GU Suspension Upgrade

Submitted: Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 00:14
ThreadID: 6541 Views:2880 Replies:10 FollowUps:11
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Hi all,

Have searched the archives and read advice suggesting OME and also Koni. Both seem to get good raps, though I sense there is a trend toward the OME (gas strut) being a little stiff. I guess this can't be anywhere near as stiff as original fit, so both likely a big improvement.

I am considering Koni shocks with King springs, fitted by Wilkinson Suspension (Bayswater, WA). Set-up will be progressive heavy duty springs on rear (tow a camper trailer). I am interested in feedback from anyone with this combination and also if anyone can provide comment on their experience with Wilkinson Suspenion.

Thanks in advance,

Hugh
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Reply By: ray91 - Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 00:30

Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 00:30
Wilkinson suspensions are realy good, they know their stuff. Whats wrong with rancho shocks? I have used them on my last four 4wds and never had a problem. I also have king springs from willkes on my GU
AnswerID: 27675

Follow Up By: Patrol22 (Queanbeyan - Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 09:05

Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 09:05
Ray91
I don't have any personal experience with ranchos but there has been significant debate about their worth off-road. For example check out the problems this guy had

http://www.nissanpatrol.info/bigred/cape2003.htm

especially check out the pics his provides. I don't have an axe to grind either way - I have OME springs and nitrochargers - why? Because they are very good quality and available for aprice I could afford. Someone else might take an entirely different view of what's best for their truck and circumstances.
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Follow Up By: flappan - Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 13:28

Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 13:28
This has to be taken in the context of what he did to them though.

at 40 odd kph off a 6ft drop off, wouldn't do ANY shocks the world of good I would imagine.
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FollowupID: 19104

Follow Up By: Member - Bonz (Vic) - Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 21:31

Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 21:31
What was the price Patrol22?So many places to go!
So much work to do :0(
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Follow Up By: Patrol22 (Queanbeyan - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 09:21

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 09:21
Bonz

$1100 which included 4x HD springs, 4 x nitrocharger shocks, 1 x ome steering damper and fitting.
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FollowupID: 19202

Follow Up By: Patrol22 (Queanbeyan - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 09:23

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 09:23
...............and this gained me a 60mm lift that is still 60mm 3months later and after 2 serious off road jaunts.
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 11:44

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 11:44
They wouldnt want to sag after 2 mnths! ;)
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Reply By: Member - Rob - Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 05:35

Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 05:35
I also have King springs on my GU, 75mm lift progressive heavy duty with adjustable rancho shocks. I find that the adjustability is great for comfort off road and when towing or heavily laden in the rear.
AnswerID: 27684

Reply By: Brad - Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 07:25

Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 07:25
G'day Hugh,
I've recently fitted Lovells springs and Koni shocks to my 4.2 GU, I'm very happy with the ride so far, though I'm still fine tuning the Koni shocks. I went for the Koni's after much research, the final decision was based on the fact they are adjustable and rebuildable, combined with previous bad experiences with OME (not on a GU). I found they faded very quickly in continuous undulating terrain like the Simpson. Several friends have the Rancho's and have experienced fading as well. I'm planning a long trip within the next couple of weeks, so I'll let you know how the suspension set-up works in the rough stuff.
Hope this helps,
Brad
AnswerID: 27686

Follow Up By: Hugh - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 22:46

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 22:46
Hi Brad,

Thanks for your feedback. I look forward to reading your assessment of the Koni/ Lovells set-up. I'll look for a thread, else you can email via carlislefamily@iprimus.com.au.

Regards, Hugh
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Reply By: Member - Bill- Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 07:56

Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 07:56
Hugh, I put the Kings/ (50mm lift) Koni's on my GU 3.0Di a couple of months back. and the combo works well. I just went for the linear spring in the back and will be putting polyairs in before any really big loads. The research I did indicated Koni's were rated most reliable over long touring distances, most resistant to fade and generally work well on the GU.Regds

Bill
AnswerID: 27688

Reply By: Member - Raymond - Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 09:01

Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 09:01
I have the King springs75mm lift and Koni shocks combination which have worked well, they have been on for 45000klms and have just been through the Kimberley's without any trouble. The Koni's are great, adjustable and are also servicable. Because of having the camper on the back I have Polyairs to assist the springs and they make the ride easier when I take the camper off.
Raywanderin' in retirement. victor 2010
AnswerID: 27695

Reply By: Member - Raymond - Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 09:50

Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 09:50
I have the King springs75mm lift and Koni shocks combination which have worked well, they have been on for 45000klms and have just been through the Kimberley's without any trouble. The Koni's are great, adjustable and are also servicable. Because of having the camper on the back I have Polyairs to assist the springs and they make the ride easier when I take the camper off.
Ray
AnswerID: 27703

Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 11:27

Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 11:27
Depends on the travelling you intend on doing. If its Cape, outback etc, Dont go Ranchos. IMO.

If its the weekend warrior again my ranchos didn't last 6 mths, but were replaced although I had to PAY for the upgrade to 9x's.

As you can see, the majority like Konis with good reason. I have Dobinson Springs, and like them, they work well.

Kings also have a VERY good Rep, and lots are now happy with the newer style Lovells.

Its a hard decision, if I was going out today to get new suspension.

King springs and Konis. As Ray says, serviceable, means Lts cheaper in long run.

Second would be

Dobinson springs and OMEs.
AnswerID: 27719

Follow Up By: flappan - Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 13:32

Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 13:32
Your right Truckster.

Its about use and budget.

OME seem to be a pretty decent combination for the average punter doing averge things and trips. I have OME on my Pajero and had no probs whatsoever. BUT, I guy I know, blew apart a couple of OME shocks across the Simpson, changed to Koni's, and never looked back.

Whats the price diff though, between OME and Koni's . . . I though it was a fair bit ???
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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 20:46

Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 20:46
Flappin,

Couldnt agree with you more.. It is a budget thing, thats why I went Ranchos instead of Konis.

But Now if I upgrade to Koni, the money spent on Ranchos is wasted. So cost 2 times as much cause I didnt do it right first time.

Same as ya mate with the blown OMEs... If he got Konis first he *MAY* not have had the problems... but seeing photos of how many gigaTONS people pack into their cars recently, theres nothing on earth that would last, not even a Unimog!

Price difference, not sure really... But if its $50ea I'd pay.. Bazzle has good things to say about his new OME's though, he loves them.

Its all too hard.
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FollowupID: 19155

Follow Up By: flappan - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 10:39

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 10:39
It would be substantially more then that though wouldn't it.

This is from memory mind you. Ranchos (the 9 way adj ones) are what . . $180 - $190 each . The OME's are around $120 - $130 mark. I would think the Konis are over the $200 mark.

You're possibly looking at a diff of over $80 a corner, $320 on the vehicle, for something that "may" be better.

If you have no intention of doing the Simpson etc, then that $300 odd bucks is probably better in your back pocket.

Decisions . . . Decisions . . .
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FollowupID: 19210

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 11:31

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 11:31
Personally, I dont see it as "Maybe".. YMMV.

$320 in the long run for something that will last isnt really that much. Look at the amount of $ you have invested in the rest of the car, over $50k? $300 seems to disappear!

As I say, its all a budget thing, if you can afford the best, why not!?

I have run TJM XGS's before and had no problem with them, but yea, would go Koni next time.

YMMV.
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FollowupID: 19214

Reply By: Tony - Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 12:27

Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 12:27
I found the best setup was Medium Duty OME with Polly Air in the rear, a nice ride unladen and the Polly Air for the heavy loads/towing.

Good service and a Aus wide back up if anything ever goes wrong. They even send you a maintaince booklet and service address booklet for all the dealers in every state.
AnswerID: 27724

Reply By: Allyn (Pilbara) - Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 23:35

Wednesday, Aug 13, 2003 at 23:35
Dealt with Wilkinsons just yesterday and was happy with their service. They supplied my King Springs and Ranchos 2 years ago and replaced a busted Rancho which arrived here in Port Hedland today - now that's good service !
I'd go with their recommendationsNext Trek - Callawa Rd
AnswerID: 27828

Reply By: Hugh - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 22:51

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 22:51
Thank you everyone for your feedback and advice. As always, the quality of feedback is great - nothing like listening to other peoples experience.

Regards, Hugh
AnswerID: 27969

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