gu suspension

My figures are similar to Rowler, around 75mm in front and 85 - 95mm in the rear with the OME heavy duty springs. The original springs had sagged a fair bit, particularly drivers side rear, probably due to weight of spare wheel, subtank and driver on this side. The ARB guy suggested the heavy duty springs because I have rear draws and dual battery fitted and the vehicle is used a fair bit offroad, advised against the extra heavy duty ones for my use. By the way the OME Heavy Duty springs actually feel much better than the original Nissan springs, much smoother on rutted roads and corrugations.
They only drop by 15mm with the Jayco Camper on, ball weight of 145kg.
Don't be put off by the Heavy duty rating, they feel nice to drive with. Vehicle seems to sit quite level now, measuring 820mm from under edge of guard to lower edge of rim. Time will tell if they stay this way but so far I am very happy with them.

Regards, Mark

Should have mentioned that the vehicle is a Patrol GU ST 4500 on 16" rims.

G'day again,
I've had the same issue. Bought my GU 4.2T/D new in 2000 and immediately took it to ARB shop in Cooma for OME 2" springs, Koni shocks, ARB steel bull bar, steel full length roof rack (with mess floor), snorkel, dual battery. Have since also added Opposite Lock heavy duty steel rear bar with dual wheel carrier, Dept Of Interior roller draw (one side only), ARB fridge, Long Ranger Tank etc. Bloody thing weighs 3050kg before I sit in it let alone the missus and 3 kids, plus gear and Ultimate Camper. We did a trip to Cape York in July 2002 and on the way back, I called in at Binskins, Wauchope. Told Glen I had a sggy rear end (so has the truck!!) and he put me onto Lovells. We put 4" on front and 5" at rear; with no other modifications...not even caster bushes. I also got them to slot back in the Polyairs I'd already had in the OME's. I was living at Yass at that time and gave the old springs to a mate with a 3.0l GU. He put them with OE shocks and they made his machine sit noticeably higher. I'm still running the original Konis, but they are shot and I'm going to go for Tough Dogs next...not sure whether to get the real big RALPHs or the new Heavy Duty, Big Bore adjustable; both cost around $260- each.
I couldn't be happier than with the Lovells. I've since taken off both sway bars and put a 4-Way Return To Centre steering damper on too. I was a bit sus about taking the sway bars off, but Glen Binskin showed me his own family wagon, which his wife drove mostly, and it had them off too, with no ill-effects....just better wheel articulation. I will admit that there is more body roll when going around round-abouts etc, but nothing disconcerting at all.
Cheers,
Roachie

Roachie,
Unless something has changed the KONI's should be adjustable, just remove top a give a few turns to firm up again. If really shot, can be rebuilt at much less cost. Call KONI dealer to check.

Thanks Rolande,
I know the Koni's are adjustable, but haven't had a go at doing that yet. The facts are that they've been on the truck since new (115,000klm), are covered in oil residue and have had a hard life with trips to Cape York and through the centre etc. The idea of sending them away for an overhaul is not real practical as I live in country SA, need my truck everyday and gave my Nissan OE shocks to a mate ages ago so have nothing else to replace them whilst the Koni people work their magic with a rebuild. Everything has a use by date I guess.
Cheers,
Roachie