Suspension Upgrade for long range tanks, how far to go

Hello Michael

In put a Longranger tank into my Series 1 Disco and it increased capacity from , I think 90 ltrs , to 132 ltrs . I asked the ARB local installers about OME springs and shocks and because an ARB steel bullbar was to be fitted at the same time they advised replacing all the standard springs and shocks with heavy duty OME'S . The result was excellent , a great improvement on the original ride and handling , and it raised the vehicle by about 50mm , which was fine by me . As every case is different , talking to the installer makes sense . If you need to calculate weights use 74kg/ltr for petrol , plus the weight of the hardware . The extra weight of the fuel doesn't seem much , but long range fuel usually means lots of camping gear also and this is where the heavy duty springs and shocks come in .

Hi,
I have just had Brown Davis replacement tanks (main + Aux) fitted to our '07 Nissan Patrol last week. I had previously had OME springs and air bags fitted, total height increase of 3". I have not noticed a big difference in the ride height despite filling it with 230 litres of diesel ! This is only an observation not a measurement as I am not sure what the ride height was before. Happy with the end result.

Michael

Consider this with long range tanks
You do not have to put in a HD lift kit. The tanks are not that heavy, I would suspect 20 kg's extra, plus the extra weight of fuel, in my case it went from 95lts to 148lts, (that's approx 50 kgs )

There is only 70 kg's....... or one passenger !

That will not wreck or worry suspension..

Cheers

Bucky

I would have the long range tanks fitted and then load it up and see how it looks.
If you go to someone who sells long range tanks and suspension,he will tell you it needs new springs,when it may not.

Air bags may be another option on the rear

michael ,
noticed you drive a lc100 .
I run an 80 series which is fitted with a 166 litre LRtank replacing the original 50 litre second tank.
such an install requires relocation of spare wheel onto a RWC.
when I purchased the current vehicle I swapped the 3' HD suspension off my old 80 series which I had been very happy with.
The first time I filled the LR tank and hooked up the camper trailer it was obvious that the old setup would not handle both the extra fuel and the towball weight of the CT( 90 kg).one or other was OK but not both.
I subsequently went to 4'' HD springs same spec as old ones and and now reasonably satisfied .I find that vehicle sits about same height as old truck with either full LR tank or trailer and about 1/2 ' lower with both .

the extra 110 litres of fuel ( located behind the rear axle)plus the weight of the RWC and spare moved further back all puts to extra stress on suspension as it is basicly extra unsprung weight unlike an extra passenger who sits between the axles.

cheers
Howard

I put a 135 under the Jack, up from 89l & have not found it necessary to make any suspension additions. Any enquiry to a suspension seller will get you a new suspension...try it first.
Another 50 to 60 kg wont bust your suspension unless already
overloaded. You may be able to adjust van weight to compensate.
cheers...oldbaz.