Suspension Upgrade 76 Series

Submitted: Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 11:18

ThreadID: 75293 Views:5480 Replies:5 FollowUps:10

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Suspension

There is an unfortunate but realistic fact about purchasing a new 4WD - it won't come fitted with a suspension system designed to carry the kind of load you'll pack for a serious outback trip.

ando74

I need to upgrade the suspension on my 2009 76 Series GXL Wagon for towing the boat, and was thinking of lifting it at the same time by 50mm.

Will this be enough to comfortably run 285 tyres, and does anyone have any experience with doing a similar thing?

Any recommendations on a lift kit?

Mat.

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Reply By: Member - Kevin B1 (WA) - Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 12:18

Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 12:18

I have a 76 Series and have fitted Firestone air bags to the rear at a cost of $750 fitted myself. I believe that is all that is required for this vehicle as it has plenty of clearance as it is. Last year I did the bottom section of the Canning Stock Route and Carnarvon ranges with no problems at all. It depends if you want to do extreme off road but for normal off road use not necessary in my opinion.

AnswerID: 399990

Reply By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 13:12

Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 13:12

I have a 79 Series. Same vehicle, only a ute. I upgraded the suspension, including a plated GVM upgrade to 3,700 kg. This also gave about a 50mm lift. This was done by ARB, using OME components.

I also fitted Boss airbags to the rear springs. This cost about $500 ($520?) for the bits and I fitted them myself - a pretty simple process.

If the boat is very big (sounds like it is), like 2,500 kg or more, I'd also be fitting HR weight distribution hitches. We tow a 3,500 kg Off Road van and use WDH - would not be without them.

Norm C

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Follow Up By: Mick O - Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 16:38

Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 16:38

What was the cost for the ARB upgrade Norm?

Thanks. Mick

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trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
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Follow Up By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 17:16

Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 17:16

You are testing me there Mick. I think it was about $2,000, perhaps $2,200 (including certification - Govt fees). I'll check if I have the receipt, but since we are living full time in the van, I might not have it with me.

Norm C

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Follow Up By: Member - Barry (NT) - Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 20:04

Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 20:04

We have 79 series set up same as Norm ie 3700 GVM ARB fitted springs and shocks and certified to ADR's, cost in Darwin in 2005 was about $2400 if I recall and I highly recommend the Darwin ARB as opposed to some in Eastern states and SA who are retailers only in majority of cases but some have workshops and relevant knowledge. This is not criticism of ARB per se but retail sells and we often want the expertise that goes with the sale.

Recently fitted firestone airbags to rear ($1100 fitted) about 16psi works well for us with caravan on.

Baz

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Reply By: ando74 - Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 13:17

Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 13:17

Thanks Norm,

The boat would come in at over 2500kg when towing so I'll keep that in mind. Did you change the tyres as well or keep the standard size?

Mat.

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Follow Up By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 17:11

Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 17:11

Changed tyres to BFG ATs before I picked up the vehicle.

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Follow Up By: ando74 - Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 17:29

Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 17:29

Same size BFG's?

Mat

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Follow Up By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 17:46

Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 17:46

Mat, the tyres are LT 265/75/16. Slightly bigger than standard. Selected in part, due to load rating.

I thought you might ask that, but delayed going out to double check on the tyres. I'm at Arthur River, North West Tas at the moment, near a spot known as 'The Edge of the World'. It is cold and windy outside and we are pretty cosy inside the van.

But for you...........

Norm C

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Follow Up By: ando74 - Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 17:54

Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 17:54

Thanks for that Norm.

Spent 4 years in Tassie so know what you are talking about!! (The West Coast is amazing though)
34 deg where am at the moment....

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Reply By: Member - The Crow (QLD) - Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 19:10

Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 19:10

I have RidePro springs and shocks with about a 50mm lift have had it on now for 2 years t has been great did the Gibb in 08. Had it fitted by Opposite Lock. Went for the heavy duty setup because I tow a van that weighs in at 3300ks when loaded. We arrived in Perth last month towing the van without any dramas.

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Follow Up By: ando74 - Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 19:51

Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 19:51

I guess the same question, did you upsize the tyres at the same time?

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Follow Up By: Member - The Crow (QLD) - Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 19:55

Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 19:55

Sorry no I wanted to keep the gearing the same.

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Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 21:10

Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 21:10

Gday mat,
A lot of replies and nobody has answered your question!

Yes you can easily fit 285's to your 76series after a 50mm lift.
And yes, a 285 spare tyre fits easily on the rear door.

Cheers
phil

AnswerID: 400082