scubaroo - Monday, Mar 31, 2008 at 11:25

Monday, Mar 31, 2008 at 11:25

Hi,

My NM (same as NP suspension-wise) is running TJM springs and Bilsteins - the TJMs are supposed to be made by King to TJM's specs. The rear springs are EHD - which are 200kg progressive rated, which is supposed to allow an extra 200kg of load. VERY stiff combination, and I can stand on the towbar and the vehicle would be lucky to sag 5-10mm in the rear.

Won't be towing with it for another 3 weeks, but this combination is supposed to alleviate the need for rear airbags for the camper trailer.

AnswerID: 295766

Follow Up By: MrBitchi (QLD) - Monday, Mar 31, 2008 at 11:54

Monday, Mar 31, 2008 at 11:54

"which is supposed to allow an extra 200kg of load"

No springs will allow more load to be carried legally. Only way you could do that is to get the vehicle re-certified to a higher GVM.

FollowupID: 561788

Follow Up By: Ross NP - Monday, Mar 31, 2008 at 18:34

Monday, Mar 31, 2008 at 18:34

Thanks Scubaroo. Sounds like EHD may be a bit too stiff for my requirements. I plan on using a weight distribution hitch with the caravan so may stick with John's recommendation of EHD front & HD rear. The standard GVM will cover the type of loads I expect to carry.
Regards
Ross

FollowupID: 561844

Follow Up By: Scubaroo - Monday, Mar 31, 2008 at 19:28

Monday, Mar 31, 2008 at 19:28

I am aware of the legalities, and didn't mean to imply I was looking to add another 200kg of luggage! From a practical sense, it should take another 200kg to sag the same amount as the original springs - given that rear springs in Pajeros are soft as buggery from factory, this keeps the vehicle closer to level when carrying luggage for a trip and a trailer on the towball.

FollowupID: 561860

Reply By: Ircon - Monday, Mar 31, 2008 at 13:13

Monday, Mar 31, 2008 at 13:13

I fitted King HD springs to the rear and Bilsteins all round. As I didn't have a winch OR a steel bar I stayed with the OEM springs at the front. I was vey happy with the result when towing a 1800 kg Coromal Dirt Road van.

The Bilstein front struts have a "circlip" arrangement that allows the botom the the spring to be positioned to give you 40 to 50 mm lift.

Regardss

Rosscoe

AnswerID: 295770

Follow Up By: Ross NP - Monday, Mar 31, 2008 at 18:47

Monday, Mar 31, 2008 at 18:47

Rosscoe

Sounds like you have a very similar rig to what I am planning. Good to know it works well. Do you use a weight distribution hitch?
It seems that I will just need to make allowance for more weight on the front for the steel winch bar as suggested by John. I'm still not totally sure I will actually buy a winch so maybe HDs will suffice if I stick with the bar only and EHDs if I decide to add a winch. Guess I'll have to make the winch decision sooner rather later.

Regards
Ross

FollowupID: 561851

Follow Up By: Ircon - Tuesday, Apr 01, 2008 at 09:12

Tuesday, Apr 01, 2008 at 09:12

Yes Ross, I use a Hayman Reese WDH. It works well with the Treg Hitch on the Coromal Seka 505 Pioneer XC.

I do take it off when it tight spots or when reversing into some of the more difficult sites.

PS I have sold the Paj and bought a 100 Series Land Cruiser because the new caravan I have on order will be around 2600 kg, just beyond the limit for the NP Pajero.

Regards,

Rosscoe

FollowupID: 561970